Nice pics. Great sunset shots too. The one with the person (you?) holding the surfboard next to the 4Runner right as the sun sets is great. If you would've used a flash it would've nicely illuminated the person and the 4Runner, while keeping the color of the sunset, unless dark was what you were going for...
I too, share a love of amateur photography. I started using a Canon 35mm SLR. Now I have a snapshot digital, saving for a Digital SLR.
Keep up the photography. I have a friend who went to school where you do for wine horticulture. Talk about a sweet degree!!