Day 3 — Huntington Beach, CA to San Clemente, CA

Today was a great day to be a Wesley Bell Ringer! Two of our ringers got a sweet ride back to church in Huntington Beach with Pastor George.

After 2 long bus days, and sharing our music with two awesome churches, we were able to see the sights! We started the morning at Huntington Beach. The beach was amazing, although the water was a little chilly! That didn't stop the ringers though from experiencing the Pacific Ocean.

Some Pictures of Beach Day

After the beach, we went to the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium houses over 11,000 animals and 500 species. Our ringers wished there had been more sharks!

             

After lunch and the Aquarium, we had a short ride to the church, St. Andrew's By the Sea in San Clemente, CA.  Our host at SABS was Emily Bredthauer, Pastor Lisa's sister. Emily was an outstanding host who greeted us, prepared a delicious dinner of taco salad, and arranged for air mattresses for all (with the help of the congregation) for our overnight stay.

Terry Waite's uncle, Bob Barlass, was a member of SABS and had a memorial for "whose efforts have helped make this hilltop beautiful. The church overlooked the Pacific Ocean and the buildings and grounds were amazing. 

Once arriving at the church, the ringers unloaded the bus, set up, practiced and ate a delicious dinner. Nothing like a little Bell Pride!

       

The concert was well attended by both congregation and community members. There were some handbell ringers in the audience. It was a wonderful concert in a beautiful church. 

     

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What a joyful way to end a concert!

In addition to Emily and her family, there were other members of our Pastor Lisa's family, including her sister Heather, and mom Nancy.

Katie's friend, Chandra and fellow 311 Super Fan,  came to see Katie, hear the concert and catch up.

After the concert it is fun to talk with the audience about bells, answer their additional questions, and let them try out the equipment.

                                                

Madi photobombing from the back row. 

There might have been some chaperone/director shenanigans amongst the chaperone work.

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Initially we asked if we could have a cowboy campout under the stars. Isn't the outside of the church beautiful and perfect for a camp out? Then Emily said we might have some four legged friends join us  - think in the cat family! We chose inside! 

After the concert, the ringers were treated to "Hercules" on the big screen in the basement of the church as well as ice cream and popcorn!

Tomorrow, we have a LONG bus ride to Prescott, AZ. We'll have bus fun and catch up on much needed sleep!