Point Loma

San Diego Metro KOA

Chula Vista, CA

January 6, 2024 

Rosecrans National Cemetery located on the Fort Rosecrans Military Reservation is also located on this hilly peninsula.   

Our first outing was a visit to Point Loma.  Loma is Spanish for mountain/ridge. It is a favorite destination for two reasons...Cabrillo National Monument (CNM) and Point Loma Seafood.  I have written about this beautiful park many times. We enjoy the history and the natural beauty it has to offer. San Diego Bay was discovered in 1542 by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo (the first European to visit California)  and today CNM is situated at the tip of Point Loma right about where Cabrillo's ship landed. Bayside Trail was calling.  It's a downhill hike with great views of the harbor and the city of San Diego.  I was a little disappointed that we had to turn around about 2/3s of the way down the trail due to work by the CCC, but their work keeps the trail and area in tip-top condition so we thanked them and headed back up.   

 

California Buckwheat

California holly

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse (built in 1855) is a big draw for visitors.  

After our walk, we spent some time in the small museum reading about local history and the life of the lighthouse keeper. This little lighthouse, was first lit at sunset in November 1855 and burned every night thereafter for 36 years.  During those 36 years the small structure (once the highest light in the United States)  withstood at least one big blow and an earthquake along with numerous ravages of time and weather.  When a new lighthouse was built no one seemed to want this significant piece of history. It was boarded up, whitewashed and abandoned...there was even talk that it might be demolished.  The old light was eventually turned over to the National Park Service in 1933.  The lighthouse was not completely restored until the 1980s and from 2003-04, the surrounding area was also restored to a more authentic look including native plants, a vegetable garden and a water catchment system.  

Looking thru the window at the Kitchen Garden

Known by locals as "The Freshest Thing in Town", Point Loma Seafood is just down the street and around the corner from CNM and is one of our favorite lunch spots.  It all began 60+ years ago as a fresh fish market.  Today this local icon not only sells fresh fish, but also offers fish processing for local sport fishing enthusiasts and a "Fish and Chips" menu. 

If that's not a big enough draw, they bake fresh sourdough bread everyday, and make their own tartar sauce, slaw and chowders.  I have had a hankering for oysters and didn't even hesitate when Joe asked what I wanted for lunch...a fried oyster po' boy sandwich.  

     

Lunch view...

Back at Belle, we have enjoyed walks with Sally.  It rained off and on all day Wednesday, but the rest of our week has been very nice...sunny skies with mid to high 60s.  

We are all settled in and looking forward to our stay in San Diego.  And the best part...is spending time with friends !  The next best thing is the juicy, sweet oranges they pick and bring with them from Orange Grove RV Park in Bakersfield where they overnight before arriving here.  

Until next time...

HAPPY TRAILS !