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 !

Happy New Year !

San Diego Metro KOA

Chula Vista, CA

January 2, 2024

Christmas with Jamie and Andra just flew by.  We did all the usual Christmasy things...we walked, we ate, we napped, we laughed (a lot), and we watched Christmas movies. 

I realized when I was looking for photos that I didn't get a single picture of people...just Ozzie!

The week after Christmas is usually a busy time and this year was no exception.  Christmas was packed away...neatly and all ready for the next holiday. Joe had his stitches taken out and other errands were run here and there.  Our little oasis got a through cleaning from head to toe and inside to outside.  And we managed four good walks.  I was on a mission as I had set a goal for myself to walk 60 miles in the month of December.  I didn't make my goal and topped out at 55.5 miles...still a personal best for any given month.   

Before we knew it, it was New Years Eve.   New Year's Eve had us up bright and early.  The trailer was loaded, Pearl was loaded and we were out the door.  It was a travel day.  As much as I love home, I do still love travel day.  Sally settled right in her spot while Belle found her mo-jo...

and I enjoyed the scenery as we headed west on I 8. 

We pulled in for the night at Dateland...enjoyed the sunset, ate some mac and cheese, walked Sally and crashed.  The first sunrise for 2024 was a winner !

Our destination for New Years Day was San Diego Metro KOA...a very familiar spot we have called home from time to time since our first visit there in January 2013.  I always enjoy the stretch of road between Dateland and San Diego.  We have traveled much prettier highways, but I enjoy this stretch of highway mainly because of where it takes us.  The farm lands, the sand dunes, the summits, high winds advisories, and scary bridges make for a fun drive and conversation. 

So here we are...mostly settled in...to enjoy a few weeks of visiting with friends, walking the beach, photographing birds, markets, and yummy fish tacos.  

It's a beautiful morning !  We had a toast to welcome in 2024 with a cup of coffee...

took Sally to the doggie park and now Joe has a leaky kitchen faucet project to conquer.  

Friends are wonderful...two heads are better than one and four hands are better than two.  Thank you Ronnie !

Here's to a healthy, happy 2024...my how time flies !

Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS!