Escape to the Cool

Last weekend Ron and I decided to flee the 100 degree temperatures in Mesa and visit his daughter Kelli in San Diego. This might seem like an extreme solution since the two cities are almost 400 miles apart, but we had to be in Yuma on Monday anyway which is halfway. Besides Kelli is always very hospitable and even played the tour guide for us.

First we visited Seal Beach in La Jolla. The story is that the sea wall was built to create a safe beach for kids to play. Well, the seals obviously knew a good thing when they saw it and moved in. It's now a prime rookery for harbor seals. I think that's amusing. But what is really amazing is that there is an on-going legal feud between the locals who want the seals gone and the animal activists who want the seals to remain. All I can think is, "Who would want the beach after the seals have lived there and done what animals do?"


Here Ron and I pose outside of the roped-off seal area. I understand that during the non-pupping season, you can actually walk right up to them. I don't know about that - don't they have teeth?


Then we walked around La Jolla admiring all the painted cows. "Why cows?" you may ask. I certainly did. Anyway this was my favorite with the wild mane.


We had a nice lunch then went to another local favorite, Glider Point. Obviously a windy spot, it's at the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The parasails were out in force.


Here a four-year-old is being suited up for a tandem ride.


And with a smiling wave goodbye, off she goes. Her ten-year-old sister is next. What brave kids!


We also drove and walked around nearby Torrey Pines State Park. Yikes! Watch out for that cougar.


Here Ron and Kelli pose by one of the famous pines. They only grow here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara.