Sailors, Sand, and SPF50

 

We agreed with the United States Navy, disagreed with the CDC, and took off for sunny San Diego as soon as we could do so (safely and responsibly of course). 

San Diego and Mission Bay.  Our hotel is visible on the right.

We knew we’d made the right decision when we were approaching the airport - what a fantastic shot, Tom!  Hmm, did we really see Air Force 2 parked on the tarmac?

The Catamaran Resort Hotel is situated between Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean and there's lots of beaching going on. Surfers on the ocean side, families on the bay side.

Catamaran Resort Hotel

On our first day in town, we took a quick trip across the Coronado Bridge to visit the Del Coronado Hotel This is a “must see” although inside access is limited as are most hotels these days. It is classic California and very popular on weekends.

A visit to Classic California

Present...

...and past. 

The next day we took advantage of the promenade in Pacific Beach for some exercise, some research and some reconnoitering. Just a block from our hotel and we felt so free after the last year.

Along the promenade in Pacific Beach.  Many of the shops have second floor surf viewing.

Balboa Park is home to a number of museums and gardens, most of which are still closed (sigh). The early 20^th century architecture is everywhere. Lots of walking that day and Jan’s Fitbit clocked a new personal best for her!

The plaza in Balboa Park...

...near the Airport

Old Town San Diego Historic Park is a well preserved neighborhood from early days of San Diego history. There’s a mellow town square with some shops and a more robust shopping area in the next block. Ceramic tiles and T shirt shops.  We had a great lunch and the giant margarita really hit the spot.

Old Town Historic Park

Coyote Cafe, home of the Swimmable Margarita.  Glad we got two straws.

Then it was off to tour the USS Midway and we found a real appreciation for the dedication of people volunteering to keep it restored, as well as all the crews who served on board during active duty. Thanks to all of them. And the US taxpayers.

USS Midway, now a floating museum

F4U Corsair on the hanger deck

After the Midway, we boarded the Spirit of San Diego for a harbor cruise and sailed past a whole lotta ships. 

Cruising past the San Diego Convention Center, also near the Airport

USS Zumwalt, "Ugliest Ship in the Navy" first  runner up

...and the winner is.

Tom's former San Diego address: Pier 4, 32nd Street Naval Station

Back on land, we checked out Seaport Village. Such a cute place and it’s got the historic feel of olden days.

Seaport Village

Later, we strolled around Tuna Harbor Park next to the Midway, complete with a tribute to the world's most famous kiss.

Attack of  the Forty Foot Swabbie

Hey you fans of Master and Commander, Tom was “surprised” to discover the HMS Surprise docked at the Maritime Museum (only open weekends). Restoration is underway.

"Never mind the maneuvers, just go straight at 'em."

Next morning we drove out on Point Loma to the Cabrillo National Monument (still free with our senior pass).  Not as educational as it could have been since the visitors center was not open yet.  However, we got a terrific picture of downtown, North Island NAS, and an interesting looking ship, the first Navy ship we have seen with outriggers.  Turns out it is an unmanned drone ship that was built in Portland.

A fast ship going In Harms Way...

...but without Kirk and the Duke (or anybody else).

Let’s not argue: the Pacific is the greatest ocean in the world, ok? However, unlike the experience at Oregon beaches, the water in Cali (and your feet) actually warm up after a little bit.

An early morning walk in Pacific Beach

Little Italy is another neighborhood we had to experience. Block after block of restaurants (not much else) line India Street. On our last night in town we dined at Barbusa. It was eccezionale.

On India Street

Adios San Diego, and Muchas Gracias 

As the sun set slowly in the West, we bid a fond farewell to San Diego, to California, and to 75 sunny degrees. They showed us a good time – and after the last year, we earned it babe. Then, to top it off: Breaking News while waiting to board our flight.  The CDC announced that it was now OK for vaccinated people to fly.  So we got that going for us, which is nice.

Tasty Travel Tunes

Hit Me with your Best Shot - Pat Benetar

Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

California Sunset - Neil Young