Well we’ve packed our suitcases again for another travel adventure. Hop in our suitcase..............
We are really looking forward to this special trip that revolves around our much loved family. First stop is California, USA to visit Luke, Beth and Wynne, and then onto Europe to visit Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Germany where we will cheer Luke on in the Challenge Series Ironman Roth. Very exciting and special!
So, back to the beautiful, exciting and charming USA. Love this country!
The USA, always a favourite destination because of the diversity of landscape and scenery; the friendly people; and the ease of traveling around; now holds a very special allure for us - our new little granddaughter! And she’s “a beauty” - in every way! Loving our time with her and being doting grandparents!
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| Enjoying our little Miss Sweetness! |
Love California, particularly the San Diego area where we are based - its blue skies and sunshine and special “holiday” atmosphere are alluring! The vibe is even more exciting as school is out for 9 weeks of summer holidays and people are in relaxation/holiday mode!
What have we done and where have we been in the San Diego area ?
The beaches are beautiful along the coast between LA and San Diego - definitely worth a driving the H1 if holidaying or visiting the USA!
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| The beaches and great surfing spots of California |
We had a great outing to Moonlight Beach, Encinitas followed by a delicious lunch at Swami's, a popular beachside health cafe.
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| Summer holidays are in full swing and everyone is out enjoying the incredible weather |
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| Wynne enjoying her picnic lunch at the beach |
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Enjoying the waves!
Sea (above) and air (below) waves!!! |
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| Grey pelicans enjoying the day! |
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| Swami's |
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| Yum! |
Cardiff-By-the-Sea and Torrey Pines are also lovely beaches. While Luke trained we enjoyed some walking and taking in the lovely scenery.
Cardiff-By-the-Sea not only has the beautiful beach but a great estuary to be enjoyed! Luke pitted himself in the creek against the fast run out into the sea.
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The estuary at Cardiff-By-the-Sea and the beach beyond.
Lots of people enjoying the great summer weather! |
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| Luke heading for the creek to challenge himself against the current in his swim training session |
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| The creek is popular for paddle boarding |
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| The coastal AMTRACK train whizzes by heading for LA |
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| Session over! |
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| Glorious weather! |
Loved the hike in Torrey Pines State Reserve - fantastic views along the coast.
The Californian State Parks Torrey Pines Natural Reserve is a must for walkers/hikers with its myriads of trails, unique landscape and flora, and spectacular coastal views. The Parks describe it as “a fragile wilderness in an urban sea”. The Reserve is home to the USA’s rarest pine tree - the Torrey Pine - which only grows here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara.
We hiked the Guy Fleming Trail which was a beautiful 2/3 mile loop which took us along the forested ocean bluffs, past the interesting sandstone formations which abound in the Reserve, and through the unique Torrey Pines. Bonus - the wildflowers were in bloom! While we enjoyed the walk and the Reserve's beauty Luke ran the hills!
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| Walking to the beach and the Reserve through the interesting Coastal Strand |
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| Torrey Pines Beach |
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Popular with RV campers
In the USA they are allowed to camp along some of the beaches |
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The Reserve.
The famous Torrey Pines Golf Course is nestled at the northern end. |
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| The bluffs tower above the beach |
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| The interesting and varied sandstone formations add an artistic touch to the Reserve |
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| Really enjoyed this trail! |
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| The naturalist, Guy Fleming was responsible for the preservation of this unique environment and habitat. |
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| "the fragile wilderness in an urban sea" |
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| Another sandstone formation which grace the Reserve |
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| The rare relic- the Torrey Pine |
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| Stunning view looking north from the bluffs |
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| How's this for a great walking/hiking trail! |
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| Looking south to La Jolla on the point |
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| Great views of the sandstone formations on the bluffs |
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| Luke running the hills in the Reserve |
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| Another healthy treat! Deserved this after our hike! |
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| Delicious! |
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