An Art afternoon at UCSD

Mural at the Che Cafe

Yucateca Sentada by Francisco Zuniga

The Red Shoe by Elizabeth Murray

The Sun God by Niki de Saint Phalle

In 1982 the University of California San Diego forged a unique relationship with the Stuart Foundation to culturally and ascetically enrich the 1,800 acre site that the university sits on. Artists that have added to the collection are sculpture artist Niki de Saint Phalle, Robert Irwin, and William Wegman to name a few. The university has a brochure that you can follow and see the art that is placed around the campus. The tour is 2.5 miles so take that into account as you plan your day. Not really all that long but for 16 year old Cocoa she really needed a long nap after her tour.

In addition to the Stuart collection there are other sculptures or art inspired items around the campus. Cost for admission to this grand adventure 8 bucks for parking during the week, zip on a weekend. It doesn't come much cheaper than that. Exercise, free art and a beautiful setting, we do live in paradise.

Crystal Pier

Just a short walk from Mission Beach is Crystal Pier. These cottages over the ocean is a unique vacation spot for the traveler. Built in the late 1920's these little cottages were christened the July 4 weekend of 1927, the 950-foot-long pier opened as the “Crystal Pleasure Pier Ballroom and Joy Zone,” an opening heralded in both the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. The main attraction was the towered ballroom that sat out at the end of the pier. The ballroom was built in a sort of 1920s Aztec architecture and featured a cork-cushioned dance floor and a crystal ball, high up above the dance floor, which gave the pier its name. The dance floor was not a success however, given the rocking nature of the floor dancers complained of sea sickness and it was converted to the fishing pier.

Mission Bay

Cocoa and Luna decided it was time to pay a visit to one of the largest man-made aquatic parks in the country, Mission Bay At one time the approximately half the park was tide lands. During the 1940's it was decided the city of San Diego decided develop the area into a tourist and recreational area. Now the area is home to Sea World, a wildlife refuge area, beaches and a small amusement park complete with a wooden roller coaster, carousel. There are numerous shops, restaurants, a boardwalk to stroll on and of course the beach.

Old Town, San Diego

McCoy House Museum

Luna on the Wagon

Cocoa checking her weight, got to watch that girlish figure

Rita from the Seeley Stable Museum with the girls.

Old Town State Historical Park in San Diego is located near the Presidio and Heritage Park neighborhood. Preserved on the nine square block site are the old school house, five old adobe structures, a stable, and the first newspaper office in San Diego. Hosts at the buildings are dressed in period costume to add some authenticity to the attraction. Old Town State Park is a great place for the family. A little history for history buffs, shopping, food and entertainment should keep everyone happy for the day.

Access to the site is easy and quick from the downtown area. The trolley stops a block away if you don't want to drive and there is free parking in the area if you take your car. Summertime is crowded with tourists so it is best to go early.

Cardiff by the Sea

Luna and Cocoa at Pipe's Cafe

Luna and the Lion at Pipe's Cafe

Cardiff Sunset, Another day in paradise

The "girls" took a quick trip down the road from there Encinitas home to Cardiff. A quaint little surfer community that has some very cool murals around the town. After photographing in front of the Pipe's Cafe mural, the girls took a quick walk down to the beach to watch a beautiful sunset.

The town of Cardiff was settled in 1911 by developer J. Frank Cullen, and the community was named in honor of his wife's native Wales. Cardiff reef attracts surfers both professional and amateur for the consistent left and right breaks that make for great surfing. The town's walk ability gives the community that small town feel that many people love.

Oceanside, CA

Luna at the Oceanside Harbor

Luna and Cocoa at the Pier

Mission San Luis Rey

Oceanside Harbor

With the holidays fast approaching Luna and Cocoa have been busy with preparing for Santa’s arrival. New outfits, haircuts and manicures have been taken care of but they squeezed in a trip to Oceanside before all this pampering.
Oceanside is a small community 35 miles north of San Diego, is home to Camp Pendelton, has a delightful harbor, and the longest wooden pier on the West Coast, spanning 1,942 ft. There is a diner at the end of the pier, and one can fish or watch surfers catching a wave. About four miles east of the pier is Mission San Luis Rey, the largest of the missions in California chain and home to the oldest Pepper Tree in California.
Access to Oceanside is easy and varied with the availability of Interstate 5, the Coaster Commuter train that runs along the coast for some enjoyable views of the Pacific or one can even fly into Oceanside Airport.

Kit Carson Park

What do you get when two dogs visit the Magical Circle at Kit Carson Park? You get two dogs who had a great day seeing Nikki de Saint Phalle's fabulous mosaic masterpiece. Artist Saint Phalle created a colorful vision of small tiles and rocks that explain the myths and stories of California's history. The girls shared hugs and kisses with local school children as they came to the park to learn about the artist and her work. Escondido is lucky to have this sculpture as a permanent addition to their city's art collection.