Tuesday, March 23 - Day 13
From Morena to Coronado, CA
You know the old saying "save the best for last." I hadn't planned it that way, and I may be doing an injustice to all the scenic roads I've traveled on my way to the West Coast -- but in time I may well remember this morning's drive as the most scenic one.
The day started out ordinarily enough. That is to say, I woke up earlier than I wanted to, noted with dismay that the temperature had barely climbed above the night's low of 39F, that the early morning sun was having a bit of a problem breaking through the clouds, and ate my usual hearty breakfast of a fried egg, toast, and toasted English muffins.
Since this would be my last day before going off the road for a couple of days, I spent more time than usual cleaning up, tossing leftovers, putting laundry away, and just generally getting the van and me ready for visiting.
Picked up San Diego County Road S1 right outside the campground and followed it to the I-8 interchange. The road became the Laguna Mountains National Forest Scenic Byway-Sunrise Drive. Over the first 21 miles from the interchange it quickly climbed from 3,000' to 6,200' while the temperature dropped from 48F to 38F.
The scenery along the way was just fabulous.
.The road came to an end after 39 unforgettable miles. Turned onto CA 79 southbound, which took me back to I-8. Nothing scenic from then until I got to the coast. For those who want to take this S1/CA79 loop: Going uphill on S1 is the way to go, since there are more turnouts and fewer curves. CA79 has innumerable sharp curves, and no turnouts. An RV laboring uphill and negotiating tight turns would tie up traffic and the driver would miss all the pretty sights.
Wednesday, March 24 - Day 14
Coronado and San Diego, CA
Following my host's sound advice, I went on the Old Town Trolley tour. This is a vehicle made to look like an old-fashioned trolley that follows a route through Coronado and San Diego. There are 9 stops and one can get off at each stop. Every 30 minutes another trolley comes by to pick you up and take you to the next stop. Of course, you can stay on the trolley if a particular stop is not of interest. Cost for the 9 stop tour is $24, and well worth it. The drivers are informative and fun, the sights are well chosen, and you don't have to worry about driving and parking.
I skipped the San Diego Zoo and the downtown shopping center stops. Also, couldn't get a harbor cruise that fit within my overall time plan. Especially enjoyed Balboa Park with its Aerospace Museum ($5.00 for "retired") and the El Prado museum complex where I went to see the model railroad museum ($2.50, children under 15 free). I've had a lifelong interest in trains and have an unfinished layout in my basement at home.
Seaport Village is an absolutely "must see" place. The sights and views alone make it worth it.
Just one scenic view from the Village of the Coronado Bridge. There are artists offering their products all along the pier, and somebody was flying a huge kite.
Isn't this a neat place to have lunch?
Take the elevator up to the 42nd floor of the Hyatt Hotel (it's free) and enjoy a fantastic view.
After the tour I first drove to the main beach area at Coronado
and then to the southern part of Coronado, parked at Silver Beach, popped the roof, took care of my e-mail, and worked on the journal. Could have sat there for hours, just watching the sea gulls and the waves roll in.
What a perfect day! Temperature in the mid-sixties, clear blue sky. Could easily stay here for another week or so. The San Diego area certainly should be part of anybody's travel plan who is heading for Southern California.