Crystal Cove State Park to Oceanside

Day 12, Wednesday January 20
Dave biked down to the historic district on the beach in the morning.  The Crystal Cove Historic District is part of Crystal Cove State Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It occupies 12.3 acres right on the beach. The reason for being listed on the National Register is not only because of its significance but also because the 46 cottages located there were built in the 1920s and 1930s.  The cottages are examples of Southern California coastal development in the early 20th century and were preserved by the Crystal Cove Alliance.  Since the restoration, the cottages have been open to the public for overnight stays.  This area has been a popular location by the film industry.  On this site is a very small, quaint beachy restaurant called the Beachcomber.  We met Dave's 2 brothers there for lunch.  The sun was out and we sat on the covered outdoor patio.  Pretty darned nice!

Beachcomber Cafe

Day 13, Thursday January 21
Today was a sightseeing day.  We drove up to Manhattan Beach for lunch, then worked our way back south through the major beach towns:  Hermosa, Redondo, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and home.  Met Dave's brothers and their wives at Wind & Sea restaurant at Dana Point for Happy Hour(s).  Fun evening and beautiful sunset.

Day 14, Friday January 22
Moving day.  Left Crystal Cove State Park and drove south about an hour to Guajome (pron: Gwayhomee) County Park in Oceanside.  Its's a small park with about 33 sites surrounded by hiking trails and small lakes.  The only thing we don't like about the park is that it allows wood fires, so we are noticing some smoke.  Closing all the windows and doors.  Today is also laundry day (uck).

Day 15, Saturday January 23
Spent part of the day visiting Dave's mom in Lake Elsinor.  We're closer now, so it didn't take as long to drive there.  Came back to Oceanside early enough to meet with Dave's brothers and their wives for a late lunch at a fun waterfront Mex restaurant called Rockin' Baja.  Ate way too much so came back to camp and went for a long nature walk to settle our stomachs.  So full, don't think we'll eat again until breakfast :~)