BAYSHORE BIKEWAY--CORONADO TO SAN DIEGO

*LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT

  It's another warm sunny morning in California. I decide to head out for a ride on my newly tuned-up bicycle. I started at our apartment which is near the Coronado Ferry Landing and continued on the Bayshore Bikeway down the Silver Strand Boulevard. I made a stop at Loews Coronado Bay Resort to enjoy a cup of coffee with a pleasant bayview and then treked over to the Pacific Ocean for a short beach walk. At this point I was about three miles from Imperial Beach—still not sure how far I was going to bike.

I checked with the doorman at Loews about possibly continuing my bike ride to Imperial Beach and then taking the loop around the bay—ending up in downtown San Diego. He said someone he knew biked the 25 mile loop all the time and recommended it. I decided to continue.

SAN DIEGO BAY VIEW FROM PATH

SAN DIEGO BAY VIEW FROM PATH

I have considered this bikeway many times, but I must confess that I have been uneasy about the fact that over half of it is a bike lane shared with motorized traffic. In addition, I wasn't sure about the 25 miles and the route sounded a bit confusing—depending on whom you talked to.

Once on the San Diego side, the bike path turned into a bike lane—shared with motorized vehicles and the sounds of Freeway 5. I am pretty much a bike-path-only kind of biker, so this definitely placed me out of my comfort zone. It was reasonably well-marked, even though there were a number of turns. Also, because the route follows the bay it would be difficult to go totally off in the wrong direction.

I found a very interesting stop on Bay Boulevard called Artesanos Gamez, Inc. It is a rather large building filled with hundreds of items produced in Mexico. I especially liked the bright multi-colored pots and some of the small wooden chests that would be perfect at the side of our bed. It is a wholesale company that is open to the public. No one ever came out to help me, so I'm not sure about the pricing but it was a much appreciated break.

I continued on and took the detour into the very beautiful Chula Vista Park. There were a couple of restaurants near the park which I passed on and regretted soon afterwards because I was starting to get hungry. The industrial area ahead did not look very promising for food. After a few more miles, I came across the Waterfront Grill at Pier32. This time I stopped and leisurely enjoyed my lunch sitting on the outside deck with a harbor view.

HARBOR DRIVE - BIKE LANE

Up until the point where Tidelands Avenue intersects with Harbor Drive in San Diego, I would unequivocally recommend the bike route. Even though there wasn't always a bike trail it was quite interesting and the traffic was light. Once on Harbor Drive, however, the next five miles were not very enjoyable because of traffic, many busy intersections, and a bumpy bike lane.(I recommend taking this route on a weekend when there would be less traffic.)

Once I arrived at the Convention Center, the bike trail started again. I boarded the 3 p.m. ferry back to Coronado. It was a good experience and one that I had been trying to get up the courage to do for awhile, so I felt good about my accomplishment. I allowed a full day for the trip and I was glad to travel at my leisure and stop along the way—traits of a Vintage Traveler.

I just returned home—Ron said he wants to go out for Happy Hour. We'd better head out quickly, because if I sit down on the living room chair I might not move again until morning. 



FINAL STRETCH --BIKE TRAIL

*Photo from Loews photo collection

VINTAGE CLOTHES & ART IN NORTH PARK

RAY STREET AT NIGHT

We picked the second Saturday in January to head up to North Park's Ray at Night.  This is a monthly celebration of the arts featuring galleries, vendors, food and music on Ray Street. I think we visited most of them. There was a variety of art on display which included ceramics, mosaics, crafts, and paintings. The live music added to the festivity and fun of the evening. It was cold for San Diego and once again my winter coat came in handy. We ended the night at The Ritual in North Park for a pleasant drink.


VINTAGE COUPLE AT THE RITUAL TAVERN

VINTAGE HATS

   The next day we enjoyed a great Sunday brunch prepared by my daughter, the ClassyCareerGirl, and then went on a short walk to visit a couple of vintage clothing shops that we missed the night before. I really enjoyed The Girl Can't Help  shop on Grim Ave. The clothing and accessories were upscale and looked like they had barely been worn. The shop specializes in ladies and men's quality mid 20th century clothing and accessories. They were also "well-priced" with dresses costing up the $500 or more. This was originally a London shop that moved to San Diego.

VINTAGE DRESS

   I did find a pink patterned dress that I loved--I didn't bother to try it on because I have no idea where I would wear it. (No doubt it was too small anyway because the vintage ladies of the 50's and 60's tended to weigh less than today's women.)  Studies  indicate our heads are getting bigger as well (maybe we're smarter).

THE GIRL CAN'T HELP - VINTAGE DRESS

 I love to look at vintage clothes, and this shop was a gem.  Another clothing boutique, Ms Vintage, is located nearby in North Park and is loaded with vintage clothes and accessories--well worth a visit. 

STORE DISPLAY

   One last stop, just for fun and curiosity was
Vintage Religion--a unique shop inspired by religion and cultures of the world. It was filled with a variety of figurines, jewelry, t-shirts ranging from the "day of the Dead" to Buddha. The owners' hearse (clearly marked Vintage Religion) is parked on the street outside the store for advertisement.
   

 

 



 

EXCURSION TO LOS ANGELES

I could not refuse an invitation from my favorite friend to join her group for a bus ride to Los Angeles to see a live viewing of "The Doctors" at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.  In addition, we would be given lots of free time to visit the Original L.A. Farmers Market and nearby Groves shopping area.  The bus was to leave from the Curves in Poway--I drove up to my friends' house the night before so we could make the early 6:30am free ride to L.A.

The trip started out a little shaky because we had to wait in pouring rain for over an hour for a late bus (Yes, it does rain in Southern California). Once we all boarded, we experienced water leaking from the roof of a not so clean bus.  Also, the windshield wipers looked a little suspect. Finally, we were on the road to L.A. in less then perfect conditions.

Fortunately, they ordered another bus for the return trip which turned out to be fine. About two hours later, we were dropped off at the Farmers Market and everyone made a beeline for the restrooms.  The sun came out and we had a lovely time walking, shopping, eating and people watching.

We quickly walked through the Market and headed for the more upscale Groves Mall. Our first stop was Anthropologie--I love the Vintage displays and clothing in these stores. It was during a visit to an Anthropologie store a few years ago that I came up with the name for this blog--My Vintage Journeys.

Fortunately, one of our Curves friends needed to visit The American Girl Place to shop for her granddaughter. We spent a lot of time looking at the gigantic selection of dolls, clothes, accessories and even books (yes, they can learn about history from these books)--interesting that the books were only $6.95--I say "only" because everything else is over the top.  Speaking of dolls, it makes me wonder what will become of my daughter Anna's Molly and other dolls that are currently boxed up in our Minnesota basement.



We returned to the L.A. Farmers Market which is quite a contrast to the upscale Groves Mall because more than 90%of the shops and stalls are independently owned and operated. The Farmers Market started in 1934. At lunch time, we all congregated at the old tables and chairs in the central food court to eat and discuss the many food choices. I highly recommend reading the "78 facts" about the Market which is on their website.

After a pleasant lunch at the Farmers Market, we hoped back on the bus and drove to a live showing of "The Doctors".  I find it very interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes of a live production. They herded us in, and then we needed to patiently sit while they "warmed us up" with jokes, trivia questions and instructions on when to clap and laugh during the production. Finally, the show began and I learned a few interesting facts like men having fewer wrinkles then women because they shave. There were a also celebrities on the show--Latoya Jackson and Denise Austin. Everyone in the audience received a free copy of Austins' recent book, Side Effect: Skinny.

The bus trip back to Poway was long because of traffic (we left during rush hour) but the Poway group managed to bring wine and hor d'oeuvre so all was well.  Once we arrived back at Curves, I had the pleasure of a side trip through a Poway neighborhood that has about 50 homes extensively decorated for Christmas.

Finally, about 10pm we were dropped off at my friend's home and I still had to drive back to Coronado on the San Diego freeways which I am still learning to navigate. Fortunately, I made it home safely.

Thank you, Jean, and her special friends that I've had the privilege of getting to know through the years.

 

AMERICAN GIRLS

GROVES SHOPPING AREA

FRIENDS IN ANTHROPOLOGIE STORE

POWAY XMAS DECORATIONS

MERRY CHRISTMAS & CONGRATULATIONS TO BEN

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!  I really appreciate your taking time throughout the year to follow my "Vintage Journeys". 

In addition to our holiday celebration this year, we had the added benefit of honoring our son, Ben, who recently graduated witha BS degree from the University of Ashford. Friends and family took a short break on Christmas Eve for a champagne toast to Ben. Here is the proud "Vintage Mom" speech: 
"We all know that achieving a college degree is not an easy feat--it requires a lot of perseverance and determination--we are very proud of Ben for this achievement.

Unlike most of us, Ben has managed to accomplish getting his formal education while at the same time experiencing life in many other ways.  He has traveled the world including nine visits to Iraq, toured with a band throughout western and eastern Europe, visited every state in the US and most provinces of Canada--along with Central America and Argentina.  He has played guitar and back-up singer in a traveling band, been a sound technician to numerous groups, set up stages and managed national and worldwide tours.  In addition, he has done it all with class--impressing many along the way with his good nature, hard work and humor.  Never does Ben let the ways of the world influence him--he does it his own way.



BEN IN SADDAM HUSSEIN'S CHAIR

Currently he is employed by Americorp, managing projects that allow underprivileged people to live in their dream homes.  We have to believe he is on his way to far greater accomplishments in the future.  Ben has done a great job of keeping life interesting while moving on to bigger and better things as needed.  Ron and I will continue to learn from our children which is one of our greatest blessings."


 

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS IN CORONADO

 

SANTA
 HOTEL DEL CORONADO  IN BACKGROUND





GRAHAM MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN

This is the first year I've had the privilege of living
 in Coronado to enjoy the holiday season. 

Coronado takes pride in organizing numerous events--mostly free for residents and visitors. There are Christmas parades (on land and water), concerts, glittering trees and decorations everywhere.  The Hotel del Coronado is a fascinating place to visit any time of the year, however, it is spectacular at Christmas. They build a very popular outside ice skating rink directly on the Pacific Ocean.  To give you an idea of all that is going on here, I just counted 29 holiday events listed in The Coronado 2012 Holiday Guide.  I have not had the time to experience all of them but so far my favorites have been a leisurely weekday visit to the Hotel Del (built in 1888) to observe the lovely Christmas decorations, watching the Christmas Boat Parade from our apartment window with friends, and viewing the beautifully decorated trees along Orange Avenue.  The variety of  homes and churches built in the early 1900's add to the magical charm of Coronado.  

DECORATED VINTAGE HOME

I do love it here, however,  the best part of  Christmas will be the celebration in Minnesota with family and old friends.

ANNA  IN VINTAGE RACOON COAT

(As usual I will need to wear my moms'  vintage racoon coat on Christmas Day--it fits so well in Minnesota.)

LIVINGSTON HOUSE-1144 ISABELLA AVENUE

 


VINTAGE HOME CORONADO

SANTA AT THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO

CORONADO VINTAGE HOME





SNOW????? IN SAN DIEGO

This December day started out with a pleasant commuter ferry ride from Coronado to downtown San Diego. Followed by a not so pleasant walk up Broadway to Balboa Park--passing Horton Plaza, dozens of tattoo shops, unusual folks, City College and finally the Park. Unintentionally, I managed to take the least scenic and longest route to Balboa Park. The purpose of the trip was to meet with my daughter, Anna, and to take her niece, Sophia, skating. Anna picked me up at the Park. We drove to Westfield UTC Mall for skating. This was a good choice because the rink was wide open--a skaters delight.

The last time Anna skated with Sophia, it required two adults to hold her up which is why I was recruited for this excursion.  After one trip around the rink, it was clear that this little four-year-old was on her way to skating with the help of one hand and then no hands.  A very remarkable young lady--just like her skating instructor, Anna.  However, what I found fascinating was Sophia's falling down and putting her finger on the little bit of snow that built up from the skaters.  I realized, of course, that she was intrigued by the snow because she lives in snowless San Diego. 

Later, when I returned to Coronado by ferry and met my husband at the Landing he was amused by a long line he had just witnessed.  Children and parents were waiting to play and slide on the "Mountain of Snow" (four feet high).  Yes, in Coronado they ship in tons of snow for the kids to play on for a few hours in order to celebrate Christmas.  It is sponsored by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and part of the Annual Open House. 

Just for the record, the forecast for Maple Plain, MN tomorrow is as follows:  "Intermittent snow showers, especially early. High 33F. S winds shifting to WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 70%.
1-3 inches of snow expected." (I just heard they had over ten inches of snow.) 
 Could there be a greater appreciation for snow out here in San Diego? Is less better? For now, I think less is better. 

SNOW IN CORONADO

SNOW MOUNTAIN

 

EARLY MORNING VIEWS FROM MY WINDOW

 

CORONADO BRIDGE AT SUNRISE

 

 

 Fortunately, I am an early riser so I can enjoy these lovely views of San Diego before the city lights go dim.  One of the special treats is viewing the gigantic Christmas tree at the Marriott across the bay - it absolutely glitters and reflects off the nearby buildings and water.  This is  followed by a lovely sunrise over the Coronado Bridge. 

Here are  photos taken this morning: 

CORONADO BRIDGE

 

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO