We spent some time at Point Loma but it was pretty overcast. Will try again as it clears but that isn’t supposed to be until Tuesday. We did see a couple seals and enjoyed the sailboats and historical ships along the embarcadero. There is a city art contest to create “urban trees”. We strolled along and enjoyed the 10+ versions that are currently on display. In all, a good day.
We enjoyed the Sunday afternoon concert on the Spreckels Organ, the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. It includes 4,518 pipes and was an impressive instrument that was donated to the city by a sugar baron. The sound roared out over the seating and could surely have been heard all through the huge park and beyond. We got to peek inside and to see the pipes and baffles and whatnot that make this great machine work. The organist is both a talented performer and had a wonderful dry sense of humor. That was a good thing as the pieces were mostly pretty heavy classical organ pieces by Bach, Verdi and others less familiar. She threw in Moonglow though to show off its mellow blending capability and more “modern” side. Fun. They are planning the centennial as the organ has been in service since 1915. A non-profit volunteer group raised the funds to keep it going. Pretty amazing.
Along with over 15museums and bunch of botanical gardens the park houses a wonderful carousel built in Tonawanda NY in 1910. There are hand carved horses of course, but then there are also frogs, dragons, cats, dogs and many more. Lynn chose the ostrich for her noble steed. One just can not pass up the opportunity to ride a carousel
San Diego….Old Town State Historical Park- A preservation of the original part of San Diego from the early mission and presidio days up thorough the 1800’s. All the docents were in period costume for added authenticity. The mercantile sarsaparilla was refreshing late on a warm afternoon. The park is partnering with a local hotel to actually restore five period homes…..they will be hotel rooms when done but at least they will still survive. Probably a fun place to stay sometime. They have a pair of donkeys, named Donkey-o-tay and Dulcinea, since much of what was moved through here during that period was pulled by donkey.
We are camping at the DelMar fairgrounds. At $30 a night it is a steal here in the city. On the map, it shows as beautifully located along the Dieguito River. Unfortunately, that river is one they call a “redirected river”. That means, a concrete ditch! Not so scenic plus they have a big construction project going on along the river and the workers are staying and working in the campground. They are pretty well behaved and not terribly noisy but there are nearly continuous back-up beepers and thunks as they move around big rocks and dirt haulers. Fortunately, we are mostly gone and they do quit at 5PM. The big overhead lights even go out at 10PM or so. Oh, then there is the train track…the Atchison and Topeka and the Santa Fe….. Freight or Amtrak rumble buy pretty regularly.
It seems that a popular RV dog here out west is a miniature wiener dog that has apparently been crossed with something spotted. At least I have never seen the coloring before. They are shaped like a doxie, short haired, and spotted like a beagle or a spaniel. The spots are not all over them. It looks more like a coat or something spilled on their backs. They look odd but kind of cute too.
There are great fields of gravel lot graded and awaiting the 1000s of motorhomes expected. It isn’t too full yet. We pretty much had our pick of gravel in the unreserved lots. We steered clear of the section the gate monitor called the “party area” and went for a nice quiet piece of level ground maybe ¾ of a mile from the track to call home for a few days. We will be checking out the festivaties. Camping for 10’s of thousands, with delivery of services – water – propane -RV Tank dumping services, porta potties, showers and a grocery store. An overnight city approaching 100,000 and done very well. Lots of partying. Lots of beer drinking. Quite a few kids around the camping areas. Overall very well behaved and a lot of fun had by all. Nascar seems to have it pretty well figured out.
A chance for me to see the site of Scout High Adventure trip from years past. Rocky Mnt Council High adventure camp has moved up the mountain a couple of miles out of town. Salida – quaint restored downtown developing as an arts and recreation destination.
Kent finally saw some mature big horn sheep with great horns. A little bit of tussling between a couple of rams apparently over the rights to stand on a particular bluff.
From the flat prairie lands to the drive across 150 thru LaVeta pass (9413ft) was spectacular. Bright yellow aspen, cottonwood, and willow mixed with low reds and oranges. Looks just like the Alaskan tundra.
What a Sandbox- Great Sand Dunes NP
We walked a trail and out onto the dunes after arrival. The sunset was impressive over the dunes. Pretty chilly though and the wind was blowing so we ended up with sand just about everywhere.
The next morning we headed out on the Dunes overlook trail and then moved on toward a creek bed trail recommended by the Visitor Center staff. Pretty views; but, turned out to be about an 8 mile day with much of it in the sand and at over 8000 ft. The dogs are more whimpering than barking by the time we got back to camp.
Garden of the Gods Park. Beautiful rock formations with spectacular colors. More crazy folks free climbing. Bright sunny day so we had the Miata and the top down. We looked for the big horn sheep here too but they hide very well it seems. Then the man made architecture, the chapel at the Air force Academy. It has lots of spires and intricate stain glass work. It created an impressive scene inside.
Colorado Springs and a visit with my college room mate that I haven’t seen in something like 27 years. Brief but great. We shared a cup of coffee and excellent croissants and an Old town Colorado bakery and caught up on our lives.