Ben Stevens called, wanting to take a break from the cold Northeast/Canada and visit SoCal for a few weeks. And his BFF, Aryeh, would like to join. OK!
Ben arrived Christmas day. Being Christmas day we decided to take a meandering drive up the coastline, expecting few businesses to be open. Once we reached my home then we would be done for the evening.
Ben was on right-coast time so lunch was in order. We found a place in Pacific Beach for fish tacos and beers. Then we walked around the weirdness that is PB boardwalk. Ben got to see the Pacific Ocean and how sloppy the waves are with storms rolling in. Our travel continued through Wind-And-Sea, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and Del Mar. A bonus was that we ran into Silvia and her mother when we stopped in Del Mar. Good to see that Silvia was getting company from Italy again. We dined on Shrimp and Corn Bisque at Casa de Randy.
Sunday, December 26. Weather had been subpar for SoCal with occasional rain and cool/cold temperatures. That didn’t phase my guest since Ben came from colder conditions. We biked to Encinitas, stopping at Swami’s Meditation Gardens. It was an abbreviated walkthrough since some parts were closed due to the rains. Then we walked Encinitas Main Street (AKA “Highway 101”), stopping in several shops. I remarked to Ben as we walked past The Taco Shop that I have never seen so short a line to get in. So we joined in the line after checking out another store. This was a new experience for both of us. But I must say the grilled fish tacos were great. We stopped in Culture Solana Beach for a refreshment on the return leg. That evening, a musical duo from the next cul-de-sac was to have played in Carruth Cellars so Ben and I stopped in for an overpriced glass of wine. The duo has canceled but the entertainment was provided by a loudly barking dog and an I-don’t-‘effing-care dog owner. Seriously, if I made that much noise I would be in cuffs.
Monday, December 27. Ben wanted to use my road bike but said he didn’t have road (“clip-in”) shoes. Well, why don’t you try on mine? They fit! So Ben also got outfitted with my cold-weather biking gear and took off for a ride to La Jolla and points north.
Later, I asked Ben when Aryeh’s place was arriving. Ben countered that he was flying into LAX then Amtrak down. Smart move. We just have to go to Santa Fe station (downtown) to pick him up. Nope – Aryeh needs to get off at Solana Beach. Winning!
We picked up Aryeh then walked across the street for a beer and nosh (small) pizza at Pizza Port. It was great to meet Aryeh and see Ben/Aryeh catch up. Yeah, I can see they are friends for life. Aryeh had overnighted in Nashville to see an unknown band. He has great stories - funny stories. While in line for the concert, Aryeh discovered he wasn’t the only person traveling to hear the band. And I nearly spit up my sip of beer when Aryeh said his Uber driver asked “Mind if I use the ‘N’ word?” Aryeh, welcome to the ‘Merica south.
As with my guests on their initial visit, I had asked how they prefer their caffeine intake. Wendy had volunteered that Ben doesn’t drink much coffee at all and Aryeh was an unknown. I discovered Aryeh came from a caffeine-centric home so he was smitten with my Gaggia espresso maker and the moka pot. And Ben also became an espresso lover. The Gaggia got quite a workout.
Ben and Aryeh wanted to surf and had brought wetsuits, booties, and gloves. Throughout their trip, Ben got in many surf sessions and rapidly progressed to intermediate ability. He was pumping the board then turning to go down the line by the second day! Aryeh pulled back on surfing after a few sessions due to a knee strain from biking.
Wednesday, December 29. Our plan was the USS Midway tour. We parked near downtown then decided to stop in the Brigantine restaurant before the tour. Lunch was a continuation of the search for great fish tacos. Then we did the Midway tour. My takeaway was that no one should be stationed on the Midway if they are over 5’6” tall. Ben and I spent almost all the time hunched over when below deck.
Friday, December 31. We shopped in REI in Kearny Mesa then had lunch at the Pho place. So, so good.
Saturday, January 1. We were having extreme tides so we decided to go to the Encinitas tide pools at low tide. Many people were there as well as walking the beach. We discovered starfish, octopus, and crabs.
The next stop was Culture Solana Beach for refreshments. Aryeh struck up a conversation with a woman, sitting alone, with the question, “you are on a desert island, what 3 movies do you want to have to watch?” Interestedly, her first movie was “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. Ouch. The other 2 movies were obscure and probably disturbing.
Sunday, January 2. Lunchtime was a takeout order from Board and Brew Del Mar, and we walked over to the Del Mar Civic Center for a million-dollar ocean view while enjoying the sandwiches. Then we walked around Del Mar.
Monday, January 3. Lunch was a return to Encinitas taco stand and Encinitas walkabout.
Patagonia opened after their holiday break so we pursued their surf shop. Ben and Aryeh were so happy to finally be there. The afternoon low tide was done on a Del Mar beach walk.
Tuesday, January 4. The boys wanted to see Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach so we traveled to OB and found on-street parking. They checked Yelp for late lunch locations and asked “what about Hodad’s?” My response is that that place always has a long line and we didn’t have enough time to do it and Sunset Cliffs. But we can walk by it anyway. Wow, no line! We got a table, got beers, and ordered lunch. After a while, it became obvious the lunch order didn’t get submitted. Our waitress came over to apologize, confirmed the order will be a few more minutes and would we like a fresh round of beers on the house? That worked for us. The boys thought the burgers were the best they ever had. I agreed.
Sunset Cliffs were far enough that we drove there and arrived just in time for a slow sunset. Great view with the low tide.
Wednesday/Thursday, January 5-6. Ben and Aryeh drove to Joshua Tree for an overnighter.
Friday, January 7. This was our last full day together. Our plan was to see La Jolla, with the Children’s pool and smelly seals. It was a beautiful day to see the ocean wall, seals, and La Jolla. Dinner was at El Pescador for their fish tacos.
