Monday, January 16, 2017

Music, Movie, Marina and a Market

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2017

After the tide pools on Tuesday, we had two days of down pours, a day of on and off showers then finally Saturday dawned with blue skies.

So what to do on a rainy day?  Well, one of those heavy rainy days we did absolutely nothing unless you count napping, cuddling with the pups and old movies !  Thursday,  we decided to ride over to El Cajon (about 16 miles) to visit Taylor Guitar.   Joe read Guitar Lessons: A Life's Journey Turning Passion into Business  by Bob Taylor so a return trip (We visited Taylor Guitar 3 years ago.) for this artistic and free tour was on the to-do list for this year.  
The tour starts at 1:00 pm ( Monday - Thursday). We were a few minutes early on purpose so we could browse the gift shop and see the guitar room.  All the guitars in the showroom can be played.


In 1974 when the business started,  the goal was to build and sell 6 guitars the first year.  Back in the day, Bob built those guitars by hand.  Today machines and robotics speed up the process, but there is still alot of hands on work to reach the finished instrument.  The goal today is 500 a day !







Even if you are not musical like me,  the tour is well worth your time (only about 1 1/2 hours) to see first hand how these beautiful acoustic guitars are made from beginning to end. 

Something Joe and I do not do on any regular basis is go to the movies.  But, with iffy weather, it was an easy decision especially when there is popcorn included !  Matinees are always our choice and Hidden Figures was playing.  It was a great movie ! 

Finally, sunshine on Saturday. There is a bike trail next to the KOA that follows Sweetwater River to the Marina and Pepper Park.  Its a nice ride and Saturday the creek was full of birds.  I saw Snowy Egrets,  Blue Herons, Whimbrels, Coots and an assortment of ducks as we followed the river to San Diego Bay. 

First we stopped at the Marina...    



 then Pepper Park. 


 When I walked out onto the pier, I was face to face with a pair of Brown Pelicans.  I've never been that close to a pelican before.  


Today was farmer's market day.  Joe researched local markets and decided we would give Hillcrest Farmer's Market a go.  It was awesome !  There are two sections...  one for fresh produce, flowers and a few crafts and another for food vendors.  The colors, the smells, the sounds, the textures, and the free samples definitely overloaded our senses.





Until next time, 
The purple bike is mine !


 HAPPY TRAILS !   

13 comments:

  1. Enjoy your time there and hope the weather gets better for you.
    That guitar factory sounds wonderful.

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    1. It's a great tour George...even if yiu don't play a guitar!

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  2. SoCal movie theaters are expensive, but I'll second 'Hidden Figures' is worth a look. Have never been to Taylor Guitar, it looks to be worth a visit - is it grand-girl friendly? Continue to enjoy that nice weather ... while it lasts!

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    1. Yes, it is very grand-girl friendly Jeff. And I think you would love it. Everyone wears a headphone to hear what the guide is saying. I hang out at the back & let the crowd huddle so I don't feel smothered. Then take pictures as the crowd moves ahead. FYI...there is a great deli for soup and sandwiches just up the hill from Taylor called Hilltop Cafe!

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    2. Thanks for the tips! It's especially exciting for me to learn of places I have not been, from a visitors point of view! This is gonna happen :) !!!

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  3. I have to add a Taylor Guitar tour to my list now. I know Don would be thoroughly engrossed by it being a guitarist. Great pelican photos Gay. They & your comment about being close to one reminded me of an air boat ride I once took & my seat companion for the entire ride was a Brown Pelican. I was apprehensive. I thought for sure he'd take a nip at me. Turns out he just wanted to enjoy the ride as much as I did.

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    1. That is so funny! Lucky you Gayle...Pelicans are quite comical to watch. I can't imagine sitting next to one!

      Don would LOVE the tour! And I think you would too.

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  4. I enjoy touring any type facility even if it isn't any interest of mine. It's just fun to see the "how" part:) The guitar factory would be great fun, especially for the musically individual:) Beautiful bike ride! Oh, the farmers market looks so nice. All that fresh produce and cheese...yum!! Glad to see you have some sunny days mixed in with the rain:)

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    1. Hillcrest Farmers Market is a great market Pam. We enjoyed Little Italy the past couple of years, but think Hillcrest is better! Taylor Guitar is a nice way to spend a few hours...I'm so not musical!

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  5. I agree that seeing things made is such a treat - I'm always amazed at the processes they use. I love marinas and your pic is gorgeous - and those pelicans are incredible!!!!

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    1. Thanks Jodee. First time face to face with a pelican!

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  6. Steve would love to tour the guitar factory. He used to be in a band in his younger days and even have a guitar which he dropped off at our storage place. I wonder if he would ever tickle that guitar again.

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    1. I would definitely add it to the list of things to do when you visit San Diego MonaLiza. You never know...it might spark Steve to play again !

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