Father’s Day weekend took an unexpected yet memorable turn when my wife and I decided on a spontaneous trip to Bodega Bay, California. Our mission? To meet a man named Ory, who we hoped could help us.
The Lost Pendant
The story began a month earlier during a women’s retreat. My wife, along with her sisters and their children, enjoyed a family getaway on the south side of Bodega Bay. They rented a charming house and spent their days visiting, cooking some great seafood & walking to a private beach via a picturesque nature trail. On the last day of the trip, my wife returned to the Airbnb only to realize her cherished pendant, a Christmas gift from several years ago, was missing. The loose necklace around her neck was now empty, and the pendant was nowhere to be found. The discovery left her devastated. She called me, her voice shaky and upset, and said, “I am literally sick.” They spent the remaining time searching the trails and the beach but had no luck.
A Glimmer of Hope
A few weeks later, a twist of fate occurred. While leaving work, my wife noticed a minivan with the words “Ring Finders” printed on the back, along with an Instagram handle. Intrigued, she snapped a quick iPhone picture and did some research. She discovered a group of passionate hobbyists who use metal detectors to reunite people with their lost jewelry. This group, called Ring Finders, had recovered tens of thousands of rings and other precious items. Among the members was Ory, who lived in Fairfield. After my wife contacted him and explained our situation, Ory kindly agreed to meet us in Bodega Bay on Father’s Day Sunday to search for the pendant.
The Search Begins
We met Ory and his wife at the trailhead late Sunday afternoon. After exchanging pleasantries, he grabbed his metal detector and got to work. He started about midway down the long private beach trail, which eventually meets a tall staircase that leads to the beach. With my wife guiding the search locations, Ory began his methodical sweep.
Miracles do happen.
After searching for more than an hour, he got a hit on his screen near a large rock that served as a marker for where my wife had laid out the beach towel. We waited in suspense as he dug down around 5 inches and sifted the sand. Holding up the pendant, he asked, “Is this it?” My wife was in tears as she took the pendant in her hands and gave Ory a huge hug.
Capturing Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a photographer’s paradise. The quiet, sleepy mornings, tranquil nature trails, serene private beach, and breathtaking coastline provide endless opportunities for capturing beautiful moments. The morning light filtering through the trees, the waves gently lapping against the shore, and the occasional sighting of local wildlife make for some truly inspirational moments.
Gear used on location:
Camera: Leica SL2S + Leica Q
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