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Saturday was our first real day in California and started early. Thanks to the 8-hour time difference we were both wide eyed and ready to start our day at 5:00am. Unfortunately the hotel breakfast didn't start until 6:30am.
We couldn't see the Pacific Ocean from our hotel window due to the thick morning fog so, after checking out, we decided to head down to the front to get our first glimpse of the ocean. Although it was still early, there were plenty of folk out: jogging the water front, cycling what turns out to be part of a state cycle route, surfing, and fishing off the pier. It was on the pier that we went for our first proper American breakfast. The longest wooden pier in California has an authentic 50's diner called Ruby's at the far end, with views all round. There was no such thing as a quick bite to eat: the pancakes came as a triple decker, doused in maple syrup, and with a side of sausages and omelette!
With several hours to waste before we could check in to our apartment we walked the length of the beach and back, followed by a walk to the harbour, where there seemed to be a local gala with face painting and pirates. It turned out to be more of a 'sales pitch' day to local residents. The fun and games masked the fact most stalls were pushing to install the latest water filter to your home, or insulate your loft space, or get you to sign up for military service. We left to spend the rest of our wait sitting on the sand near our apartment, watching the waves roll in (and Ailsa dipped a toe or two in the water!).
Finally we got into our apartment complex, which is a lovely horseshoe with the open end facing the ocean. The central 'tropical paradise' area has a swimming pool, putting area, BBQ, lots of running water and a waterfall.
Our apartment looks directly south, straight down the beach towards the pier. A fantastic view, even with the current cloud cover.
We popped out to the local Wal-Mart to stock up for the week ahead. It was there we discovered that only Oceanside was suffering from cloud cover! Five minutes south and we were basking in the direct sunlight again. We must have looked a pair, standing in the middle of the Wal-Mart parking lot, milk bottle white, arms out, face up, and exclaiming: "This is the life!!"
After another long day and the effects of jet lag still present, we settled in for a DVD, glass of wine, last look at the view, and then off to bed by 8pm.
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Lorna Shiels Fabulous xx