Saturday, January 6, 2024

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 !

8 comments:

  1. The Bayside Trail is a hefty climb back up. I'd thin 2/3 of the trail would be enough of a leg stretch! I've been limiting my excursions to just the upper loop.
    PlSF never disappoints, and your readers just knew you'd order the oysters!

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    1. Hi Jeff, I love the walk down to the bay…the views, the boats and ships, the flowers and often birds (we didn’t see any this time) make for such a beautiful time. We had only peeped in the museum on other visits and I’m glad we spent some time there learning about the lighthouse. It’s one of my favorite lights! Oh yes…I’m just getting started on my fill of oysters! Yummy!

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  2. Lovely to see you back in San Diego, thanks for the wonderful pics. That seafood sounds sooooo good, I'm very jealous :-) Cool to see the ocean through the cactus. Lighthouse museums have captured so much wonderful history around the country, they truly are gems. Sally's pink bow is very spiffy!

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    1. Good morning Jodee…San Diego has been a favorite for us since we first visited here in 2013. I love the ocean and the lighthouses. I can’t imagine what the Point would be like without that significant piece of beauty and history. Sally says “thank you”.

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  3. Could you imagine being Juan and being the first, or o e of the first to lay eyes on that untouched landscape? What an incredible and beautiful area.

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    1. Good morning Jim! We totally agree…it is incredible and beautiful. I know the feeling I have felt in our travels when we visit places we have never been…and even when we revisit places, I still get goosebumps and the “wow” moments! I’m sure Cabrillo was most definitely amazed and excited.

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  4. What a beautiful landscape--quite different from your normal view! I too envy you your seafood lunch and I love Sally's "girlie" collar--Emmi always wore pink too. Enjoy your time in San Diego--we are in for a nasty day today--the wind is all ready howling.

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    1. Good morning Janna! The ocean and coast has always been a draw for us. I was happy to see the prickly pear cactus and the ocean in the same photo! I’m not a pink person…Joe insisted on Sally having a pink collar…and I have to admit she does look cute! Sally says “thank you”. It’s windy here today too…😩!

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