La Jolla by the Sea

I think this has to be one of my favorite areas near San Diego, La Jolla. In actuality, I've only visited the "Children's Pool" that has been taken over by seals. From what I can gather from my SIL who is a San Diego native, the beach basin was built for children to use as it was sheltered from the waves. She used to frequent it when she was young. Well, the seals took over years ago and now there's an ongoing battle on whether to get rid of the seals and turn it back into a children's pool or leave the seals alone. You can read more about it here (Friends of the Seals) if you wish. It's a beautiful area regardless.

I always enjoy watching these fellows too, the ground squirrels. Too cute!

As you can see, we arrived in the morning before the fog burned off. I loved it. Note the kayaker on the top right! He was really moving!

You can see the cove here. I don't think I would want my kids swimming here even if they dredge it many times over. It's very stinky from all the seals. Ew.

This is on the walkway facing town.

And this is the open side of the pool.

A cutie pie by himself.

And the "others." There definitely weren't as many as when we visited last year in March.

We then headed down the beach some to watch the surfers. Too fun. (The kid and my SIL.)

I could watch these guys all day long.

This is the seaweed. A little different than what we get on the Gulf Coast, for sure!

The kid popping the pods. The water was nice and cold. I love swimming in cold water! (Not that I went for a swim or anything!)

Next time we come out, I swear I'm going to spend more time in town. It looks like so much fun.

We couldn't stay too long because we had to pick my niece up from school. This is one of their turtles in the back yard. They told me a new baby just hatched the day after we left. This gal is over 20 years old and hatched on the property too. How sweet is that?

K, more later.

xo
ro

A Handful of Sand

Well, actually, I'm home now. But what a whirlwind of a beautiful trip! Sigh. Happy to be home, but I sure do miss California.

The kid gathered all of these sand dollars on Coronado Beach! I found the jeweled one on Orange Avenue on Coronado. The other shells, starfish and beautiful cards are compliments of The Del Coronado Hotel. They turn back the beds with a shell and a lovely saying each night. So much better than old chocolate!

The kid and I had fun on the plane going out. It was a long tedious flight thanks to Northworst. We stopped over in Detroit then on the Cali. Cheap tickets, what can I say. We tried to make the best of it though.

We made it in after 9 and the hub picked us up and off we went to the W hotel. The room had a fun chalkboard which the kid and I immediately attacked with silliness!

Of course, we chose PLAY (rather than the work side) when we arrived.

And then we made our way up to the rooftop passing all kinds of wonderful little nooks full of interesting items.

The rooftop "Beach Bar" was indeed full of sand complete with cabanas and fire pits. We hunkered down here for a very late dinner and libations. It was so relaxing watching the fog roll in over the city.

The room was full of wonderful nooks itself. We had two "window seats" that just called my name. Of course, I only made it to the bed.

The next morning, the hub had to work (hated turning the "WORK" sign on for him). Someone has to do it. Poor guy.

The kid and I went down to the restaurant after he left and had breakfast.

We both had waffles. Mmmmm mmmmmm good. Diet? What diet?

Then we watched the comings and goings of the staff and enjoyed the fun surroundings.

Chris Milk had an exhibition of photographs hanging about the place which were marvelous.

And you could tell we were in Cali from the lobby bar, no? I loved all the surf board fins!

My window seat with view of the bay.

Sofa pillow. Ooohlala.

And coral hanging above.

Can you tell why I always love staying at W hotels? You never know what you may find laying around the place.

More to come later!

xo ro

The Voice of the Sea Speaks to the Soul

Tomorrow, the kid and I fly out to San Diego to meet up with the hub. It was a trip we couldn't resist. The kid has never been out west! Can you believe it? He's been all over the world but never to points west in the good ol' USofA. So, we jumped on board without a bat of the eye!

We will be meeting up with BIL Jim and his lovely wife Amy and our little niece Jaime. Alex has never met Jaime, so this will be a real treat. And, of course, if you remember Amy's mom whom I lovingly call Flower Momma because of her garden that is full of such beauty. All of these photos are from our last trip out a couple of years back.

You can find me there doing this.

Looking at this.

Or perhaps have my head turned this direction. Such work.

I will partake in this.

And this.

And end up here. Mesmerized by the sea. I will keep you updated.

Sigh.

xo
ro