SoCal and desert wildflowers

[jmq]

Short OT TR mostly photos – won’t bore you with the details. Took a trip out west over Easter. Flew into San Diego for a few days, stayed across the bay from the city on Coronado island. Took a drive up the coast to La Jolla and Mission and Pacific beaches. La Jolla is beautiful, with loads of $$$ ritzy shops. Mission and Pacific were a little honky tonk. Read books, walked/ran on the beach, had some good meals in La Jolla, SD, and Coronado.

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Went to the zoo.
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Took the scenic route over the mountains to get to Phoenix AZ where we spent Easter with family.

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Stopped in at Julian Pie Company off Highway 79 in Santa Ysabel, CA (thanks to CAgirl for the suggestion). http://www.julianpie.com/index-keith.html
Had the best cider donuts and best pie ever - the Apple Mountain Berry Pie = Raspberries, strawberries and boysenberries tossed with apples, with a crumb top – sorry no pix.

Did a hike outside of Phoenix that was within the northern most range of the saguaro cactus. The desert was as green as we’ve ever seen it with a profusion of wildflowers.

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Went to the Easter Sunday brunch at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. http://www.camelbackinn.com/
Best brunch ever. Crabcakes, seared scallops, salmon, lamb chops, filet mignon, omelets, grilled veggies, quesadilla bar, salsas, fresh guacamole, etc. etc. unlimited champagne or mimosas, chocolate fountain, numerous other crazy good deserts and sweets.

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Overall, a nice trip. Weather was cool in SD, brillant sunshine and upper 70s low 80s with 16% humidity in PHX.

[lprof]

Sounds like a very good trip with beautiful scenery and mouth watering food. Excellent photos - of course! Thanks for sharing the sights; my senses have been awakened!

[linne]

Thank you for the beautiful pics. I especially loved the first from the scenic route. Need to come there some day.

Linne

[AquaGirl]

Thanks for the trip report and pics. I always enjoy seeing things like this - its like taking a "mini vacation" for me. I especially enjoyed the pics of the pelicans and the sea lions. The San Diego Zoo is definitely on my "some day" list.