Alamitos Bay Beach, CA

Swimming by the sea gulls - one looking out into the ocean...

A flock 🐦 fly against my strokes...

Later when I float weightlessly over the ice cold bay water, a mullet jumped out of the water as if to grab air and splashed back in..

As amazing as the bay looks, masquerading under those manmade "islands" are oil rigs as if built for a Disney park. Wilmington oil field is 13 mile long and third largest in the US.

Capitalists using decommissioned Russian submarine to gain ~$20 per visit; while the retired British RMS Queen Mary with mud in its belly to stand still for people to walk, play, and stay in it while docked by the shoreline Village here in long beach earns ~$80 per person.

Between making money on those islands and making money at the shore are creatures of the bay looking out to human kind hoping the best to come. If they can trust, why can’t we act?

Swimming with them is my way of letting them know that humans use those rigs and get oil- yet understand that they’ve got to protect life including theirs.

Though the breakwater a mile away prevents waves at the beach (bad news for surfers), it leaves swimmers a calm body of water. Go enjoy! Remember to do your research on the oil rigs and effects on bay water - I could not find any and so wanted to swim there.. You're safe amidst the peaceful sounds of gulls, calm waves, distant blaring ships and a little bit of trust on the authority.

Jo

Meeting Jo was fun. He was for sure happy high, yet a witty great person to have a conversation with. It was bright Monday morning, the 17th of February - Washington's birthday!

He tirelessly combs the beach every day to find $$ worth electronics, jewellery,

trash and green-grass people leave behind. The money goes to his friends on the street or police or original owners.

The huge manly hands, Warriors jersey and tight adidas pants were screaming a free person. He gave many tips to discover the Alamitos and Long Beach. His enthusiasm filled my heart with curiosity and stars. He drew the Darth Vader head with me on the beach, displayed his morning findings including an Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof camera.

Here is a glimpse of what he looked like in those sneakers (one white and the other red lace 😂).

I wish this free man the best in his life ahead.

A random doodle journal below is open to interpretations. Its simply a reflection of my mind pondering the wonderful events that the long weekend gave birth to.