Too bad Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year. But, that didn't stop me from having a fabulous Cuatro de Mayo!
Lynne, Katie, and I discovered a super little Farmer's Market that is open every Sunday from 9 am to 2pm. WOW. Produce was outstanding, and there was an international market of stalls with food being prepared from France, England, Greece, Mexico, Turkey, you name it. Awesome. I bought a delicious agua fresca made with kiwi, sliced cucumbers, basil, and lime. So refreshing and delicious! I'm already planning on making some soon. Mmmm.
Quite possibly the best, creamiest, and most delicious avocadoes I've had in LONG time were found at today's market. The vendor was a hilarious guy named Barry who grew up in Chicago. Small world, huh? He sold us Fuerte avocadoes and they tasted DELICIOSO in the giant bowl of guacamole Ed and I just polished off. Yum!!!! In honor of the holiday, we also whipped up a batch of SPICY machaca for lunch. Now we're enjoying a giant bowl of strawberries for dessert. Life is very good.
Well, I should have known that today was going to be a fabulous day because I got to wander around in my backyard. Noooo, not this backyard (which is now ready for the foundation to be put down)...
I mean this backyard in the pics below! Torrey Pines Natural Preserve! I've been meaning to blog about my hikes with Lynne at Torrey Pines. Well, I finally remembered to bring my camera.You know, the Buick Classic is held at Torrey Pines golf course every year and everyone comes to see Tiger Woods. What they don't realize that the best thing about Torrey Pines is actually behind the golf course and fancy hotels....it is called nature, fresh air, wildflowers, and the ocean. I take a deep breath and feel so ALIVE on my hikes with Lynne.
This morning, Katie accompanied us on the hike. She and I spent some time yesterday experimenting with makeup for her upcoming prom. Beautiful eyes on that girl. She's going to look stunning on prom night. I was happy she joined us on our hike. Lynne knows the trails like the back of her hands and here she is gracing us with her knowledge of the natural wildflowers.
View to the ocean from atop one of the higher bluffs. I love going to Torrey Pines before the sun comes out because the salty ocean air is still sharp and refreshing. We saw dolphins out there, but my camera wouldn't be able to get close enough for pictures. One day I'm going to get an advanced camera.
The trail Lynne chose for us allowed us to get some aggressive hills out of the way first, and then gently go downhill to the ocean.
Pretty Mama. Pretty daughter. Say "cheese"!
I just love these secluded spots on the hikes. It is something that has to be experienced personally. Absolute serenity. Early morning mist. It is re-energezing and relaxing all at once. We always take a little break at these spots and just stare out to sea, each alone with our thoughts.
Making our way down there...
Bluffs and whitecaps. Growing up in the midwest and having been born in a landlocked country, I sometimes have to pinch myself that this is really my backyard.
More bluffs.
Descending. (My calves were on fire at this point. Believe me, this is quite a workout. Don't let it deceive you.)
Finally on the beach. Walking on wet, packed sand is actually more difficult than you'd think. Great workout.
These boulders made me smile. Tell me if you see what I see. Don't the two middle boulders look like two faces looking towards each other? I imagined it was Achilles on the left and Milo on the right. Too cute.
Ummm, yah, gotta keep an eye out. :-)
Someone had set up for an early Sunday morning art session on the beach. How cool is that?
Native wildflowers. I love purple.
All in all, a fabulous day with beautiful soul friends. I loved it. Now, I'm going to settle in for a nap and then return to some chores. 
10 comments:
Gorgeous... I love your backyard. Nothing like that in PA!!
Looks like a fabulous and beautiful hike! I love hiking. I've been to the Cleveland National Forest up here, to hike, a few times and it's spectacular. It's not by the ocean, but half way up to the peak is an amazing waterfall. Very pretty. I'd like to hike on the hills/mtns/bluffs near the ocean up here. Next time I'm in San Diego, I'll have to remember to bring hiking clothes and check Torrey Pines out. :-)
Gorgeous Hike!!!!! How can one not see all of God's work in that beauty?
I LOVE the farmers market!
We used to have a few in our town, but the land that they were on was eventually sold for development. tear tear.
Love your Blog!
Oh my what a great way to exercise. I know I would hike every day if I had that (yeah right!). What a great way to spend the day and oooh those strawberries look delicious. We still have another month before strawberries will be in season and aside from cherries they are my favorite.
GORGEOUS pictures!! Almost as pretty as Chicago! haha! And, I totally see the faces in the rocks. :)
Amanda, it is pretty breathtaking for me. I don't take it for granted that I live in such a gorgeous city. Oh no. I've lived in the ghettos of the world at times, and it always feels like a luxury vacation to play in this backyard.
Stephanie, I'm glad you like hiking! Did I read that you're looking into attending SDSU? That's where Katie's going this fall. You should let me know when you're here...we can all hike and then stuff our faces at the Farmer's Market. :-)
Suz, I'm tearing as well thinking about a development going up and depriving you of a farmer's market.
Hey Teach, there were cherries! I just didn't think to get pictures. April and May are local strawberries season, so they taste best now. The best local cherries should be arriving in a couple of weeks. I'll be thinking of you!
You're right, definitely NOT as pretty as Chicago, but only when it comes to the great architecture and little neighborhoods. San Diego has Chi-town beat by a long shot when it comes to natural beauty. Plus, this environment just energizes you and MAKES you want to get out and move. I never felt that in -30 degree weather in Chicago. Ha ha! You still need to make good on your plans to visit!
Yes, I'm (most likely) going to graduate school at SDSU. I've heard really great things about it, and they offer what I want. Nowhere in Orange County does, so commuting it is! :) I'd love that! Farmers Markets are my favorite places to eat. Best place to get tomatoes! :)
What a beautiful day; it's great to read about it. I love the photos of the trails, the beach and the gorgeous berries. Blessings to you.
RE: your comment --
The restaurant in question is Ki's. There had been some discussion on which restaurant down there, and Pacifica (?) had been mentioned, as well as a few others, but their names escape me at the moment. I think Ki's is more north, and that may have been one of the reasons, less for me to drive? Who knows. It's all a little "affair to remember." And it's over, so I should stop obsessing, but I just feel a little... sad. I ramble too much! Sorry!
Wow. Speechless looking at the beauty in these photos.... and I'm sure, like with all incredibly beautiful places, that the pictures can't begin to do justice to the peace, serenity, etc. that I'm sure you experience when you are there in the early morning (or early evening) hours.
Just lovely. (I'll have to put 'Torrey Pines' on my list of Places to See...)
You lucky girl.... to live near such a lovely treasure! :-)
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