Exploring Oceanside

My friend Tere & I took off for Oceanside this morning.   A morning walk on the pier was fun, checking out surfers and fishermen.  On to the marina for lunch and more walking around looking at boats and shops.  We drove to the California Surf Museum and looked around at all the surfboards and memorabilia.  

Our final stop was the Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.  Referred to in their literature as the "King of the Missions."   First, I was shocked to learn that there was a mission in Oceanside.  Then as we drove up, was surprised to see how large it was.  It really is a beautiful, well-restored mission.

The Mission was founded in 1798 by Fr. Fermin Lasuen (patron of the Franciscans).    This Mission was18th in the chain of all Missions & was named after the King Louis IX of France.  

Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside 

Back in my garden again ...

I was hosing things down tonight after the hot day and was surprised to see this little guy in my garden.

Praying mantis 

Also found in my garden is the Opuntia cactus.  Stay away from it, just moving the small rocks away from it (to look for the label) gave me small cactus spines in my fingers!  

Opuntia basiliaris, UCR Botanical Gardens

The Opuntia is also known as a beavertail cactus.  My sister gave this to me when I first moved in.  I love the heart-shaped cactus and the color!   Thanks Carole!

Festival of Sail ... a few more photos.

I love reflections, and one morning early, down at the waterfront, these were too hard to pass by.   Tall ships, water, reflections, my favorite kind of subject to photograph!  

And, here's one for Carol L.

Paint blobs on the Navy's barge.   Always thinking about you, Carol.  ;)

Festival of Sail -- last day

It was a fun 4-days of tall ships, people, music, food, and for me, plenty of photo opps!   Here are three taken today, our final day of the Festival.

"Fire!"

Spars. 

Reflections.  

 

The first photo was one I've been trying for, every time they fire the canons!  I've always wanted to capture that glow from the fire.    Lucked out today.  

SD Maritime Museum Annual Festival of Sail

They're here, the tall ships are here!   They sailed into the bay this morning & I photographed a few of them.  The Festival of Sail officially begins Friday, so come on down to the waterfront and join in the fun!   Today the Californian led the parade (the smoke is coming from their guns they fired.)

Californian

The  Robert C. Seamans was one of the vessels sailing in.  Check out the link to see the read more about this vessel.  They run an undergraduate program abroad.
For more information about their SEA program, follow this link:   http://www.sea.edu/

 

Back in my garden again.

I was at my computer this morning, glanced outside and saw a raccoon in my garden (again)!   My camera wasn't on my desk, and as I slowly stood up to reach for it, the raccoon ran away through the agaves and down the slope to the neighbor's yard.  Since I had my camera and it was still overcast outside, I decided to photograph a few of the new succulents Laura Eubanks is planting here.    Check out her website:    www.designforserenity.com

She is an artist using succulents as her medium.

I'm referring to my garden now as the "jewel box" with pockets of gems here and there.  I'm loving the color & texture she has chosen.  I'm sure my mermaid is happy in her new spot too!

Sabot Family Scramble

Mission Bay Yacht Club (San Diego) holds an annual Sabot Family Scramble.  My son & his family sail Sabots (well the grandkids mainly sail the Sabots).  These are small boats, 8' x 3'9" -- hard for an adult to sail & be scrunched up in this space for any length of time!

The Family Scramble was fun, my daughter-in-law Barb shared a boat with Shane (7 year old) and my son, David, shared a boat with Cole (9 year old).   All the kids sailed the course first, then back at the dock passed the boat over to the parent.  The parents had a longer course to sail, then this was repeated 3 times, kids/adults.   I'm posting photos of Cole & Shane in their boats.

Cole 

Shane 

Congratulations boys, great racing.  It was Shane's very first regatta sailing on his own & he did well.   Cole won his division, he's the veteran of 3 or 4 regattas now.

I was in a kayak for part of the race with my 5-year-old granddaughter, Paige, paddling while I took some photos!   She did well & kept both of us (& my camera) dry!