Southern California

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As we mentioned before our adventure began, one goal was to “eat our way across the country.” (Well, not literally…..) However, here is a short recap of our gastronomic exploits: Lip-smacking BBQ in Tennessee; blackberry preserves from the Great Smoky Mountains; fine wine from the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina; splendid summer sweet corn and tomatoes in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana; local honey at the Indiana State Fair; homemade bread and butter pickles and apple butter from an Amish home in Missouri; more wine in Western Colorado; fresh dates, grapefruit and lemons in Indio, CA; olive oil and wine in Temecula, CA; and avocados in San Diego. Definitely looking forward to more local specialties!

We left the Palm Springs area (sigh) and headed to Outdoor Resorts near Temecula, CA. A very nice resort, but out in the middle of nowhere. We did manage to make acquaintance with a couple of the local vineyards. Expensive, but tasty!

We then headed south to a small RV park in Chula Vista where we’re spending three weeks exploring the sights of San Diego. We visited the USS Midway Museum, a WW II- vintage aircraft carrier that served until the Gulf War, and took in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines. We rubbed elbows (well, not literally) with Tiger, Phil, Jose, Sergio, and Jesper, among others. We visited La Jolla, a very exclusive community north of San Diego, and I stuck my foot in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The weather is splendid with highs in the 60’s and lows dipping into the 40’s at night.

We're looking forward to sister Mary Ann's visit this weekend and we'll visit the Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego Zoo, and other local attractions.

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Photos

Outdoor Resorts Rancho California
Lovely resort 20 miles from Temecula (out in the middle of nowhere)

Old Town Temecula
Had lunch here one day and bought some citrus olive oil from the Temecula Olive Oil Company

USS Midway Museum
Vintage WW-II aircraft carrier retrofitted for Gulf War and retired in '92

San Diego's Balboa Park
Home of museums and famous zoo

Spanish Village in Balboa Park
Alan flirting with sculpture

Sea Lions in La Jolla
It's the time when pregnant sea lions hang out on beach waiting to birth their pups. Visitors must stay on elevated breaker wall.

Pacific Ocean
Water's a little chilly