What a Day!

What a great day! We left home around 7:30 a.m., and just as planned, we were checked into the hotel in Carlsbad, California by early afternoon. After stopping at a little Mexican restaurant in the village for taco salads, we spent several hours beachcombing at South Carlsbad State Beach.

These birds had no intention of moving just because I was right next to them with a camera.

This is kind of the trademark California beach photo. Surfers getting out of the water!

I beachcombed all the way to the cave at the north end of the beach.

Sunset was early! Before 5 o'clock!

The view to the south was prettier than the actual sunset!

Another trademark California beach shot!

Back at the room, we admired the sunset view through the palms.

Strolling through Carlsbad village looking for a place to eat dinner, we happened upon a place called Jay's Gourmet that was packed with locals. That's always a good sign! Craig had the lasagna, and I ordered the Caesar. Both were excellent. We have to make a return trip there so I can have some of that lasagna! Yum!

We admired the Christmas decorations in shop windows on the way back to the car. All the beach cottages are decorated with holiday lights! It reminds us so much of our December trips to the beach in the Northwest.

What a great start to our California beach trip! Can't wait to get up tomorrow morning and explore some more beaches!