719 February 1, 2022 California Coast

I was looking forward to a walk on the beach this morning. I got to the access stairs and saw that it was high tide, the waves coming all the way in to the bluffs. The beach was imapssable. I did stand for a long time taking it in…watching the waves and the pelicans.

I had a great alternative walking path, the Solana Beach Coastal Rail Trail was right across the street from the hotel.

I crossed the pedestrian bridge. The surface was studded with tiny bits of red and orange and yellow galss. the bridge led to a high end designer shopping district and so I turned around and walked back toward the hotel.

I found Fletcher Cove Park.

We left Solana Beach and headed north, stopping first at Cardiff By the Sea. The surfers were out in force today.

We also saw whales along the horizon, pelican diving among the surfers, and some small shorebirds.

We took our time exploring the beaches along our way.

I have never seen squirrels on the beach before. This pair seemed to be very comfortable near people.

We passed through Carlsbad, a town with tons of shops and restaurants.

In Oceanside, we found a gem, Beach Hut Deli. We got delicious salads and took them to the beach.

After lunch, we walked on the pier.

This woman was feeding pigeons and sitting still with her hand outstretched, waiting for a bird to take food from her.

We got to the hotel and our room was not yet available. We (Tim) accidentally locked the keys in the car and Nicholas came to rescue us. By then, we were able to go upstairs and rest.

This evening, we ventured out to the Oceanside Harbor. We walked from the hotel and toward the beach.

We would not have noticed this sea lion swimming in the marina, but he barked at us and this caught our attention!

We chose Oceanside Broilers for our dinner. We both had soup and then orange coconut crusted salmon…so yummy…I may have to attempt to recreate it!

This quote was etched into the concrete on the pedestrian bridge in Del Mar.

718 January 31, 2022 Del Mar, California

After our morning exercises were complete, we packed the Jeep and drove away from Borrego Springs. 

We drove back up and over the mountains and west. 

We stopped for a breakfast break in Ramona.  This is a neat little town that we could have explored further, but today, we had other plans.

We traveled through horse and vineyard country and toward the coast. 

After being ensconced in the desert, the opulence and busyness of the coast was almost an assault on our senses…sensory overload!  Lots of beautiful mansions perched among the rocks and hills.  Lots of greenery and landscaping.  Lots of wealth.

After some quiet time, we walked down to the water’s edge.  The chilly moist air and the smell of the ocean were refreshing and rejuvenating.  Oh, how I love the beach!   

We found ourselves walking on a dog beach…pure unadulterated joy! 

We walked as far as the San Dieguito Lagoon; a river outlet to the sea.

We walked back along the highway, making our way through this beautiful garden, a tribute to “All Dogs.” 

Before going to dinner, we stopped at the Solana Beach CVS. We had called ahead and our prescription was ready. Using this national chain while we have been traveling has been so convenient. Unfortunately, there isn’t a CVS in Borrego Springs…hence the reason for this trip!

We had seen a seafood restaurant, Brigadine, earlier in the day. We returned there this evening and had an excellent meal.

Tomrrow we will go north, further up the coast and see what we see!