We’ve been on our mission for nine months now, and our many trips out to San Diego have helped us find a lot of interesting things to see. When Mom and Dad started talking about coming out to visit us, we were excited and immediately started planning dates and things to do.
After we picked them up at the airport, we headed up the coast to Ocean Beach, where we all enjoyed amazing Hodad’s burgers.
Then we walked along the shoreline, enjoying the setting sun and all the… err, interesting people who hang out in Ocean Beach.
The following day we’d planned a few things in the city. We started at Cabrillo National Monument, which has a wonderful view of the bay and parts of the city. Unfortunately the fog hadn’t burned off yet, so there were thick layers of white clouds covering all of it.
Nonetheless, it was a beautiful sunny day and we spent some time down at the ocean walking around the tidepools.
Then we headed over to Balboa Park, one of our favorite areas to wander. The buildings and architecture are all really interesting.
Some of my photos will be the subject of another post. We had a grand time at the park.
The next day, it was time for some hiking. We’d heard good things about Annie’s Canyon, an area on the edge of the city featuring some trails and a slot canyon. Away we went! The slot canyon definitely delivered: it was super narrow.
Then we thought we’d check in on La Jolla, which is known for its coves and seals. In a minor miracle, we found a good parking spot right near the beach. We watched the seals for a bit, although they all pretty much look like big inert lumps of blubber.
I love the ocean, though, and it’s always great to hear the crash of the surf.
Mom and Dad were only visiting for a few days, and they wanted to see the Imperial Valley as well. So we headed east from San Diego on the hundred-mile drive to our home. Along the way we stopped at the Desert View Tower, which is a rickety old stone-and-wood structure high atop some rocks overlooking the freeway. We’ve seen it every time we drive past, and thought it would be fun to stop.
It lived up to its name– indeed, there was a view of the desert.
Other than that, it was basically a flea market inhabited by two grizzled old men (one was the owner, the other his friend visiting from Canada). But now we can say we’ve been there.
There isn’t much to do in the Valley, but of course Salvation Mountain is a famous spot. We drove out there and enjoyed the sight of a hundred thousand gallons of colorful paint.
We also dropped by the Pioneer Museum, and enjoyed meals at a few local restaurants.
Betwixt all the driving and sightseeing, we had a wonderful opportunity to just hang out and chat. It’s always good to spend time together. Thanks for making the trip, Mom and Dad!