Bayside Trail

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
December 14, 2015

Remember the beautiful red jeep, Rokell that has been in so many of our posts? It found it's way from Oceanside, CA to Chula Vista (last Saturday) with three of our dear friends...Dave, Lynn and Richie and their cute puppy Daisy. What a wonderful afternoon we had laughing, visiting and getting caught up. They will be moving to Mission Bay RV Resort (in Chula Vista) next month so we hope to see lots more of them!

Yesterday, Joe and I braved a breezy, chilly day and headed out to Cabrillo NM. Bundled up in long pants and sweaters, we were off to do the Bayside Trail on the east side of Point Loma.

 I am not sure which information is correct...the sign at the trail read it was 1.86 miles and the brochure states that it is 2.5 miles out and back. It didn't really matter to us as we have lots of work to do to get our hiking legs and lungs in shape before we shake the spider webs and dust off the boots! The trail descends 380 feet through native coastal sage scrub.  

 The trail begins near the old lighthouse and takes you down a paved road that turns into a gravel/dirt path. There are kiosk along the way that describe the vegetation and habitat. Joe calls these MBFs...more boring facts. 

There is also a bit of history here... remnants of a  searchlight and power plant built in 1919 and used in World Wars l and ll. 

 On the west side of Point Loma are tide pools. It was high tide, very breezy and cold so we didn't explore. We did walk a short trail...just enough to send my heart racing at the prospect of returning. Next week, if the weather cooperates, Tuesday and Wednesday should be good days to go. 

Wreaths Across America began in 1992. With a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the season, Morrill Worchester, owner of Worchester Wreath, realized he had an opportunity to honor our country's veterans. For the complete story click here. History of how this all began is under the "Who we are" tab. In 2008, over 300 locations held wreath laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries. Over 60,000 volunteers placed over 100,000 wreaths.  

Wreaths Across America-San Diego serves Ft. Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemeteries. 

The wreaths on the ground are for markers as well.

Well, hope your week is a great one...we are hoping it warms up some here in San Diego. We could all use a beach day!

Until next time, take care and let the good times roll...

HAPPY TRAILS!

A Walk in the Park

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
December 9, 2015

The warm sunshine and bright blue skies lured us to Balboa Park today. Our reward was an amazing walk among magnificent architecture and pristine gardens. 


For me, any trip to San Diego must include a visit to Balboa Park. This 1200 acre park, ( for info, click here ) includes museums, gardens, performing arts, and recreation opportunities. 

The Botanical Garden was our first stop. It was built for the 1915-16 Exposition and is one of the largest lath structures in the world.  

The lath structure with the Lily pond and lagoon is one of the most photographed scenes in the park.

The Botanical Building plantings include more than 2100 permanent plants featuring ferns and orchids. It also features seasonal flower displays and it was the poinsettias that stole the show today.

It doesn't matter if you look up...

...or down, you are guaranteed to see beauty!

We did stop to watch a mama duck with her 12 ducklings in the corner of the pond.

What a treat...

 And then there is the flamboyant Spanish architecture...

... and immaculate landscaping.

 We also decided to go to the Car Museum. It was a $6.00 ticket each to enter and we both agreed we wished we had paid the same amount to walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden instead.

The Steve McQueen exhibit was my favorite.

And the most interesting exhibit was the Louie Mattar's $75,000 1947 Cadillac. It seems Mr. Mattar and two other men drove from San Diego to New York and back (6,320 miles) without a single stop from Sept. 20-27, 1952   

The backseat featured such luxuries as a refrigerator, electric stove, iron and ironing board, TV washing machine, chemical toilet, shower, medicine cabinet, and kitchen sink. 

 There were platforms built all around the car to stand on for servicing. The shiny trailer provided the dining table as well as a reserve tanks for water, gas and oil. Louie also made a second trip from Anchorage to Mexico City, over 7482 miles.

Oh, we did see a celebrity...

Until next time, take care and let the good times roll...

HAPPY TRAILS!