Hillcrest Farmer's Market and MB

San Diego Metro KOA

Chula Vista, CA

January 11, 2022

Sundays in San Diego are for going to Hillcrest Farmer's Market.  I don't really care if we need anything or not, it's just a fun place to go. What started in 1997 with 27 vendors has grown to become San Diego's largest market with 150+ canopies filled with a huge variety of things to sell.  I'm hungry the moment I step out of the jeep.  The air is a plethora (I love that word !) of mouthwatering smells...chicken grilling, salmon smoking on wooden planks, and a variety of internationally cuisines being prepared. 

And if you are thirsty, no problem.  I've never seen so many different kinds of coffees, teas, juices and smoothies to choose from.   

Fresh fish, fresh eggs, fresh baked breads, and fresh cut flowers are plentiful.  

Colorful and in season veggies, fruits, berries, and mushrooms are abundant.  

There is a nice variety of potted plants with so many choices of succulents, herbs, fruit trees and hanging baskets.  

The choices for cheeses, oils, nuts, sauces, pastas, dips, etc. seem endless.  And if that is not enough, it's fun to browse the many artisans selling unique and beautiful crafted items like tunics made with Italian linen, French brocade table- cloths, original art pieces, wooden utensils and serving bowls, and knives just to name a few.

 

Does anyone remember macrame?  In the 70s it was "hip" to macrame.  I made my share of plant hangers like the ones in the photo and even a pocketbook or two.  Heads up, macrame might be making a comeback.  

There aren't many places I can think of where you can get breakfast, groceries, pretty or useful things for the house, something new to wear and lunch (or dinner) to take home all in one stop.  For me,  Hillcrest FM is all about the goods...Little Italy FM is all about the city.  Each is unique and both are tons of fun.

Mission Beach or MB as the locals refer to it, was yesterdays fun.  While Ronnie and Carol ride their bikes for miles,  Joe and I walk a few miles.  We set a time and all meet for lunch afterwards.  MB is San Diego's "lively take on the classic boardwalk".  

The almost two mile paved, two-lane, walk is between the condos/houses and the wall you see in the photo above.  It is always a flurry of bikers, skaters and skate boarders.  We prefer this...

There were not many people enjoying this gorgeous morning. And the only birds we noticed were Willets and Gulls that were very busy and enjoying breakfast.   

There are lots of little side walks lined with small homes that  give folks access to the beach.  My favorite is Island Court which connects Mission Blvd to the boardwalk and ocean.  

Island Court...the walk we take from the beach to meet Ronnie and Carol.

For several years, Luigi's has been our go-to place for lunch at MB. There is inside or patio sitting and they serve up icy cold brews, and yummy pizza by the pie or by the slice AND, the company is awesome !

Belmont Park is also located at MB.  It is home to the Giant Dipper...a wooden roller coaster built in 1925.  After peaking in the 30s, the park and the coaster had their share of financial woes.  

When it finally closed in 1976, a group of concerned citizens formed a committee to restore the coaster and bring it back to life.  Three years and $2 million later, the Giant Dipper stands as an icon and can be enjoyed by many.  It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

It stands 75 ' tall with a max speed of 48 mph.  It's noted for sharp curves and big dips.  One of these nights, I really want to ride it. Coasters are much more fun at night don't you think?  I always loved the wooden coaster at Miracle Strip Park in Panama City Beach, FL!

Today was spent amongst the rarest pine species in the United States...more on that later.  Until then, 

  

HAPPY TRAILS! 

Beaches

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 25, 2017


In between rainy days, we have had a couple of fun sunny days. Monday, Jan. 16, we met Lisa and Hans  at Ocean Beach for a walk and lunch.  It's always fun connecting with them and catching up. So much so, I didn't get many pictures of us !  

OB is home to the OB Municipal Pier which is one of the most visited landmarks in San Diego.  It was officially christened in July 1966 and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. 

The pier extends 1971 feet.  Hans informed us the pier is the longest concrete pier on the west coast. 

It's unique T-shape at the end of the pier adds 360 feet to the south and 193 feet to the north.  

There is no fishing license required to fish from the pier.  Herring is the most common fish caught and there is no limit.  But, the only fish we got a glimpse of was a shark !












I love this view of the pier from the south end extension.

The tide was in so we strolled through neighborhoods.   It's so diverse and charming.  According to Lisa the streets have changed very little since the time she grew up here.






 

  

 Walking and talking always works up a good appetite. I love fish tacos so Hans and Lisa suggested South Beach Bar and Grill...great company, awesome view of the ocean, and yummy food.  

The next day on Tuesday, we enjoyed a nice easy bike ride along Mission Beach - Pacific Beach Boardwalk, also known as Oceanfront Boardwalk .  We ride south to north about 4 miles one way. 

Biking along the boardwalk has it's challenges...dodging bicycles, skaters, and walkers...there is an 8 MPH speed limit. 


The south end of the boardwalk (on the right side with wide open beach views) is residential with quaint old homes, apartments and condos. I dream every time I ride by there !






About halfway, is Belmont Park...home to the Giant Dipper.   
 It's a historical wooden roller coaster located in Belmont Park on Mission Beach.  This piece of history was built in 1925.  With high speed and exciting dips,  it's a favorite among locals and tourists.  

The Giant Dipper was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.  It consumes 2.8 acres, is 2,600 feet long, it's 70 ft high with a 60 ft maximum drop. 



Unfortunately, the Dipper is closed this time of year for maintenance.

Up next is Crystal Pier, where the boardwalk changes from residences to shops, hotels and restaurants with outdoor seating.  


Construction on the pier, which started in the early 1920s, progressed in stops and starts. 




The Cottages were built in 1930 and have a history of guests enjoying the unique experience of "sleeping over the ocean".  

The end of trail for us is the north end where the trail runs  atop a 75-foot bluff.  


Ronnie and Carol enjoy the view and the sunshine !

On Thursday before the rains and winds settled in for the weekend and beyond, we met Hans and Lisa at The Blue Guitar, a guitar shop in San Diego.  

Joe watches on as Hans and DeForrest, the owner, talk guitars.

 

We all enjoyed lunch at El Pollo Loco.  Joe and I chose the stuffed chicken quesadilla...way to much food, but guess who ate every bite !







So until next time, take care and...

HAPPY TRAILS !