Something for Everyone in San Diego

 It seems every time I visit San Diego, I find something new. 

From picturesque beaches, to historical landmarks, there is something for everyone in this magnificent city.

 

 

In the mood for some shopping and people watching?? Take a walk in the "Heart of San Diego", the Gaslight District.

 

 

 Visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to experience the city's Mexican-American Heritage. Good food, wonderful shopping and historical museums can all be found here.

 

 

 

 

 Want experience some of San Diego's gardens and culture? Take a stroll in Balboa Park. From a Japanese Garden to the city's Museum of Natural History, one could spend a week visiting this park alone!!

 

 

 

The Navy, Marines and Coast Guard all have bases in San Diego. This made it a great place for the USS Midway to retire. You can tour the Midway(for a modest fee of course) everyday of the week.

 

 

 

After touring the ship, grab a cold drink and go back in time as you admire the Kissing Sailor Statue and right behind it you can find the wonderful Bob Hope Memorial.

 

 

 What ever else you may do while visiting San Diego, make sure to visit one of the many beaches. Bring your dog to one of the friendly dog beaches, or get sand in your toes at one of the quieter beaches in La Jolla. The San Diego coastline has so much to offer and has some of the best beaches on the West Coast.

There you have it, San Diego has so much to offer for so many making it a wonderful California destination(and one of my favorites)!

 

 

 

 

Mahalo, Maui

 

Memories of tropical breezes, colorful sunrises. Experiencing sunny beaches in the morning and chilly mountain breezes in the afternoon.  These are things I remember most about Maui, Hawaii. I have been blessed to travel to so many wonderful destinations over the years. Our trip to Maui was one where literally, if you didn't like the temperature or weather, you could just drive to the other side of the island and experience a different climate!

 

 

The tropical rain that falls on the Northeast side of the island helps fuel the abundant waterfalls and beautiful flora.

 

 

The Hana Highway covers most of this area, even with the spotty showers, I have to say this was my favorite part of the island!

Visit my "H"ana Highway Post

 

 

 

 

Interior Maui also has its share of beauty. Iao Valley State Park showcases green mountain peaks with numerous streams running through the valleys.

 

 

 

 The beaches on the Southern side of the island beaches sparkle and are ideal for a morning of snorkeling.

 

 

 

While the Northwest beaches are excellent for sitting and washing waves crashing against the rocky terrain.

 

 

 

 Sitting on top of it all is Haleakala National Park. At 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakala boasts beautiful sunrises (if you are willing to rise very, very early). We opted for an afternoon drive up the mountain to escape the heat of the day. The temperatures drop

 quickly and the vegetation thins as you make the drive up the ever twisting mountain road leading to the park.

 

 

 

What a different view you see as you reach Haleakala Crater.  It almost as if you are transported to Mars or the Moon. Gone is the thick tropical vegetation, not to mention the warm tropical air. It is replaced by lava, ash and scrub, not to mention the temperatures fall about 30 degrees. Traveling up to Haleakala National Park is almost like visiting an island within an island.

 

 Mahalo, Maui, for showing us your magical climates and magnificent scenery. From the rainy to the sunny, the sunrises to the sunsets, you are one of the most magical places we have visited.

 

 

 

Beauty of Nature

Still - in a way - nobody sees a flower - really - it is so small - we haven't the time -
and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.
- Georgia O'Keeffe

Grace in Small Things 03/365


1. Comfy Jeans

2. Scales where the numbers read less than yesterday

3. Digital Cameras

4. A bossy 7 pound dog named Bilbo

5. Coworkers and a boss you can laugh with