So Marisa and I decided on a spur-of-the-moment trip to San Diego this weekend. We looked at some traffic loads on some routes that Marisa’s airline flies and (since we fly for free) we hopped on a flight that would allow us hassle free traveling while on standby.

Friday morning we caught an early morning flight out of Charlotte and by noon we were having fabulous fish tacos on the San Diego coast…



The beaches up around Encinitas are gorgeous (of course) and even though it was a crazy busy July 4th weekend we found by walking up the beach we could get away from the crowds…



Checking out the surfers at “Swami’s” near Cardiff by the Sea…



On our second day we headed into La Jolla..which was a CRAZY zoo on this holiday weekend. We had originally intended to rent a tandem kayak and some snorkel gear and head out on our own, but we learned that on July 4 all of the rental places are not allowed to rent kayaks. Bummer for us, but we made the best of it.

This guy had his own fishing kayak outfitted with a zillion reels…



We took a walk south along the coastline checking out the sea cliffs along La Jolla…I loved the pelicans camped out in every nook and cranny..





We ventured down to Casa Beach (or Children’s Pool) where the resident seal population chills out. Apparently there is a drive on to save the resting spot for the resting seals. The local government wants to set up speakers to drive away the seals in order to make the beach accessible once again to children and families. For my money..I can see screaming kids anywhere..but to see seals so close up is pretty unique. I signed the petition to keep the beach a protected area.. Good luck seals..





Inspired by all of the sea life, we hustled back to La Jolla to rent some snorkeling gear since it looked like the water visibility was fair. The Pacific ocean in southern California is COLD..well, cold compared to what I’m used to. Our east coast water in the Carolinas is about 85 degrees..the water off La Jolla was about 61 I think..making a wetsuit the only comfortable way to spend any amount of time in the water…





We headed down the cliffs near the Seven Caves park area..





While we saw some unique things in the water off La Jolla..the snorkeling isn’t very good. Visibility was “good” apparently..with about 10 or so feet..which is a bit disconcerting when you think of all the seals around and the possibility (but not probability) of Great White sharks lurking in the kelp. Pretty spooky and cloudy..and not very good photos..but very invigorating and fun!





I spotted some seals swimming in the water next to me near the caves. They are so graceful in the water and so clumsy on land..cool stuff..



Marisa is the girl in black!



Brilliant orange Garibaldi fish swim around the cliffs and caves…



Some of the floating kelp that is abundant along the shore. It is a bit unsettling because you can’t really dive down around it for fear of entangling in it. Definitely a better SCUBA spot than snorkel spot..but watching the sea grass and kelp swishing back and forth in the swell is mesmerizing..!





A fish. I don’t know what kind.



One of the many Leopard Sharks that are all over the La Jolla area. Harmless little 4 and 5 footers were everywhere…





We also saw quite a few stingrays and the unique Shovel Nose Guitar Fish (a type of ray I guess?)…



After a long day of walking around and snorkeling we peeled off our wetsuits and went up into La Jolla to enjoy some soft tacos and beer – the perfect way to spend the afternoon and unwind…



That evening we enjoyed a fantastic meal with some friends near Torrey Pines and the next morning we checked out of our hotel and spent the rest of the day at Leucadia surfing..









I’ve only surfed a couple times in my life..(windsurfing is my gig) but with a long board it isn’t too hard to at least paddle in and get up on the board. A few larger sets came through the area and pounded me a few times..but overall I had a great time and enjoyed being out in the water and sun… It’s also great to have my wife (!) looking so stunning on the beach!







There is a nice little walk up and down the bluffs to get to the beach…





We had a great final day of our short dash out to San Diego..hopped on the red-eye flight back to Charlotte and flew all night and arrived home this morning.. What a great weekend, with great company, and such a beautiful city. I can’t wait to go back on a less busy weekend and really soak in the local flavor..San Diego is a beautiful area.

BeachAV8R

What, you didn't go to Lego-Land???-)

It's cool that your back posting again Beach! Your trip reports are awesome.

2

No renting of kayaks on July 4, eh? More nanny-state nuttiness, so a few darwin candidates ruin it for normal people.

Tks for the pics.

Very nice pics Beach and those tacos look scrumptious!

Thanks for sharing the pictures. Looks like you all had a wonderful quick getaway. Are those types of seals aggressive in anyway when you swim with them? I don't think I've ever seen flip flops with big toe protectors before either.

Beach, you should've told me you were going to be in town! From one Charlottean to another, my fiancee and I would have been happy to show you guys around. Great pictures, especially of La Jolla and Leucadia. One question: where did yall go for those fish tacos?

Yes, San Diego is a great city to live and visit. I've lived here all my life, and the year round weather is to die for. Great pics! I live about 20 minutes south of Encinitas along the coast, near La Jolla.

Hi Beach, greetings from Vancouver BC.

Great pictures and you have a beautiful wife.
Glad to hear that you had a great July 4Th.

Are you still flying ambulance? I used to really enjoy the pictures you took.

Cheers.

My girlfriend said you shed some pounds and looking trim in these pics compared to some photos she has seen previously (a long while back). I did remember you posting about going on a diet sometime ago before your hiatus from SimHQ.

Well hey, it looks like you recorded your first little tremor of female fan-dom at SimHQ. I'm sure there are a lot more, but too shy and dignified to salivate all over the computer screen....not like us shameless guys who admire your wife openly with seismic intensity

Thanks for sharing the pics.