I have had and continue to have the good fortune and ability to travel. I must admit, up to this point, I have yet to experience a place with better, more consistent weather than San Diego. And although, the weather does change, the changes seem to be within a realm.
This recent trip to San Diego does not disappoint. A pair of slacks, a pair of shorts, a couple of T-shirts and a sweatshirt, and I’m set. A bit cool in the morning and evening, near 80 degrees mid-day, partly cloudy to clear skies and a beautiful ocean breeze….ah! Does it get any better?
Our first stop of the day – Coronado Island. We take the famous Coronado Bay Bridge to the island and spend the afternoon exploring.
Son and I grab a quick bite to eat at the local Taco Bell. We are soon reminded that the Naval Air Station is just up the road as Military personal enter on their lunch break. The Naval Aviators are easily recognizable in their green jump suits/flight suits. Son and I can’t stop glancing at the three aviators sitting at a table across from us. Logan finally says, “Mom, stop starring. I know what you’re thinking”. My response, “So, smart a*s, exactly what am I thinking?”
“Two of those dudes look just like dad when he was younger”. Ok, busted. Although I did not know hubby during his military days, I’ve seen plenty of photos of him in his green flight suit. Hubby actually shipped out of San Diego on an aircraft carrier. Yes, flying a plane on and off an aircraft carrier takes skill, but more importantly guts and hubby definitely has guts. Hubby has all sorts of tales to tell about his Navy days. A chair, a campfire, and a margarita and the evening’s entertainment will commence….interject a little exaggeration here and there and I promise one won’t be bored. In addition to all his other talents, Al is definitely a gifted story-teller….
Ah….to be young again….one can dream! Logan and I drive to the other side of the island, park the car parallel with the ocean, and walk across the sand to the waters edge. Our last time here on Coronado Island was fifteen years ago for Logan’s tenth birthday. At the time, my brother and his wife lived in California and we lived in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Al, the kids, and I arrive in San Diego the day before we were to meet brother and wife at Sea World to celebrate Logan’s birthday. We arrive in San Diego a bit too early to check into our hotel room. Al, having spent time in the area, proceeds to drive over to his old stomping grounds on Coronado Island. It’s Sunday, but more importantly it’s Mother’s Day and much to our surprise, the Navy was having an open house. The aircraft carrier USS Nimetz was in port and open to civilians. OMG, Al’s excitement could not be contained.
We spend the next few hours exploring the USS Nimetz. This was definitely a special bonding moment between father and son. It was the highlight of the weekend for Logan and birthday memories he has cherished. All the while father and son were enthralled with their surroundings, 7 year old daughter whined about wanting to know where the dolphins were. Tomorrow, honey, tomorrow! I admit to a little whining on my part as well, but let’s not go there.
Well tomorrow came and daughter was in seventh heaven. She got to feed and pet a dolphin. The delight on her face was priceless. Son on the other hand, wanted to know why he couldn’t go back to the aircraft carrier. Oh well, at least each child had their memorable day, and as parents we shared in their joy as lasting memories were forged.
Logan and I reminisce as we walk the beach heading toward the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Good times, good times!
Live Laugh RV 
San Diego is a must see if you are planning to head to California! Great post 🙂
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I opted to celebrate my 30th with a visit to San Diego…. but for me the main event was the zoo! Loved it. Wish I’d been in picture snapping mode back then…. hmmmmm, now you have me considering another destination.
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Share your sentiment….wish I were in picture taking mode years ago as well. Son and I were totally taken by the cities high rises. The architecture is stunning. Having just been to New Orleans, the contrast of these two cities was interesting to say the least…..old vs realtively new.
I don’t think you could go wrong with a trip to San Diego. There is so much to see and do and you can’t beat the weather!
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I visited San Diego in ’09 for a convention. i had a great time and I am glad I was I visited. the weather was amazing and I took in two ball games at Petco Park. I was able to see my Astros and the Dodgers. it was a good time. there are lots of great places to dine and I do remember walking the deck on the Nimitz, it was all good – enjoy your visit.
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Aircraft carrier is amazing. I’d go back to San Diego in a heart beat…..that is, when gas prices go down. Diesel was over $5.50….ouch!
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I spent a week on Coronado Island, your photo of the Hotel Del Coronado brings back so many memories. I went to the hotel to the ice cream shop just so I could say I had been to the hotel.
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I know what you mean. Son and I wandered the gift shop and walked around like we were staying at the hotel. Such a unique building. Hoping to go back to Coronado Island with bicycles and bike around the island. Fun time!
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Great photos of SD. You are going to think I’m nuts, but I started going in either spring or fall because to me, the summertime feels a little too toasty for my liking. I’m not used to the high humidity, so once the temperature gets into the mid-80s in the summer over there, it feels like 95 to me over here. To me, it feels most comfortable when it is in the 60’s and 70’s over there. I also have to slather on more sunscreen- I seem to sunburn faster in SD. I hardly ever get sunburns out here in Phoenix, but go figure, I usually bring home a sunburn as a souvenir when I come back from SD.
I actually like your corner of the world as a summertime escape to beat the heat. Denver’s summertime weather has never disappointed me.
Again, great photos. I know the weather over there was just fabulous at this time of year.
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Yeah son and I had really nice weather in San Diego. Phx is getting real comfortable though too. Son and I hiked Thunderbird Park (Glendale) last week in the morning and it was lovely. I know what you mean about the sunscreen thing. It is rather bizzare.
Totally agree, Denver and surrounding is a great summertime locale….not my fav in the winter. Looking forward to hitching up the rig and becoming a Phx resident for the winter 🙂
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LOL – yeah I don’t travel outside the Southwest during the winter months. Did go to Washington DC in March one time…my AZ winter clothes got me through the week, but I experienced windburn over there.
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We love San Diego and Coronado Island is a must-see. Great post Ingrid. 🙂
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Sounds like you’ll be spending some time in San Diego. It’s so pretty there. I’d like to ride our bikes around Coronado Island…..
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Beautiful. We love San Diego, it has the perfect weather. For now we are jealous you are in perfect weather. We are still high up in the mountains and its Brrrrr .
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The mountains are getting cold and getting covered in white stuff. Time to head south!
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I fell in love with San Diego a few years ago when the Hubman and I went to Comic Con. What a beautiful place.
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Comic Con how fun. Yes it really is a beautiful place!
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Oh how memories are built… and this sounds like one that will stay with you all for many years to come…
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Most definitely 🙂
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