More of the Same

 

Kiwanis Community Gardens

Sitting along the east side of the Tijuana Estuary are a row of homes.  Between them and the estuary are areas set aside for community gardening sponsored by the Kiwanis.  These little areas have chickens, ducks, and plants.  The poor chickens seem to be housed in very small coops.  Today one gardener was watering plants and chatted up with us.  He seems typical of folk here, friendly, open and happy.  We walked deeper into the estuary today going beyond the naval base but not completing the perimeter.  Pictures at Flickr.

                    Sketch of the day:  The Wild Radish, found throughout California.

Settling In at Imperial Beach

 

Tijuana Estuary

Across the Estuary and among that row of buildings on the left sits our condo.  We walked around and into the Estuary today, about 3 miles.  This will be our exercise regime while here.  We met up with a group of bird watchers who identified a Yellow Crowned Night Heron for me.  I only have my iPhone with me and will not have the capability to capture clear bird pictures.  But it is fun seeing new species.  Wayne has a goal of pressing and identifying many of the various flora.  I may sketch some of them to keep my hand in the arts. Pictures at Flickr. 

Arriving at Imperial Beach

 

Sunset 

We picked up our rental car in San Diego today and headed for Imperial Beach, a very familiar 15 mile route.  We were unable to rent the condo we've stayed in the past 2 visits.  However, this one is a few buildings up and just as wonderful.  The photo above is from our balcony on the 3rd floor.  Every night some new configuration of clouds and color salute us.  The unit is very well appointed.  Everything seems newly renovated.  Other than seeking out our first taco and some grocery shopping, I have nothing else to report.  Note:  the taco was only rated 3 out of 5 stars.  Our favorite Street Taco joint has disappeared and a burger joint has taken its place.  😞😞😞

Videos of condo at Flickr.

Torrey Pines

 

Phil, Christy, Kathy, Wayne

We climbed into Phil's Tesla (yes, I covet it) and drove to Torrey Pines, the state reserve not the golf course.  We first walked down the beach, then climbed up to the top of the Reserve to walk back.  I will be using words such as awesome, fabulous, inspiring, unique, etc a lot.  Today I could have used all of them to describe the expanse of the Pacific, the atmosphere created by the surf and the magical look at La Jolla in the distance.  Please enjoy the pictures in Flickr.  

Lola stopped by tonight and dropped Loki, her Husky, while she hosted a work party.  Loki is a bit spoiled.  I will say no more.  

Boston to San Diego

 

Venus over Boston

We flew out of a cold 27* Boston at 5pm and arrived in a 65* San Diego at 9pm (midnight body time).  Our lovely French American niece Kathy graciously picked us up and took us to her home   where we enjoyed wine with husband Phil before collapsing into sleep.  Their home is in the Mission Hill district of San Diego.  It sits on the top edge of a canyon with a fabulous view of San Diego.  

We will be here for two days enjoying the company of cats Sassy and Tuesday, the hospitality of Phil and Kathy, and the mediterranean climate of Southern California.  For pictures go to Flickr.

California on the Horizon

 Adios mañana to 11 degrees. Adios 12” predicted blizzard. Adios bleek, gloomy days. Adios 4pm sunsets. Hola California. Yes we are escaping winter for 5 weeks in Imperial Beach. This will be our third time to stay here. We love the sunsets over the Pacific, the tacos and the vibe of this community. Niece Kathy is picking us up at the airport. We will stay with them a few days before our Air B&B is ready.