​We knew we would need a break from the gray days of late fall, so we booked a trip to San Diego.  Our timing was good because it was cold and rainy at home and sunny and warm  when we arrived in San Diego. We found an accessible room directly across from Carlsbad State Beach and began taking in the warmth of the 70 degree sun.

    We were struck by the symmetry of motion, with crashing waves accompanied by pelicans soaring in formation in search of a meal.  We wanted to join in all the activity so we began to explore the area. We found a paved walkway that ran behind the seawall bordering the beach and went for a stroll as a beautiful sunset developed  We followed  the path  for about 1 1/2 miles to Tammerick Beach Park.

​ We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at an Armenian restaurant and strolled back to the hotel as a full moon set into the ocean.

    The next day we relaxed at the beach and enjoyed exploring the shops in Carlsbad. I noticed more people in the water and couldn't resist the urge to join them. I enjoyed feeling the power of the waves as I waded into the swells. I brought Debi a nice salty kiss and she enjoyed feeling the warm sand between her toes. We enjoyed hearing the sound of taps as a bugler from Dino's Bistro saluted the sunset. It helped me realize that the day was done and never would be repeated.  

     We got up early the next morning and enjoyed the drive up the coast to Dana Point. We boarded the Catalina Express and enjoyed calm seas on the 1 1/2 hour trip to Avalon, on Catalina Island.  We thought we were back in the Mediterranean when we first saw the picturesque village at the edge of the bay.  We explored the shops in town and then wandered into the valley in search of the botanical garden.  We were amazed at the diverse plant life that included manzanita, oak and cactus.  We never made it to the garden, but enjoyed a stop at a nature center.  We returned to the beach and found a nice walkway that led to the famous casino(that never was used for gambling).  A delicious lunch at the pier in the warm sun and a stop at the candy store completed our day on Catalina Island.  We were treated to a spectacular sunset as we headed back to Dana Point.

     The next day we explored the San Diego Zoo and were impressed by it's accessibility.  Late in the day the fog moved in and we struggled to find our way back to Carlsbad.  We enjoyed watching the fog smother the tree tops and we marveled at the silence. 

     We felt rejuvenated as we returned home and were glad that we had made the trip.  Little did we know that it would be our last adventure as Debi's health rapidly deteriorated and she passed away in April.

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