Secret Walks #36, Castellammare Loop, 2.6 miles.

Weeks ago Barbara and I decided to do our New Year's Day hike at the ocean because—strolling along the Pacific! In winter! Seriously. A gorgeous day, temp in the 40s, sky a brilliant blue, and our only company a few cormorants and seagulls. We walked along the ocean from Gladstones to Thelma Todd's former roadhouse speakeasy, crossing the pedestrian bridge for our walk high above Will Rogers State Beach to the 1928 Kaufman mansion, Villa Leon. Streets lined with dreamy houses with a dreamier view. A day so beautiful we stopped at one point on a bluff overlooking the coast, and sang a verse from "California Dreamin.'" A flashback to the teenage me singing to the Mamas and Papas while driving through gray, snow slushed Milwaukee streets back when. So lucky to live here. Happy New Year!