After a day of battling traffic on the freeway, following behind my brother-in-law and sister, who were nearly taken out by a pickup pulling a trailer of dune buggies and four-wheelers, and reaching speeds over 100mph, it was a welcome relief when we arrived at our destination in Southern California. My sister, her head leaning out of the car window, stated, “Never traveling here on a Sunday after Thanksgiving ever again. That traffic was horrendous!” I agreed. It felt good to stretch my legs and back, stiff from sitting in the pickup truck so long. Our arrival was about two hours before check-in time, but we were told at the desk one of the rooms would be ready in about 45 mins.

We parked in the same spot as last year. The first slot was available nearest the entrance to our hotel building. Pulling the wheelchair from the back of the truck was a fairly easy feat. The four of us took our first walk across the road over to the pier. I was surprised at how crowded it was with people fishing from the pier, eating at the at the outdoor bistro, walking their animals, etc. Last year there was hardly anyone on the pier when we arrived. The difference probably was the day of the week. This year was a Sunday afternoon. Last year was a Monday evening.

While on the pier, we met a man walking a very spoiled and friendly dog named Spud. His owner, whose name I neglected to ask, was very friendly himself. He offered to let us pet Spud, stating the dog is very friendly and likes to be loved on. I declined due to allergic reactions to animals that have increased over the years. My sister happily pet the pooch, though. Spud was then joyfully on his merry way.

One thing that stands out about this area is how relaxed and friendly everyone is. Is it like that everywhere in San Diego? Or just in the park along the Bay?

Memories / Ghosts of the past

My mind was flooded with memories from our stay here last year. The first impressions are always the strongest when in a new place or meeting someone for the first time or experiencing things not experienced prior to that moment. It was like that for me when searching for seashells on the beach in Corpus Christi, or eating authentic tacos under the hut on the beach in Cozumel, Mexico, or on the sunset whale-watching cruise in San Diego, last year. Have you ever had beef wellington on the Queen Mary off the coast of Los Angeles? Or have you experienced seeing the birth of a grandchild and holding that sweet grandchild when only a few hours old? That is an unforgettable experience for sure. I could go on and on.

Memories from last year are like that for me. It is best described as ghosts floating in and out of my vision and mind with every step I take on these walkways around the hotel and on the island. This year I will add new memories to ones of last year. The activities of today, which will become memories of tomorrow, are important. My husband is planning to show me where he lived and share his memories of time he spent in San Diego while stationed here in the Navy. The view from our hotel balcony is of North Island Naval Base. Watching the naval ships cruise in and out of San Diego Bay, seeing the fighter jets take off, and hearing the noise of the afterburners, awakens the ghosts of his past for my husband. We are looking forward to revisiting and sharing his memories in the coming days.