When you think about Balboa Island, do you think of multi million dollar bay front homes, expensive yachts, Christmas decorations or even the Balboa Ferry?

This may be what most people think about, but, for my two-year old son, the homes are of no interest, and the yachts are “boats, Mommy.”  Instead taking a tour of Balboa Island with my little one, allowed me to see another side of Balboa Island, one I probably haven’t seen since I was his age and living with my dad.

We started by taking the Balboa Ferry over the Island.  What a delight to take him on the ferry, and to watch his eyes light up when we took him out of the car seat and let him experience the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. That’s when we knew our adventure had started.

“What’s that, Daddy?”  “The Bay.”  “Water, Daddy.”

“What’s that, Daddy?”  “The Pavilion.”

“What’s that, Daddy?”  “The ferris wheel.”  “Wanna ride!”

“What’s that, Mommy?”  “The sand.”  “Play, Mommy, no shoes.”

“What’s that, Mommy?”  “A seagull.”  “Bird, Mommy.”  “Yes, seagulls are a type of bird.”

“What’s that, Mommy?”  “A boat.”  “Big boat, Mommy.”  “Yes, a very big boat.”

“What’s that, Mommy?”  “A bench.”  “Why?”  “Because that’s what it’s called.”  “Why?”  “Because that’s the name that was picked for it.”  “Why?”  And, now I’m thinking, I have no idea, I wonder if it came from Latin.

Looking at Balboa Island was a very different experience than looking at if from adult eyes.  It was also a reminder that it’s okay to stop and smell the flowers, enjoy the bay and just generally enjoy what’s around you.

So, when was the last time you took the Balboa Ferry over to Balboa Island and just enjoyed a walk around the island and took the time to enjoy the beauty and smell the flowers?

If you’re interested in selling or buying a home on Balboa Island, please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751.