Welcome back to my Blog. As September starts and the kids are back to school I have had a lot of questions regarding our recent family Vacation to San Diego and specifically La Jolla California. I thought that I would share some photos from our trip. We had a fantastic Time! It definitely was a vacation custom designed for our family. I made the deliberate decision to leave my professional workhorse camera behind for several reasons.
- this was my vacation before the busy fall and Christmas photography season.
- I wanted to focus on my clan.
- As much as i love my gear it is not suitable for surfing and kayaking. Sand and Water is not my camera’s best friend.
- As much as i love my gear the added weight of carrying my camera bag on 10 mile hikes up mountainsides was not appealing …..
So our vacation photos are brought to you by various phone cameras as well as two small consumer cameras that did the trick easily. And while they are definitely not “low tech” as my title states they are definitely “less tech” then daily business camera. 😉
We rented a condo on the beach in La Jolla, California and enjoyed the freedom that it gave for the various family members. I am an early riser and it was delightful to walk the beach at 6 am. A couple of days were overcast due to smoke from the forest fires that have been raging around California but that did not slow down the fun. Daily we were surfing and kayaking in the morning before the beaches were too busy then headed out into the region for some amazing hikes. I was always on the look out for snakes but only saw a couple of geckos. One particular aggressive hike I was sure that we were going to be that family that winds up on the news lost in the wilderness fighting off coyotes but all worked out in the end. 😉
Our original plan had been to include more time in San Diego checking out it’s culture but everyone was enjoying the water and hiking so much that we left many activities for another vacation. Alas there are only so many days….
We all know how to surf but I insist when we go to a new water that we have a surfing lesson to become familiar with local riptides, water creatures etc. This time we used Surf Diva – and they were Great. Especially the Amazing Colin who taught the lesson. Thanks Surf Diva! https://www.surfdiva.com/
La Jolla is on the pacific ocean. The waves were amazing, the water was alive with seals, sea lions and all other sorts of critters. We had hoped to see some leopard sharks while we were there but did not … or at least did not recognize them if we did 😉 Each day we fell into bed excited for the next day’s activities.
It was a week filled with fish tacos, laughter, amazing family memories that we definitely will cherish. Did I regret leaving my camera gear behind? Although there were moments when I wished for my favourite camera lens that was not the goal of this vacation. The goal was our family time. It just means that I will have to return again with all of my gear 😉
family selfie on the beach … first night and excited
a few friends to look out for on the hiking trails – Yikes
the view along one particular hike, we eventually made it down to a beach.
the inspiration for Dr. Seuss’ Truffula Tree. We spent one afternoon visiting the Dr. Seuss Art Gallery as well as a variety of landmarks around the area.
Although we know how to surf I always insist on a lesson when we arrive at unfamiliar waters. It is important to learn about local rip tides and wildlife!
Dave and the girls
a sunset photo with Dave and I
playing with the underwater camera
Seals and Sea Lions were everywhere!!
finishing the vacation with a visit to Balboa Park in San Diego
A happier kid I don’t think you could find
We paid a visit to the local aquarium and marine research facility
1 Comment. Leave new
What wonderful memories created for both of you and your girls. It was a perfect choice for a vacation away.