After a good night's rest, we woke up to overcast skies. What a sharp contrast from the blue skies and sun we had yesterday. On the plus side, it would be a comfortable day for walking.
Our hotel includes a complimentary buffet breakfast, so we took advantage of the variety of hot and cold items. Much the same as what we have at home. Speaking of home, we have gotten numerous emails telling us of extremely high winds and a wildfire quite close to us. The power had been shut off last night, and the projected time it would resume would be noon on Monday. At least, we won't have to evacuate, since we have already left. We pray that all will be fine in a few days. The fire was mostly contained today, we heard.
It was good to get outside and stretch our legs. Down by the pier, we discovered that the Disney Wonder had docked this morning. No wonder we spotted several kids and their parents dressed in Mickey Mouse t-shirts and ears. Been there, done that, and was a kick for a one-time cruise. Can't beat those Mickey ice cream bars and fruity popsicles poolside. From there, we followed the waterfront past the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and the marina. Nice to see all of the many fishing and yachting vessels in the harbor.
Taking our usual path, we wandered through the Hilton lobby, across the skyway, then down the elevator to Petco Park, where the Padres play. The Gaslamp Quarter begins there, and it was hopping with activity this morning. Dozens of cafes and restaurants were in full swing with Sunday brunch and morning football games. We ended up once again at the Sign of the Whale, because their California burger was so good yesterday. With 25 big screen TV's and one 17 foot TV, the place was beyond crazy loud. Since they were hosting a private party at 3pm, they stopped service at 1:30pm to close the place out. Worked out well for us.
We still had some shopping to do, and we did locate another CVS pharmacy nearby. Also found an Ace Hardware. Street traffic was busy since there was a craft faire happening. Had to steer clear of those tents because you always find something irresistible there. One final stop at Rite Aid for a few sodas, and we headed back to the hotel…..exhausted (at least one of us). Good time to catch up on news from so many various channels that we do not have access to at home. And so many movies, but so little time. By the way, thanks for all of the emails that have been pouring in online. So nice to know we have some pretty nice followers, and we certainly appreciate the wonderful comments.
Figured we would head back to the Claim Jumper for a light dinner while it was still daylight. What a surprise we had when we entered the restaurant and saw good friends that we met way back in 2002 on the Volendam. Even though we have kept in touch all of these years, meeting occasionally in between cruises, we had no idea they were booked on this upcoming trip. Now we will have plenty of time to catch up on all of our travels. Then we noticed two more couples come inside that we also recognized, so there should be quite a group of regulars on this trip, which is taking place of the Grand Asia/Pacific.
We chatted until darkness fell, then all called it a night. It was fun watching the Disney Wonder sail out of the harbor playing the familiar Jiminy Cricket tune once again. Back to the lobby of the hotel, we helped ourselves to chocolate chip cookies, a nice treat offered every evening along with a gigantic bowl of buttered popcorn.
Tomorrow, we will packed and ready to check out by 11am. It has been a nice visit here in San Diego, and looking forward to many more adventures ahead.
Bill & Mary Ann
