California Here We Come

A 93-day adventure by Betty Read more

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Day 57
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 24, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
On my walk today I came across what the owner of The Laguna Nursery called a "boutique garden centre". It was very unique and pretty compared to most garden centres I've visited.
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Day 57
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 2:00 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 24, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
I walked along the beach but could only walk so far before encountering a rocky shore. Most of the beaches here are small sandy coves. I ended my walk at the Main Beach with the historic lifeguard station that was built in the 1920s. And of course I had to stay to watch the sunset....a perfect way to end the day.Read more
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Day 58
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 25, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
I decided to explore inland to an Orange County park called the Top of the World. Google maps indicated it was a 7.5 km return trip that should take 35 minutes one way. Wrong!! Google didn't account for the 900 foot elevation gain. It took me l l/2 hours to hike to the Top. I followed a major winding roadway, Park Avenue, that had a decent sidewalk. It was a tough climb :(Read more
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Day 58
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 25, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
The view from the Top made it all worthwhile. I was glad I had brought a light snack along with my bottle of water.
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Day 58
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 25, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
I approached a friendly lady walking her dog to see if there was an alternate route back down to the coast. She offered to drive me back to the beach but I insisted I needed the exercise. She recommended the Skyline Parkway and gave me directions. This route, I later learned from a review of the map, was very circuitous and probably added an extra km or more to my hike. But I saw beautiful and unusual gardens for an arid climate.Read more
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Day 58
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 25, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
This entire neighbourhood was made up of multi-million dollar homes. I'm sure the people driving by me thought I was hired help. I felt very out of place but certainly enjoyed this alternate route. Since I wasn't prepared for how long this hike would take, I was only half-way down the hill when the sun set. It was a nice viewpoint! It quickly darkened but I made my way back safely.Read more
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Day 59
Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 8:00 AM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 26, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
This afternoon I headed south on the Pacific Coast HIghway and after 4 km of walking up and down rolling hills, I arrived at the beautiful Treasure Island Beach.
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Day 59
Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 9:00 AM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 26, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
The cliff side park was just as impressive as the beach. It was immaculate and so peaceful.
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Day 59
Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 26, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
I was having fun with my version of selfies when a young professional man walked up behind and startled me when I was running down the steps. He was impressed with my technique.
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Day 59
Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 26, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
On my way back I took a photo of the sidewalk. It was about 15 inches wide and was overgrown with wild grass and other greenery. I only met one person on my walk so sidewalks are not a priority. Their emphasis is on bike lanes, which are everywhere along major routes. Americans love their cars.

I got back to Main Beach in Laguna just as the sun was setting. I never tire of sunsets.Read more
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Day 60
Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United States Laguna Beach Branch Orange County Public Library 33.542248, -117.7831133°32’32” N 117°46’59” W
Laguna Beach
February 27, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
It was time to say good bye to the people of Laguna Beach. There were the many artists who lined the bluff overlooking the beach. The muscular cyclist, who is faceless, was in her 80s. I was speechless and regret not talking with her to hear her story. I saw more homeless people here than anywhere else and many of them had obvious mental health issues.Read more
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Day 60
Friday, February 27, 2015 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 36 m
United States Dana Cove 33.466972, -117.69810833°28’1” N 117°41’53” W
Dana Point
February 27, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
I had read on Trip Advisor that it was worthwhile stopping in the community of Dana Point. It is known for its whale watching tours and ferries to Catalina Island. I didn't have time for either but I followed Trip Advisor's instructions on how to get to the Bluff Top Trail. It was only about 1 km in length but was very picturesque and was definitely a worthwhile stop. The bronze statue depicts a New England sailor in the 1800s who would toss locally raised cowhides from the cliffs in exchange for goods carried on their ships.Read more
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Day 61
Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 13 m
United States Rotary Park 33.158093, -117.35059433°9’29” N 117°21’2” W
Carlsbad
February 28, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
When I arrived in Carlsbad yesterday I took the vehicle to the Toyota dealership as it was due for maintenance. Everything checked out okay. I'm staying at the Hampton Inn for 2 nights as I'm unable to check in to my next timeshare until March 1st.

Although rain was in the forecast and it was cool enough that I needed to wear a jacket for the first time, I ventured to San Diego by the Coaster train. A seniors return ticket was $5.50 so it was a far better deal than driving there. I messed up on the train schedule and got to the train platform just as the train was arriving. I didn't have time to purchase my ticket so I just hopped on the train hoping no one would be checking..... and of course I got caught!! The conductor was very understanding and trusted that I would pay for a return ticket in San Diego. No one even checked my ticket on the return trip.

Because of the weekend train schedule, I only had 3 hours to see the city as I didn't want to return after dark. I went to the Farmers Market that was several blocks long and saw the highlights of the city. I spent most of my time on the harbour front and unfortunately did not get to see Gaslamp Quarter, the historic section of the city. I did see Little Italy (a small area of Italian restaurants and shops); USS Midway aircraft carrier (now a naval aviation museum); and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge.Read more
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Day 61
Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 13 m
United States Rotary Park 33.158093, -117.35059433°9’29” N 117°21’2” W
Carlsbad
February 28, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
There was a very nicely done memorial to Bob Hope. The bronze statues were detailed and they had a recording of Hope telling his jokes to the troops. The sailor sculpture is called "Unconditional Surrender" and depicts the joy of the American people upon learning World War II had ended. The last artwork is called "Our Silences" by the Mexican artist Rivelino. The temporary exhibit has travelled to 14 different countries and this is the first time in the US. The metal plate covering each figure's mouth represents the importance of freedom of expression.Read more
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Day 61
Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 13 m
United States Rotary Park 33.158093, -117.35059433°9’29” N 117°21’2” W
Carlsbad
February 28, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
I enjoyed my day in San Diego. It never did rain and the sunshine was warm. The tourist map I had was not to scale so I walked much further than expected and I now have tired, aching feet :(
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Day 62
Sunday, March 1, 2015
🌧 11 °C
Altitude: 144 m
United States Agua Caliente Spring 33.830296, -116.54529233°49’49” N 116°32’43” W
Palm Springs
March 1, 2015 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
The forecasters announced a "winter storm advisory" for today. What?? This is California, not North Dakota! The forecast was for snow above 4,000 feet, rain at lower elevations, and wind gusts up to 50 mph. I was concerned about having to drive through a mountain pass to get to my next home in Palm Springs. During the 2+ hour drive I did encounter periods of heavy rain but the worst part was the insane drivers here who don't know how to slow down for the road conditions. There was one short delay due to a small rock slide. When I arrived in Palm Springs it was raining and the temperature was only 11 degrees.

My new residence is the Palm Springs Tennis Club Resort which is 4 short blocks off of the main street, Palm Canyon Drive. I'm in what they call a "bungalow", which is a maze of similar units with central courtyards and gardens. It's quite spacious, nicely furnished, and very comfortable.Read more
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Day 64
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 144 m
United States Agua Caliente Spring 33.8303, -116.545333°49’49” N 116°32’43” W
Palm Springs
March 3, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
The rain persisted on and off yesterday so it was a good day to relax indoors. Today the sunshine returned but with still below normal temperatures....70 degrees. Here's my little bungalow that is nestled up against the mountain.

I spent the afternoon walking up and down Palm Canyon Drive. The southern section is a blend of restaurants, boutiques, and touristy shops. The northern end is known as the Design District and has several blocks of art galleries and mid-century modern decorator and designer shops. South or north.....all the shops were too expensive for my budget. I'll have to stick to Ross (Cross) Dress for Less.Read more
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Day 65
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 144 m
United States Agua Caliente Spring 33.8303, -116.545333°49’49” N 116°32’43” W
Palm Springs
March 4, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
After lugging my bike around for the past 2 months, I finally got to go for my first bike ride today!! The City of Palm Springs has done a great job with dedicated bike lanes and signage for different bike routes throughout the city. The terrain is mostly flat as I only encountered two slight hills. Yay! I cycled for 2 hours going through town and a beautiful area called Canyon Country Club. There were golf courses and upscale mid-century modern homes that Palm Springs is known for. I noticed that there is snow in the mountains that wasn't there in January. While it was raining in the valley this week, the mountains got up to 12 inches of snow.Read more
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Day 66
Thursday, March 5, 2015
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 144 m
United States Agua Caliente Spring 33.830296, -116.54529233°49’49” N 116°32’43” W
Palm Springs
March 5, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
I went for another bike ride today and explored a different area of the city with even more affluence. I discovered there were indeed hills in the Valley. Many of the homes had grapefruit trees and I was so very tempted to pick one. But then I saw the security sign that read, "Maximum Security....Armed Response". I decided to buy my grapefruit at the grocery store.

I had an appointment to get my haircut in the afternoon except the salon neglected to tell me that they had changed locations and hadn't updated their website!! It was a very frustrating adventure finding them but I did eventually get my much needed hair cut.

This evening I went to the Art Museum that is 2 blocks from my home. They offered free admission today only so I took advantage of the deal. This was a very modern museum. I was most impressed by the glass sculpture of the woman and the sculpture of the elderly couple. I thought the couple was real until I noticed that there was a security rope around the display.Read more
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Day 68
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 144 m
United States Agua Caliente Spring 33.830296, -116.54529233°49’49” N 116°32’43” W
Palm Springs
March 7, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Yesterday was a great day for biking, sitting by the pool, and shopping in the evening. I finally finished the book that I've been trying to read for the past 3 years. Margaret Atwood is an excellent writer but sometimes difficult to get through.

Today I cycled for 2 hours and was on the verge of heat exhaustion! When I got back to my bungalow the temperature was 29 degrees; the humidity was 7%; and the wind was 5 kph. That dry heat parched my throat and although I brought bottled water, it wasn't nearly enough.

Since the bike route is on city streets, I was using hand signals when I made turns. I'm sure drivers were totally unfamiliar with this as I got some strange looks. When I got to the top of this gradual hill I made a detour because I knew I didn't have the energy to cycle back up once I went down it.Read more
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Day 68
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 144 m
United States Agua Caliente Spring 33.830296, -116.54529233°49’49” N 116°32’43” W
Palm Springs
March 7, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
This riverbed is dry except for a trickle of water. I couldn't imagine there ever being a raging river through here. Grass lawns are discouraged by the city and this homeowner created a pretty miniature garden in the midst of all the concrete. Bougainvillea in Palm Springs is like dandelions in Winnipeg! It appears to be growing wild everywhere but is so nice and colourful.Read more
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Day 68
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 144 m
United States Agua Caliente Spring 33.830296, -116.54529233°49’49” N 116°32’43” W
Palm Springs
March 7, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Leonardo DiCaprio purchased this house last year for a paltry 5.2 million. He is now renting it out for $4,500 a night if anyone is interested. I did the research....6 bedrooms, 7 l/2 baths, 1.3 acres, tennis court and pool. Nondescript exterior but the interior is amazing. The house just happened to be near my biking route. This neighbourhood, Old Las Palmas, was where Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Liz Taylor vacationed.Read more
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Day 68
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 617 m
United States Las Vegas Racetrack and Ball Park 36.169941, -115.1398336°10’12” N 115°8’23” W
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 7, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
At 11:30 I left Palm Springs and headed NW to my next destination, Las Vegas. I went through 4 mountain passes, each with an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,200 metres). Traffic wasn't too bad heading north but southbound travellers were backed up for several miles at one point. There was a border patrol checkpoint seemingly in the middle of the desert.

I saw a sign for a Nevada Welcome Centre at Primm Valley so I pulled off the I-15 so that I could take a break. The Mojave Desert is about as exciting as driving across the Prairies. I never did locate the tourist information but I did find an outlet mall with a Sonoma Williams store! My drive time was 4 l/2 hours but with this break and a stop for gas, I arrived in Vegas at 5:30. Although my GPS is temperamental at times, it didn't fail me on this drive and I was very thankful for that.Read more
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Day 69
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 6:00 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 629 m
United States Las Vegas Convention Center 36.115184, -115.16008636°6’55” N 115°9’36” W
Las Vegas
March 8, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
My new home is called the Bluegreen Club 36, located on Tropicana Blvd, a 15 minute walk from the Strip. It is near the airport so I requested a unit that faced the runway as I enjoy watching planes take off and land. Although the planes are flying right over me, the building is quite soundproof. From my 5th floor living room window I can also see some of the hotels on the south end of the Strip. My reservation was for a 2 bedroom unit but I actually have 2 adjoining suites, each with their own kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, and living room. I won't have to worry about noisy next door neighbours!Read more
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Day 71
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 625 m
United States Tropicana Wash 36.114768, -115.15905636°6’53” N 115°9’33” W
Las Vegas
March 10, 2015 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
I have been savouring my last few hours of freedom and solitude as John arrived this afternoon on a non-stop flight from YWG. Over the next few days we experienced Vegas unlike previous trips to the city. I walked the Strip daily that was an endless crowd shoulder-to-shoulder. In the evenings John would join me as we dined, gambled and lost, and drank cheap rum and coke. I planned an itinerary that included seeing The Million Dollar Quarter, which was based on the 1956 historical meeting and impromptu jam session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. It was an excellent show. We also saw Raiding the Rock Vault which is the story of Classic Rock from the 60s to the 80s, performed by actual band members. My seat rumbled with the loud bass sound and guitar solos. Our last show was Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil. Wow!! This was our first Cirque show so we didn't know what to expect but we were amazed. I bought the cheapest tickets for $85, which were on opposite sides of the theatre. When we arrived, I politely asked if it was possible to sit together. We were upgraded to two stage centre seats that cost $165!! We absolutely loved the show and it was the highlight of our week in Vegas.Read more
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