“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” ~ Loren Eiseley, American anthropologist, educator, philosopher and natural science writer

Early Monday evening the skies erupted with thunder, flashes of lightning and heavy rain as thunderstorms moved through Southern California. We safely watched the show from under the porch overhang. The most spectacular was watching the cloud-to-ground type lightning as it zig-zagged across the sky. The more common types of flash – the bright light types – stay within the clouds and never strike an object or reach the ground. Somewhat of a rare event it makes for good entertainment.

At the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, most forms of entertainment were off-limits. Gone were concerts, theatres and eating out. Where could we escape? Our solace was found along the coastline north of LA. No matter the weather – rain or shine – on Friday afternoons we headed to the beach. There are a few magical hours before sunset after the crowds have dispersed. Left behind are the die-hard surfers, the locals and their dogs … and then our dog and us.

Even as a kid, I was lured by the ocean. Thankfully, Brighton – our once scared-of-everything rescue pup – now chases driftwood sticks far into the surf. Encouraged by other salty sea dogs and crafty squawking seagulls she is further emboldened.

Colors of an ever-transforming sunset highlight a day’s end. For the last two weeks, the sunset was upstaged. Keep in mind, I’m of the generation when Lassie’s bark had faded and Flipper’s familiar click (the sound dolphins make) took over TV’s Sunday lineup. Flipper, the “faster than lightning” dolphin, lived in the Florida Keys and, like Lassie, protected his family from disasters and sinister acts. It seems he has relatives living north of Ventura.

Sprays of water appeared just beyond the wave line. Whales? Well, yes … but not what you would expect. The answer appeared as dolphins broke through the water’s surface, leaping and flapping their tailfins before diving back under for dinner.

Dolphins are part of the whale family. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are scientifically classified under the Cetacea order. The pods off the California coast are usually of the bottlenose or common dolphin species. For an awe-filled hour we watched, mesmerized by one of the greatest shows on earth.

Rain is expected tomorrow, Friday, morning. Being located on the south-facing slope of the San Gabriel Mountains the total of the Crescenta Valley rainfall could exceed a quarter inch. We’ll be at the beach. We may not see a sunset but what about the dolphins?           

So far, in spite of the La Niña effect, the rain season is off to a promising start. Can our luck continue?             More next week.