Of flip flops, metal detectors and old times renewed

Roaming through the Ten Mile on a chilled winter's day

It’s late in the evening and I just popped a frozen pizza into the oven, and am now settled on the couch watching Pixar’s Soul, and editing photos from the day’s adventure, while the pie cooks.

So Arlo was gifted a metal detector for Christmas and was eager to put it to use. I, myself, was yearning for another coastal foray. Despite calls for gusty winds, this afternoon felt like a good time to hit the road!

In retrospect, it probably wasn’t the most ideal time to search for buried treasures—as winter storms, heavy surf and high tides swept the beaches bare. However, the boy chose to utilize this day to familiarize himself with the metal detector’s settings.

Twilight found us making our way back through the dunes to my car, laughing all the way. It felt like old times again. The drive back to Fort Bragg was quiet, save for the sounds of Linkin Park echoing through the Ford’s old speakers. He was asleep by the time we reached Highway 20.

Back at home, the comforting aroma of a pepperoni pizza now fills the kitchen as I finish sorting and editing my images. Meanwhile Soul has just reached my favorite part: the Epiphany. It’s theme, resonating deeply.

Though the day marked a slightly delayed start to my photography for 2025, it was a beginning well worth the wait.