Fortunately, yesterday’s weather cooperated a little better. With temperatures in the 50’s, though slightly nippy, the wind was low and the sun was out, making it overall a really nice day. Josh and I drove to see the Japanese Friendship bell on Shelter Island, and then drove up to Point Loma to see the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the Carrillo National Monument. The views of San Diego, Coronado, and the Pacific were incredible, and being able to go inside the lighthouse and see how the “light-house keepers” (a favorite pun of mine) lived back in 1855. The lighthouse stands 422 feet above sea level, and had one serious flaw. Given the height of the peak, fog and low clouds back then often obscured the light. It served San Diego for 36 years back then, before they built a new one closer to the tip of Point Loma.
One of the most moving sights, for me, was seeing the Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery, a federal military cemetery that overlooks San Diego bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The cemetery spans over 77 acres, and is filled with beautiful monuments, all lined up in perfect rows. I’d highly recommend a visit, if you ever get the chance.
From there, Josh and I traveled to La Jolla, were we went on a Sea Kayak “adventure”. I knew we were in for some excitement when the really nice people front the check-in desk suggested we rent wet suits, purchase dry bags for our phone, and secure anything that we did not want to lose. At first I thought they were simply trying to build some business, however the advice proved to be sound, at least for us. Never having worn a wetsuit before, I struggled to wriggle into the rubber outfit, once I finally figured out that the zipper goes in the BACK. The suit did wonders for my figure, and was so tight that I swear people could see blood flowing through my veins. As Josh said, this simple act combined two things he truly loves: Tight clothing and wearing something that is old and had been used previously by many people. The fact that we had to strip down to our skivvy’s made the experience a little more up close and personal.
After donning all of the gear needed, (including helmets and lifejackets), we headed for the ocean, where we shortly got a very intense indoctrination with the frigid waters of the Pacific. Long story short, we boarded our kayaking and attempted to paddle past the breakers and ultimately were unceremoniously “dumped” into the water. I’ll be the first to admit that this was a slight frightening feeling, (OK, maybe more than slightly, at least for me). Re-boarding the kayaking was a little challenging, but with some help from our Everyday California hosts, we made it back onboard and over the breakers to join the other folks. The paddling went fairly well, and we were able to learn a lot about the marine life and the history along the shore. We were treated to a great view of some beautiful mansions, including Dr. Seuss’s mansion, which is now a VRBO. We even came up close and personal to a sea lion, who put on a show before disappearing under the water. Of course, the trip back was just as eventful, whereupon attempted re-entry, we were once again dumped back into the water, thanks to the waves pushing us ashore. Josh most accurately attributed our failure to stay upright to me, though I’m still not sure exactly what I did wrong! (I’m sure he can tell you, in his version! 🙂
From our kayaking adventure, we found a really nice brewery and restaurant, and had a great meal before making it back to our Ocean Villa Inn “palace” in Ocean Beach.
Today, Josh goes on his Beerucation tour, and I have to meet with the tour people to get last rites, (or something like that). I’m sure I’ll have more to write tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the first day of my ride, and the day that Josh will return to Texas. I’ll miss him so miss, as much as I miss each and everyone of you. More to come!
The Walking Machine 