La Jolla

After our excursion to Santa Barbara, we just had to get back to the beach.  For one thing, it's about a 30 degree difference in temperature.  We've been having it way too hot in San Dimas, while the beach communities are pretty much 70's.

 

We chose the La Jolla Cove Suites hotel.  It is right across the street from the beach, and we had a very nice balcony where we could enjoy all the activities going on.

 

 

 

Here are a couple of views from our room.  Check out the sea gull on our railing in the 2nd picture.

 

 

After some lovely traffic jams on our way down to La Jolla, we were finally able to relax with a nice bottle of Cabernet and dinner at a vintage restaurant near the hotel.  It's called Brockton Villa, and it used to be someone's house that was built in 1894.

 

 

It was still light enough outside to take in some of the views of the cove.  We saw sea lions, caves and beach goers.

 

 

In the park we happened upon these two huge yucca trees that have probably been there as long as the restaurant we just left.

 

 

The park is very nice by beach standards and has sidewalks along the water, and even a grassy area.

 

 

Here's another view of our hotel from the water's edge.  On the roof they have a continental breakfast each day.  What a panoramic view!

 

 

The next day we did a walking tour of the town and came upon this pub called Hennessey's where we shared a hamburger sampler of 4 different hamburger flavors.  Yum!  One thing they don't lack in this town are restaurants of all types.

 

 

On our walking tour we loved the look of this gorgeous restaurant.  We were up on Prospect Street looking out toward the ocean, and down at some of the tables.  The CrabCatcher was going to be our destination restaurant for dinner.

 

 

We were lucky enough to get the best table in the house which had a huge picture window overlooking the cove.  The meal was scrumptious, and afterwards we couldn't wait to explore what we saw through the window.

 

 

What we found was a huge cave that people ride through on kayaks.

 

 

You could walk right out where you would be right on top of the cave, and of course my fearless husband did this despite the sign.

 

 

We walked along toward the hotel and saw more spectacular scenery.....including these pelicans resting on the cliff.

 

 

The Pacific Coast has beautiful sunsets.  Unfortunately on our last night it was quite cloudy, but we still were able to capture some of it.  Can't wait until next time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wish I Lived There......

At least once a year we try to visit Santa Barbara.  It is such a pretty little town with wonderful weather year round.  We have stayed at the West Beach Inn a few times, and it suits us.

 

This is a view from our balcony where you can see Stearns Wharf in the distance.  It is a massive pier with restaurants and shops.  You can also drive onto this pier.

 

 

The harbor is right in front of us, and it's fun to watch as people launch their boats, or ride right into the water on a Land Sea vehicle----kind of a party boat.  I should have gotten a picture of it.

 

 

Here we are on the Wharf, and the sun is just peeking out.

 

 

By the time we started walking back to shore, the sun came out and it was quite warm.  The ocean was very calm.

 

 

The first night we went to our favorite restaurant, The Fish House which has never disappointed us with their delicious selection of seafood.  I should have stolen this glass.....

 

 

The next day we walked along "The Strand" which curves around the harbor.  It also houses many restaurants and shops.

 

 

From the end of the strand you can see Stearn's Wharf again, and there are cute whale seats and other sculptures.

 

 

We never tire of looking at all the fabulous boats moored in this harbor.  Duane's favorite was the "Wine Knot"----cute name.  This wooden structure is a houseboat, and the owner also owns a sailboat.

 

 

We had dinner at another favorite, Brophy Bros.  It's crowded, loud and very beachy, but the food is excellent.

 

 

It's always sad to say goodbye to this wonderful place, and I always wonder how so many people can afford so many huge boats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day Brat Fry

Mother's Day is one of the busiest days of the year.  Personally, I don't like going out to eat that day because of the crowds.  And, now that all of our daughters and daughters-in-law are mothers and want to have their own family celebrations we decided to celebrate the week after Mother's Day.

 

The highlight of the day was our new grandson, Bronson.  Everyone wanted to hold him, and he enjoyed all the attention.

 

 

Kim wouldn't give him up after she latched onto him.

 

 

Auntie Heather couldn't get enough of him and had lots of fun making faces.  Maddie loves watching him too.

 

 

Maddie and Amanda noticed that they had the same hairdo.

 

 

We took a group photo which included our cousin Amanda who was here from Chicago to stay with us for a while.

 

 

But, the best part of the day for me was when they all presented me with two portraits.  One of the grandchildren, and one of all the kids and grandkids.  I couldn't have asked for a better gift and I will cherish it always.......