Off the Beaten Path in California
/I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to California through the years, and for the most part done the same thing every time. Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knots Berry Farm, the beaches of Orange County, Sea World, San Diego Zoo. . . A few years ago, Ron started going to meetings in Rancho Cucamonga, which is 40 miles inland from the Orange County beaches.
A few years after that, he started inviting me to come along. The first few times we stayed close to Rancho, but I ventured down the street a bit to the little village of Claremont. There are a lot of colleges in the tiny village of Claremont. I saw a T-shirt once that read: “Claremont, California – Home of retiree’s and PHD’s”. The homes around the colleges in Claremont are older, well kept, and stunning.
There are blocks and blocks of quaint little boutique shops, as well as great places to eat! I have learned to love eating outside at the little sidewalk cafés in the small villages in Southern California. My favorite place in Claremont is the “Bardot”. They grow their own fruits and veggies and the fish is fresh daily. I love to sit outside breathing in the fresh air, taking in the beautiful greenery, and watching the hummingbirds and butterflies in their hometown element.
In October of 2019, just prior to the Covid shutdown, we went a little early and added more fun places to our Cali explorations. We started by spending a day at the Huntington Museum and Botanical Gardens near Pasadena. The perfect way to spend a quiet Sunday enjoying God’s creations!!!
Then we stayed a night on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, and got up early to take the “Catalina Express” boat over to Catalina Island for the day.
It was super rough that day, and we loved every minute of the rocking and rolling. However, there were many out on the back of the boat involuntarily feeding the fish.
We were both blessed not to experience any sea sickness on our journey to the island. Our only regret after we arrived was that we hadn’t made plans to stay the night!!! That’s a trip for another time for sure!!! The water is crystal clear, and a beautiful deep aqua green.
We ate outside over the water where we could see the bright orange Garibaldi fish so prevalent there. Then we rented a golf cart and took a little tour of that part of the island, getting back just in time to do some shopping at the unique little stores, and catch the boat back to Long Beach for a night time ride in the dark.
That entire trip was magical! I highly recommend taking a jacket anytime you are at the beach, it gets chilly in the evening.
Last week we had the opportunity to return for the first time since our last trip in 2019. It felt good to do “normal” again!
This time we spent a few days in La Jolla right on the Cove. The first thing we noticed was the unique smell, which is much stronger than other California beaches due to the seals, sea lions, pelicans, seagulls, and cormorant birds – but not too offensive, and the views were worth it! The second thing we noticed was the barking of the sea lions, they are extremely talkative!!! We learned from a park ranger that seals and sea lions need to warm themselves on the rocks for a minimum of eight hours per day. Sea lions are much bigger than seals, and have ear flaps, where seals only have ear holes. Sea Lions have bigger rubbery flippers. Seals have smaller ones covered with fur. We watched the sun set from the roof of our hotel right across from the beach. Every morning the ocean was filled with swimmers old and young, snorkelers, scuba divers, surfers, and all the accompanying wildlife, including the famous La Jolla leopard sharks. No one seemed to get nibbled on, so we are guessing if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
One day we spent the day in Old Town San Diego. Our first stop was the Mormon Battalion Historic Site where we learned how the 500 battalion soldiers helped the people of San Diego after they arrived, including digging a 30 foot well for them to get fresh water right in town.
Then we had a yummy outdoor lunch at the “Coyote Café”. Mexican food is not my favorite, but whatever it was that I got was pretty good.
Monday, we spent the entire day on the USS Midway. A retired aircraft carrier turned museum, docked in San Diego. We ate lunch on the ship, and surprisingly that too was good! We listened to every single recorded message as we did our own walk along tour. We did take the mandatory guided tour of what they call “The Island” which is the tower in which the captain navigates the ship. We walked over six miles that day, and covered every inch of the ship. Ronnie even got to get in a fighter jet on the runway for a picture! Ron and I both love to learn about history, and this has been a bucket list item for a long time! We paid $12 to park on the pier right next to the ship. We were allowed to keep the car there for 12 hours.
We also bought our tickets when we got there. Tom Cruise recently flew in on a helicopter that landed on the USS Midway as part of the U.S. release of the new Top Gun - Maverick movie. We haven’t seen the new movie, so not sure if it’s good or not? The new aircraft carriers are visible across the bay from the USS Midway.
These are run by nuclear power and have four runways. The Midway is permanently retired, but ran on diesel fuel and has two runways. We especially enjoyed all the little old retired men, who serve as docents on the ship. They are truly the last few of “The Greatest Generation”, still patriotic and passionate about their military days in the Navy. They had some incredible stories to share!!!
We spent the last part of the trip in Rancho Cucamonga for Ron’s work meetings. While he worked, I spent a day in Claremont enjoying my favorite food and shopping.
And the next day at the Huntington Museum and Botanical Gardens. I ate lunch in the Japanese Garden, which is my favorite one of all. The walkways are all paved with tiny little oval stones that make up different patterns. I think I need one of those in my back yard!!! The rose garden was in full bloom, and so stunning in every way!
So if you’re looking for a little more laid back, less touristy, type of California vacation, try some of these places. You won’t have to wait in any lines, the food is better and not as pricey, and you will enjoy LIGHT the entire time you are there – even on cloudy days.
Love Ya, Les ☺