End of trip snaps

Home sweet home. 

Travel through Shasta Pass, Grants Pass - no snow, roads clear.

New means of finding your location.....

Who needs a GPS?

We are sitting in MacDonalds so we can check the various ferries - looks like neither Anacortes nor Port Angeles is an option so we'll head for Tsawwassen - five hours away.
We thought we might stay in Portland overnight but after the night we had, we figured it was time to go home. (Ironically the song being played right now in MacDonalds is "There is no place like home for the holidays.")
Our place last night was probably the worst. We were keen to stay in downtown Portland - on the river. Turns out all we needed to do to find the RV park is look for contrails and that would give our location. We were fifteen degrees off the end of the active runway of Portland International Airport (Bill is looking at google as I type!) I figure the RV park lost their marketing opportunity when they didn't brag about proximity of the airport as a bonus. We could predict the next takeoff when the trailer started to shake! Did you know planes take off every 90 seconds? Just time to calm down and the shaking starts again....
On top of that we didn't get the internet access - office closed when we arrived and while they accepted our credit card over the phone, the passwords had to wait until the office opened in the morning. This morning, we left an hour and a half after the scheduled time for opening - office still closed tight.
Oh well, we are ready to come home - will return to Portland for Powell's, the donuts Christie told us about, and the public market that looks fantastic (in May or June - it is colder here right now than Victoria).
So it's been an adventure - always lots of material for stories - but we are ready for the fun of Christmas preparations and family.

California dreamin' (All the leaves are brown and the sky is pink....)

We made it to our goal of Redding, California so are now about 130 miles from the Oregon/California border. It was a long day of driving. We chose to drive Highway 99 thinking it would be more enjoyable than I5. Our speed limit is the same on either one and there is less traffic. It was not at all enjoyable driving through the interior of California - the smog that hung over the whole Sierra Nevada plain was horrible. The pink, smelly air was tinged with eau de feedlot, eau de dried up field and eau de unknowable factory belch. This for two hours!! If you know anyone who lives in Bakersfield or Fresno, please phone to, 1. See if they are still breathing and if so, 2. Give them my sympathies. Every kind of big business is happening there and unless they are enjoying the smell of money, they are living in hell. Enough said.
Sacramento seems to be a pretty city - first natural green we've seen - the river and canals are all full of water and the trees look healthy. We took a deep breath when we arrived in Redding - it is about 14 degrees and absolutely pouring but the air is fresh. We will have to double check the ground before stepping outside in the morning - there was already 2-3 inches of water at our steps when we arrived.

Mojave and Joshua trees

We left San Diego at 1:00 pm yesterday and drove to Mojave last night. With sunset just after 5:00 we miss lots but we had a chance to see the strange but wonderful Joshua trees that are a sign that you are in the Mojave Desert. They appear suddenly and disappear just as fast. I can't remember if it is latitude or altitude or a combination that they need but these Dr. Seuss trees are hard not to love. Well for tourists anyway. They only show up in parks or in deserted properties. No sign of them in "well-cared for" gardens. I think they deserve respect when you realize how slow-growing they are. We saw a couple that must be 100 years old.
I'm taking pictures by hanging out of the truck as we whiz by so you either get the tree coming or going! We are home-bound and not taking time for pictures.

It never rains but it pours

We are back in San Diego. Bill said as we drove into the RV park, "Won't it be nice to be back in our own bed??" It was a real chore having to sleep on a king-sized bed and use a real bathtub for two nights. So we're back "home" for a night or two. Then we hitch it up and start our trek to Victoria.
We made the right choice going to Palm Springs when we did. The rain arrived late yesterday afternoon and from what we could see on out return, there had been downpours in the mountains and here in San Diego. There are huge pools of water sitting on the ground and collecting in the drains along the roads. We hear that San Francisco got more rain on Tuesday than in all of 2013! We kept thinking about the fellow we met in Silverwood Conservation Centre who has been trying to hand water the Coast Live Oaks. He must have been dancing in the woods yesterday! We don't know how much San Diego got and what kind of difference it will make but it must help.
So life took on a normal feel when we got back - grocery shopping, picked up a movie, got some quarters for laundry and bought a phone card. I needed to phone Canada and we were running out of minutes. Bill did all the work setting it up and was dialling the number for me but in desperation handed the phone over and said "I think I just phoned Italy!"
I listened to the long message about how many minutes we have left and then a very quiet voice said The number you have called is busy. I said to Bill. "Yup I get it: busy - Italy. Italy-busy. They do sound alike. "
We need a vacation!

Our return drive. We are high up in San Bernardino Mtns. What looks like water is cloud and fog. We drove through it  and came out to see bright green forests all washed clean from the rain. The colours were all intense and fresh. 

Christmas shopping and oranges

View outside our door. You can see the weather heading in our direction. 

I did some Christmas shopping on El Paseo Drive

We looked at a couple of properties. I came home with an armful of tangerines and oranges given to us by the owners. 

Palm to Pines Highway

On the spur of the moment yesterday, we decided to head to Palm Springs before the forecasted heavy rain hit. We wanted to drive the Palm to Pines highway (in reverse) and knew it wouldn't be fun in pouring rain. It was overcast and so much drier than we remember on the ocean side of the mountains but the desert is still desert! The colours are subtle but beautiful. We got out and walked around enjoying the cool 16 degrees up at the top.

Top of Palm to Pines Highway. 

Brightest colour in the desert right now is the lichen!

Gives you an idea of how steep and high the climb is. This is taken from a lookout about half-way down. You can barely make out a tiny white car in the middle. The ribbon of highway is still winding steeply down at the bottom. 

Weekend in San Diego

Relaxing weekend

It is cooler in San Diego and 100% chance of rain tomorrow. The only trouble with that forecast is not if it rains but how much. No promises there for the drought-stricken state. The average rainfall is 10 inches a year at the best of times.
We've slowed our pace the last while - slower starts and more sitting and relaxing. This weekend included a nine-hole golf game then lunch sitting under a beach tent with my niece and family while they kayaked and threw frisbies. The beach is on Fiesta Island in the middle of Mission Bay where we are staying. The whole area was once marsh land used for dumping anything not wanted elsewhere. The transformation started in the 40's and Fiesta Island was built by the dredging and dumping. It is now a sandy island with dog-friendly areas fiercely defended by the owners of the 700,000 dogs in San Diego (true! most of them small and white) There are all sorts of water sports supported here - jet skis, hobie cats, kayaks. The whole Mission Bay park is the largest city-owned park in the US.
Bill also watched the Grey Cup yesterday while I took in an exhibition of 'Gauguin to Warhol' at the San Diego Museum of Art. It took quite a few phone calls for Bill to find someone who could answer the difficult question: "Will you be showing the Canadian football game, aka The Grey Cup, on one of your TV's?" You'd think he was speaking Martian. Anyway, he found a bar and was put in a special little corner with his own TV screen - the rest of the bar (world?) was watching one of the 25 American games scheduled for the past few days. Calgary won, I saw another beautiful van Gogh and Modigliani, and all's right with the world!

Some snaps of what we've been doing lately

A busy day at Balboa Park

We drove to the Mexican border but escaped just before being trapped in the hours-long lines which also happened to lead to the outlet malls close by. This was black friday and the highways were clogged.

Bird watching at Famosa wetlands where we saw the common (not to us) and hilariously-named Ruddy Duck! Not one was willing to  show his bright sky blue beak for the camera!

Mission San Diego de Acala - the first mission built by the Spanish on the Camino Real. 

Hunchback and Torrey Pines

At the last minute, a ticket became available for the sold-out production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In an hour, I was changed and delivered to the front door of La Jolla Playhouse, a professional, regional theatre started in 1947 by Gregory Peck.  

Victor Hugo's story of the deformed bell ringer and the gypsy was written in a successful attempt to save the medieval gothic Notre Dame Cathedral from piecemeal destruction. The tragedy is well-suited for a musical format. This is the premiere of a darker version of the Disney movie. It began with an amazing transformation. The lead actor strode onto the stage and with two swipes of paint across his face and a lump tied to his back, a twisted and agonized Quasimodo emerged. The emotional music was reminiscent of Les Miserables, the singing and acting superb. The stage setting of the Notre Dame bell tower was dominated by six huge bells that pealed with anger and emotion more than once. I was in heaven! 

Bill in the meantime, checked out Torrey Pines Golf Course, site of the US Open - he has big plans for the new year!

Moving day and the internet works here!

It’s moving day! We have had to move a few spots over in order to stay in the park. We only managed to get this spot after asking nicely a few times - were originally told that they were sold out. This spot is less than desirable - two feet from the snack bar but it turns out that is that it is the best spot for internet so we’re fine with that. We don’t spend any time around the park anyway - are gone pretty early and fall back home at end of day. The next few days might be different though. It is the Thanksgiving weekend. 

Thanksgiving is huge down here. Warnings on the radio speak of 25% increase of traffic over the worst of normal. We feel like we have to get in supplies, make errand runs and then hunker down and watch! Although we are going out for Thanksgiving with our niece and her family - will give ourselves lots of time.  

The next big traffic day is Friday - Black Friday - when shoppers travel in droves for the amazing sales. I understand Christmas starts Friday as well....

Museum of Man (and Lucy!)

Back to Balboa yesterday to see museums we haven't visited yet. We chose one of our favourites - Museum of Man. One of the best things about these museums is the docents. They are well-trained and/or experts in the area being exhibited. We had interesting and informative conversations with a fellow who studies the applications of genome research the other day and this time with a fellow who recently completed his doctorate in Anthropology and is specializing in the cultural habits of early man. So what did Lucy do for fun? We spent a couple of hours in the exhibit and learned so much! Ask me sometime what I remember!

Lucy. 3.5 million years old. That I should look so good!

A few pictures

Bridge from San Diego to Coronado Island

Hotel on Coronado 

View of Coronado Island from Cabrillo viewpoint

Organist with assistant dividing lines of music 

Sunday, an emotional day - part 2 - the high

We drove to Balboa Park and arrived just in time to hear the Sunday concert with the Speckels Pipe Organ. The setting is an amphitheatre and the organ is the largest outdoor pipe organ in North America. The Organist, obviously a virtuoso, played a variety of pieces to show off the range of the amazing instrument. Sitting outside on a beautiful summer day listening to the heavenly music made me very nostalgic. The morning had reminded us of Dad and his self-educated love for nature and gift in passing it on to us, and Mum, whose 101st birthday would have been yesterday, filled me with emotion as I listened to the heavenly organ music. 

We ended the day, sitting on the beach, watching Egrets, herons and a pelican fill up before dark hit. The sunset was spectacular as always. 

Sunday - an emotional day - part 1, the low

Drove to Silverwood conservation center for a guided tour of the riparian oak woodlands. Bill and I were the only ones there so we had the privilege of a personal tour with the manager of Silverwood, who, after 20 years of living on the property, is an expert in this specific ecosystem His papers bring scientists calling to see first hand the results of his research. It was an emotional experience hearing his first-hand story of a devastating fire in 2003 that resulted in 15 deaths in the valley. The woodlands along with his home and all of his collections were destroyed. His focus was then to look at the impact of the fire on the ecosystem that ironically requires fire to thrive. 

The result of the research shows that this man-made fire, starting just as the Santa Ana wind came down the valley, was so hot, layers of stones with centuries-old grinding slabs close to ancient native sites cracked and disintegrated. The plants have been attempting to do their natural revival since then but now two new enemies - both with devastating effect: the three-year drought and the excessive use of ground water by a neighbouring orchard and a casino has drained the aquifers (65,000 gallons a day). The underground water that keeps the Coast Live Oak (ironic name) alive while there is a drought, has now dropped far below their root system. At least 12 centuries-old oaks are dead and as we walked through the forest, our guide pointed out shrubs and other native species that are dying - new dead bushes each time he walks the trails. This is an ecosystem that grows like the arctic - such severe conditions, it takes centuries for replacement.
Our guide wondered if he is supposed to talk about this - said people want him to be positive. But he said it is hard to be positive when you are watching the world around you dry up and die.  

Out and about on a Saturday

First stop the Visions Art Museum to look at a juried exhibition of innovation in quilting and surface design. It was housed in a heritage site, formerly the location of a naval training site, now the home of arts and culture organizations in Spanish revival buildings. 

Next, a tour of the WWII aircraft carrier, Midway. My one clear thought at the end of a few hours of winding our way up and down and through the enormous ship is that you did not want to be one of the poor souls who kept the steam engines running in the bowels of the ship. This was in 1945 but the conditions seemed medieval to me. The carrier’s size is impossible to come to terms with yet a newer one to be completed next year will dwarf this one.  

It was still daylight so on a whim, we drove over the huge bridge that connects Coronado Island to San Diego, went for a walk on the famous hotel grounds and beach, had the best hamburger we’ve probably ever had, then dropped into a charming Art Deco movie house to watch a movie. 

Friday - Legoland and traffic!

Drove up to Carlsbad to check out Legoland. Following advice from the staff, we bought a shoppers pass for 160 bucks and entered the grounds. After checking out the hotel, the first section of Legoland, and the lego shop, we walked back out the gates within the required hour and got our money back. A grandchild would be required to make a day pass worthwhile!

Our drive home was a full-on taste of rush hour traffic. We were once again amazed at the multi-laned highways filled with cars moving in all directions. We’ve read about the history of transportation choices in San Diego. It seems to be as much of a car culture as Los Angeles. Huge overpasses and on- and off-ramps dwarf the surroundings. The normal speed, even in bumper to bumper is 65 mph (110km). It feels like a serious form of Dodge-em with cars moving back and forth in the never-ending search for the fastest lane. Motorcycles play their own game of chicken, driving up white dotted lines between lanes, then dodging into spaces. Friday at 4:30 was probably the worst.

Closed for weekend.

Blog is closed for weekend - next posting Sunday.

Try it!

Natural History Museum

We only took in the top floor of the Natural History Museum - much more to see another day.
The exhibit on skulls is part of the permanent collection. Skulls ranging from Anna hummingbirds to elephants.

African lion!

Air and space museum

The permanent exhibit follows the history of aviation. The museum is huge - took us all morning to walk around from balloons and Wright brothers through wars and up to space exploration. Another example of just scratching the surface...

Apollo Nine space capsule

You can see the scorched bottom following entering the earth's atmosphere.

Museum hop continues

Cooler day today and big black cloud threatened rain but dissipated before fulfilling promise.
We did more museum hopping today - air and space museum this morning and Natural History this afternoon. The air/space museum had featured an unlikely exhibit of Ripley's believe it or not. I was jumpy after it was over - not sure just what ghastly thing was going to be around the corner. I did everyone a favour by not photographing the human skin-covered ceremonial headgear, the shrunken heads, the eyeball stretching guy not the other human contortionists. Some things were interesting but most had a distinctly weird feel to them - kind of like circus days of decades ago.

Picture made out of dryer lint! I kid you not.

Space shuttle made from recycled keys from computer keyboards.

DNA, surf boards and architecture

So began our education. We are on day one of our 14 museum adventure. We’ve bought annual passes to Balboa Park so can now drop in and out of museums whenever we want. We hope to return to SD next year and will spend more time here. We love the atmosphere of the gardens, the over-the-top Spanish-Renaissance style buildings, the world-class museums, and the dedicated and knowledgeable docents. 

Spanish Renaissance Architecture in Balboa Park, created in 1915 for exposition celebrating building of Panama Canal

This morning, we made our heads hurt in the Genome project but emerged invigorated and amazed at what we learned. We are going back. After lunch at a table outside, we spent a couple of hours in my favourite museum, The Mingei. It celebrates the art of the people around the world as demonstrated by the current exhibits. The main floor featured an amazingly beautiful display of surf boards - their history, design and culture. Second floor featured In the Realm of Nature - weaving and woodturning - a breath-taking exhibit of talent. The third exhibit featured three architects known for their organic approach. The results stand alone as sculptures. 

Historical collection of 'rudders' from surf boards

Wallace Cunningham, Las Tarrazas, Mexico

Getting organized...

We visited Balboa Park today - our favourite place in San Diego. We've bought passes and will return regularly to visit the fourteen museums. Had lunch at the Japanese Garden but then left to travel to La Jolla (hoya) to buy a ticket for Hunchback of Notre Dame - it has had rave reviews. Stopped in to Tourist Info for maps, things to do, etc. We now have enough on our calendars to keep us happily busy. 

Walked around the peninsula the RV park is located on at sunset. Saw only one pelican and a few curlews. The sunsets are fabulous - expect we'll take hundreds of pictures before the trip is over. 

Not very clear - taken after dark. This lovely guy is about the size of a chicken!

Mission Dam built by natives under the direction of the Spanish to provide water for the missions in early 1800's.

We are at the beginning of El Camino Real (the royal highway), the route followed by Spanish Catholics setting up missions. The first one is here in San Diego and the last in Sonoma. We've seen these bells all the way down Highway 101. 

No internet? Find a cool Coast Live Oak to sit under.

So the internet has been down and we've learned once again how dependent we are on it. Have tried to book some events but the only way is online! Anyway, internet is back up and we've also found a place next to the Snack Shack that is fast - so you'll know where to find me - late at night, in my pi's, sitting under the thatched roof and typing away!

Don't sit here!! 

We did get online enough Saturday night when we arrived to find out about guided walks sponsored by the Museum of Natural History. Yesterday morning we headed out to Mission Valley to hike the four-mile Oak Canyon starting at the Mission Dam. It was perfect temperature when we set out - 19 degrees and didn't get much above 23 but it was hot and dry in the canyon unless we were standing under the "Coast Live Oaks" that had historically provided the native people with a cool living space close to water. We were following a stream bed but only saw one tiny pool of water the whole way. Our guide was a trained volunteer who also had a biology degree so we learned lots! We were divided into groups - ours a small group of six interesting women and one friendly male:-) Bill had to defend his gender more than once as we were introduced to 'lots of sex' in the botanical world!
Today is catch-up day. Laundry, truck maintenance, odds and ends. There is a cool ocean breeze blowing - not the Santa Anna forecasted. We'll wander down to Mission Bay before sunset tonight to watch the pelicans and assorted birds come in for the night.

San Diego finally!

So we are now settled in San Diego. The RV park is in downtown San Diego - a spit surrounded by the ocean - quiet and mellow. We are surrounded by huge rigs with people obviously here for a while - tables, chairs set up outside and sounds of children in the background - sounds like summer. The temperature today was 20 degrees - comfortable with a bit of a breeze. Perfect for us. We're booked here for two weeks and will decide whether to stay longer or go somewhere else before our trek home.