We drove down in two days, with a stop in Tracy, where we were treated with Kirkland Lasagna and garlic bread and good company with Del and ... The second day was dull along I5 between Tracy and Buttonwillow, despite being an overall shorter drive.
Got into freeway crazy Southern California and found our way to the World Mark resort. It was quiet despite being near I8 and CA 164 freeways. We were able to check in early. The carpet was torn along the edge with the kitchen area, unlike what we're used to. Later on, one of the vertical blinds broke off, it was the first as a couple others were taped to stay on.
First day was to look in South Park for the campanion store to Artistic Portland. Found it to be closed, so we walked around , found a nice coffee shop to sit and enjoy the warm weather. Somehow, Helene heard about whalewatching, so I looked on-line and found a provider that goes out on a rubber raft and only takes 6 at a time. I signed up for the early run, and was called by the operator in about 20 minutes and got the reservation straightened out.
Second day was to find the harbor for the departure. It was a public boat ramp, and we were half of the passengers for this outing. CiCi really enjoys what she does, and we ended up seeing 3 different gray whales heading south. The most exciting encounter came when we saw the last one come up for air, then he turn toward us and swam directly under our boat (CiCi had cut the engine, by then) and about a minute later , came up again in front of us. That was amazing, and I hope just some of the pictures do it justice.
Third day was to take a bike ride with a iend that lies in Encinitas. He wanted to show off his glorious ride south to the San Diego River and back. It was 50 miles and sunny and warm. The worst hill was 10% and lasted a couple hundred yeards. And coming back, an unusual tailwind. For nutrition, as stop at an MXN restaurant was good for a vege burritto. Also the Rose Canyon Path was a gental ascent for the the hill we screamed down in the southerly direction (in La Jolla). Then out to a fish dinner with our hosts.
Fourth day was to sit through a 45 minute "update" presentation, that lasted about 100 minutes. Or $1 for easch minute, as we got a $100 gift card to spend as we wished. Then it was off to have real fun at the San Diego Zoo. Took the bus tour to get oriented and then spent the rest of the afternoon on foot, and finished off with the airial tram to get back to the entrance. Best zoo I've seen. The Pandas were on display, just sitting there eating their eucalyptus, not much else. The Hippos were fun swimming circles in their tank, that you could see underneath. The Condors were getting into a tussle between the female and the males. The elephants were moving arounds some. The bird cages were full of birds.
Friday, we slept in a bit, we found our way to the Coronado Bridge and to the hotel. Indulged in some good ice cream at the hotel. Then I missed the bridge to get back to San Diego, and kept going south around the long bay. Then back up the Pacific Hwy and out to Cabrillo Point, we walked around and got introduced to a lighthouseman's life. It was getting later and I tried to get to La Jolla Cove for sunset, but was about 20 minutes too late. Partly because it wasn't as close as I thought.
Sunday, up early to drive up to Folsom. Stopped at Harris Ranch for a second breakfast, and then by Amelia and Jim's to drop off the metronome, and Dave and Nancy were there. It turns out their bike trip started at Dog Beach. Then out to Folsom, some Mountain Mike's Pizza with beer, then some conversation with Cindy.
Monday, drove up I5 to Portland.meeting Daniel at the Wilsonville Costco gas station. Afterwards, we shared a Chez Jose dinner.
