Thursday May 31 - Moving day

Today is moving day - we are leaving Redlands and heading up north to the PISMO Beach area. It is on the coast and half-way or so between LA and San Francisco. We will stay here 4 nights before heading out. Once arrived we found the weather a bit chilly - we left 80 or so temps inland and now on the coast the highs are about 60-ish....



Cajon & Cypress streets in Redlands - one of the favorite views in Jess's neighborhood.

Sunset over the Mountains at Pismo Beach

At the beach at sunset, looking for more clothes

Thursday 5/24 – Long Beach

To a new beach today – Long Beach – Debbie wanted to check out the bike paths that serpentine thru the beaches and the Queen Mary.  We spent most all of our time either in a bike seat or having lunch on the beach…..it was a great day.  

Bikes are ready to go

Bike path went along the marina

and in front of hotels, condos and residences

trying not to smile :)

Tuesday 5/22 - LA & Hollywood

Today we ventured, and I mean ventured, into Los Angeles. We waited till 10:00 am to leave Grand Terrace and still got hung up in rush[?]hour traffic. We took a suggested alternate route, by Mr. Magellan, and it worked well as we were headed initially for the Griffith Observatory.

We found Griffith Park, in spite of my lack of direction. J However, once in the park we seemingly became lost – although we did find the Griffith Park golf course. This park is huge and with the help of a map which Debbie picked up at the course, we found our way to the Observatory. It was closed on Monday and Tuesday….da. 

From the walkways around the observatory, you could see miles [I presume] across LA. 

It’s also a preferred viewing area for the Hollywood sign as well.

We made our way down from Griffith Park and into Hollywood.  Very crazy driving thru the streets and many weirdo’s always trying to sell you something.   



HOLLYWOOD & VINE



Grauman's Chinese Theater

Wayne Newton's star for GRAM Neuner

Transformers Everywhere......



A little piece of home.......

Monday 5/21 - DANA POINT

Monday we travelled back to Dana Point on the Southern coast – I wanted to check out the much publicized Beach camping area and Debbie wanted to go Whale watching. The day was overcast with the marine layer would actually never go away – which was probably a good thing.

We first visited the Dana Point Ocean Institute , hoping to take a tour, but we found out it is attended during the week by elementary school children..... What a cool educational opportunity for the kids. We walked along the break walls and met several nice locals.

One of the locals told us that at the very end of the point there is a lion's profile- you may need to d-click to see it..

I found my Mermaid !

We toured with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale watching tour. We struck out on the Whales- apparently we are at the end of the season there off the southern California coast [?] but we did see several large pods of dolphins….very cool. And I developed a gigantic headache on board the catamaran touring vessel…i guess i am just a land-lubber at heart...
Below, there are several pics and a great video which Debbie took.

And I was able to check out the Doheny Beach Camp grounds. All dry camping – no water, no electric, no sewer, so -  no blow-dryer – no shower – no AC – [you know where this is going] Deb wants to keep looking for that elusive idyllic beach camping area. J

At the end of the day we spent the sunset hours at Aliso Beach in Laguna.  It was quiet time for us, watching the last of the families enjoy the day and killing time for traffic to thin out. [way too many motorists in California]

Saturday and Sunday – 5/19 – 5/20 Landscaping at Jess’s and then sunbathing

This weekend we helped Jess around the house. Nothing too strenuous…we helped mulch her flower beds around the house and Jess, added some drip lines for her potted plants…..

We needed to first run a line under her walkway



Jess - hard at it

One Jess's many roses

Friday 5/18 – Bike ride Yorba Canyon

This morning we got up and put the bikes on the truck and drove further south down highway 91 adjacent to the Santa Ana River Trail to the YORBA LINDA CANYON area.  We parked at the Yorba Linda Municipal park, it was a great family park – ball fields, swings for kids, an equestrian trail, dog walks and of course entrance to the bike trail.

 Later that evening we joined Jess and several of her friends at the 66’ers Minor league baseball game in San Bernardino.

Wednesday 5/16 – Golf – Hidden Valley

We ventured today to play another round of golf. This time we chose another local Golf Course in North Coronado or NORCO as the area is called. Hidden Valley is quite a golf course. Beautifully laid out amongst the foothills and valleys of the area…it is really something to see. Needless to say I lost my fair share of balls here….over cliffs, and down in gulches…

I am sure Debbie didnt see this sign before tee-ing off.

Great landscaping of the valley in North Coronado.

Great views, and good form too !!

Sunday 5/13 – Mother’s Day Huntington Garden

Jess took us to Huntington Gardens today to celebrate Mother’s Day.  It was just what Mom wanted….lots of flowers, beautiful flowers. Located in Pasadena, Huntington Gardens is way more than just flowers. The Huntington houses a Library, Art Collections and a Botanical Garden.  More info at   The Huntington.

The day started with brunch at Martha Green’s Eating Room…     A favorite in Redlands !

Many different types of cactus

A Bamboo forrest

A Bonsai Court

They are called SPIDER WHITES

A great day