La Jolla

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 24, 2017


It was a very rainy, stormy, and windy week-end.


Thank goodness the owners of this MH were not at home and didn't have any pets inside.  








Several eucalyptus trees were uprooted in the park including the one behind our MH.  It only brushed the back and back driver side...no major damage.




Imagine the smile on our faces when we woke up to partly sunny skies Tuesday morning.  We were in the road and headed north about 23 miles to the beaches of La Jolla.  La Jolla is within the northern city limits of San Diego occupying about 7 miles of spectacular coastline. 

Our lighthearted escapades to La Jolla have become a favorite for me when we are here.  It's all about the sea lions and seals, the Brown Pelicans and other shore birds,  and the ocean which was especially wild this day thanks to a high surf warning.

The sea wall, built in the 1930s, was suppose to be a safe place for children to  swim. 

Every winter, the children's pool area is closed off to the public for pupping season.  The seals and sea lions take over. 




Oh, what a face !



"ZZZZZZZZZZ !"

 If you have read our blog in years past, you know how much I love watching the Brown Pelicans. These beautiful and fun birds could keep my camera happy for hours. 


Notice the dark brown/black neck, bright red throat pouch and white head tinged with yellow?  It's breeding season !

Sights along our walk...

 After Tuesday,  the most perfect, awesome and funnest weather we had experienced this year set in for the rest of our stay in San Diego.  Unfortunately, Joe and I and the pups didn't have a chance to enjoy one single day of it !  We woke up to a sick Dover on Wednesday.  We took her to Bay South Veterinary Hospital for a check.  She got medicines to stop the throwing-up and we brought her home with the understanding if she wasn't better to bring her back.  She didn't eat Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.  On Friday, she was still throwing-up and not eating so it was back to the hospital.  She was admitted and spent three nights there with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.  South Bay is a great vet hospital with 24 hour staff.  While she was there, Joe and I became quite ill with the flu.  I spent three days in bed with fever, chills and very upset tummy !  Joe wasn't much better. 

So happy to get the last week behind us !  We arrived in Tucson yesterday...looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new friends soon.  Also there are the doctor visits and  bus "stuff" to check off the list.  

Until next time...

 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 !