CANOES, KAYAKS & A QUIET MORNING

Six thousand steps were all it took to circumnavigate around San Diego's jigsaw-puzzle-piece-shaped Vacation Isle. We've been there hundreds of times, from our earliest dates back in the Seventies, to conventions, dances, meetings, sailing, water skiing, watching girls track team runners, etc. but we had never walked around it. Until today. X Marks the spot where we started, should you care to join us.

We are walking with two vintage Hi-Beats -- mine a GS and hers a Precision Chronometer with Seiko's 1944 movement.



The moon is still huge in the sky as we started around the island in a clockwise direction. There's a path around most of the island which permits the general public to have "Coastal Access", even though one-third of the area is operated as the Paradise Point Resort hotel and grounds.





The first action we spotted was on the water. Some crew boats taking advantage of still water, no wind, little current. Living here, alongside the Thames and in Seattle many years ago, I have seen my share of these crazy people out at dawn on the water. 



Although we have 3 ocean kayaks and have spent many hours in them, I guess I would be the equivalent of the guy in this boat when compared to the speedy crew going past.



One of our neighbors went to the Olympics and came back with a Silver Medal. That got her the chance to do TV commercials for Chevrolet. We saw more ladies working out, and sedentary old guys watching them.



While on shore next to our path, this cycle camper was having an early bonfire to warm his bones.



I liked the line-up of these poles and trees and moon, but not the clouds out on the horizon.



This SW end of the island is slightly rolling terrain, and virtually empty compared to the other, more accessible and flatter lawns on the NE corner.



Just the odd old couple strolling in the early morning light.



This Western view over MIssion Beach and the ocean is either promising or ominous, depending on whether you prefer rain or shine...



We've now come to the convention hall for the resort. Each of us have put on events there with either our jobs or volunteer groups.

I remember organizing a User Group Meeting for Hastech Publishing systems back in the early Eighties. Representatives from companies using Hastech software came from around the US, Canada and Scandinavia. We rented a suite of rooms here, and for our opening evening we had a reception with an "Open Bar". This free, "all-you-can-drink" event was a novel concept to some of our Swedish pals, and they did their best to uphold their national honor. At the end of the evening, as we were stumbling off to our rooms on the dark and treacherous island, the staff said "Don't forget to take the opened bottles too, else we have to throw the booze out!" This was yet another unheard of concept and gratefully received. The next day I observed a noticeable lack of enthusiasm for the early seminars on System Backup Procedures and Composition of Tabular Tables...



The great thing is you can walk everywhere and other than falling in a pond, there's little chance of hurting yourself on your way back to your room.



There's a great view of the bay from this tower made of telephone poles, and we used to come here and look out at the world (cheap date) and have dinner (not so cheap). We thought about climbing up but the gardeners were chopping and blowing, so we passed on it.



Hotel management has a sense of humor. Or do they?



Now we are approaching the NW corner. This would be the side to stay on if you come here.



If you don't mind a flurry of activity outside your room!



The "traffic" seemed to never stop



One boat after another, but thankfully silent other than a few grunts.



It's obvious where the high-tide level is, here in North Cove.



I saw a huge group of runners on the opposite shore and lined up to get them passing under the bridge. This lady came through but no one else --- as I took my eye off the viewfinder, I saw that the rest had turned off and were climbing the stairs to go back on the upper sidewalk. I still like the effect of this background with the one runner.



We have reached the NE end and a bird is looking for breakfast in the dew-sparkling grass. 

A few yards away a personal trainer is exhorting his troops to give him ten reps or something like that. This is where the track teams train, too.

If you are looking to have a picnic, this is a nice spot.

My wife just can't help herself from climbing on things. Remember the bikes down by South Bay Salt Works?



Lovely tree, but if I used a wheel chair I wouldn't want to use this tree as shelter for the night, or even for a nap.



It seems kind of mean, but the crew boats can't really see where they are going, and often as not it's right through the middle of a group of resting sea birds. Here shown scattering in all directions.



It was a bit of a busy day when viewed through my long lens looking E from the island.



Girls and Boys trying to impress each other with their skill and strength.



While back on shore a tourist person in long down coat and hat walks in the warm sunshine.



We have reached our starting point, and I say it is time to go home for breakfast. Oops, forgot to set the date. My fault.



Mrs C says "Here comes a dragon boat" and we turn to watch some Pacific Islanders pounding the bay with their paddles.



That has to be a very strong hull - you can see it's decked over between paddlers rather than open all the way; necessary since it's filled with all that muscle.



Mrs C is ready to go home too - as you can see 90% of her is out of the photo and heading for the car.

Thanks for walking around the island with us.

Cazalea