San Diego, California

Visited cousin Eva in San Diego.  It was a much pleasanter urban driving experience than San Francisco.  Gas was cheaper, tolls were absent, fish tacos abundant, and the smell of fresh bud everywhere.  It's no wonder the inhabitants are lulled into the empty promise of endless summer.

We had a relaxing time hanging out at Eva's relaxing home -- replete with Linden art, a fully stocked kitchen, a "guest bedroom," and a neighbor's friendly cat.  Too bad most of her neighbors are douchebags.

hiking Torrey Pines state reserve

She took us to Torrey Pines state reserve, known for its endangered Torrey Pine trees.  These trees are the rarest pines in all the states, growing only in San Diego county and on one of the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California.

The cliffs on the beach looked "eminently climbable," as Sanch is apt to say, but the rock was semi-solid sand, just waiting to let loose.

Sanch, Eva, sandy cliffs

We met this gull, who was rotund and confused.  I hope it all works out.

wishing you well

gull fest

San Diego was a great spot.  Sure it was excessively blonde, self-consciously hetero and full of highway billboards for the "LAP BAND" weight loss ploy, but what's southern California if not a little Baywatch?