After touring the Quad at Pomona College and enjoying lunch and shopping in Claremont Village, it was time to drive further south on this long, long journey that began in Portland, Oregon several days ago.
Going, going, going, I had little sleep on the trip since my circadian rhythm got all messed up with the long East Coast to West Coast airline flight.
Equally aggressive was our drive from Oregon to see Crater Lake, Redwoods, Victorian Inn, Ferndale, then finally a few days just north of Los Angeles.
Now the key objective was to spend some time with my hubby’s mom, in memory care, and relax in between for a few days.
CAPE REY CARLSBAD BEACH HILTON
This resort was a gorgeous place to accomplish that.
Now that I was in San Diego County, I thought I’d warm up, thrown on some shorts, blouse, and sandals and walk on the beach.
I quickly learned that even the beach in Southern California is very chilly in July, so I didn’t do any beach or poolside stuff, especially the beach wasn’t easy to access.
But the view from our room was great!
And although it was cloudy most of the time, the sun broke loose a couple of times for great photo ops.
OCEAN CREST SPA
My hubby treated me to a spa experience…Coconut Crush Body Polish: coconut, almond meal, apricot seed powder, pure cane sugar for the exfoliant; followed by therapeutic massage with body lotion and oil, with exotic tropical oils.
It all began with sauna time, then relaxing on the private patio while waiting for the massage therapist.
After the exfoliation, the massage therapist left so I could shower, then she returned for the massage…which felt wonderful to my aching muscles.
Wonderfully relaxing!
WALKS TO HANOVER BEACH COLONY
Seeing this view while exploring the resort, I decided to take my daily walks through the neighborhood across the street.
Loved all the flags!
Citrus tree outside the resort!
Easy street crossing!
Lots of interesting flowers that don’t grow in Virginia!
CHANDLER’S OCEANFRONT DINING
Well, almost oceanfront. 😉
Across the street, through an RV park, and down a cliff to access the beach.
But views nevertheless…except it was so cold I only ventured to eat on the patio our last morning here.
It was so handy to have onsite dining, especially after all the driving we’ve done.
Breakfast tacos for breakfast, with handmade corn tortillas…that I only find in Southern California!
For lunch I had this great salad!
DEL MAR FOR DINNER
My favorite dinner was out to Del Mar, just south of Carlsbad, which meant we got to drive by the horse racing!
Great views from the seafood restaurant.
Then we were off to San Diego Bay to finish our long, long drive! Stay tuned!