Southern California - Great place to be in January!

On our trek to sunny southern California, we stopped overnight in Quartzite. We had no idea that Quartzite is a kind of RV mecca in January, but quickly caught on! We were early for the big RV show that was due to arrive a week or so after our stay, but many RV travellers were already settling in and also many spend the winter in the warm climate. Vendors were also setting up the huge flea market area and we couldn't resist browsing a little. One of our sons found a knife that he couldn't live without, but our minimal square footage made it easy for us to decline all other purchases, save a bag of kettle corn! Travelling on our way the next day, we were passed on the interstate by this big bus sporting Dallas Cowboys logos all around. We caught up with the bus at the next rest area and snapped a quick photo. The driver visited with us briefly and said that he was providing transportation and security to the Alabama football team at the upcoming BCS bowl. The Alabama quarterback is the son of the Dallas Cowboys marketing director - hmm...interesting connections!

Pressing on, we landed near Temecula, CA situated about midway between San Diego and Los Angeles. Our first touring destination was the San Diego Zoo - lovely as it's reputation. The landscaping accents the animal displays beautifully and we especially loved the ride in the aerial tram.

Two pandas were on display when we visited and we loved being close enough to get a good look!

The polar bear exhibit was closed for renovations, but we spied the bear from the upper level of the bus tour late in the day. For a polar creature, this guy seems to have adapted to basking in the California sunshine just fine!

We couldn't spot the females, but the king of the forest posed for us.

All babies are cute and this giraffe was no exception.

The koalas were mostly napping...look closely for this one just below the center of the photo.

We had a wonderful day blessed with gorgeous weather and no crowds!

The next day out was to see Point Loma.

The view of San Diego was terrific!

We toured the visitor center and took a stroll by the lighthouse.

While in the visitor center, we watched a video about the tidal pools and the creatures that thrive within them. We were able to enjoy visiting the tidal pools much more thoroughly equipped with a bit of information about those creatures, including this anemone.

And, of course, the Pacific was showing it's gorgeous blue color and active surf!

We hoped to catch a glimpse of whales, but only saw dolphins leaping around.

The point is home to Rosecrans National Cemetery. Over 90,000 military men and women are honored in these graves, having served in WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars. We were moved to see the lovely tribute to our military men and women.

Next was a visit to Coronado Island and of course, the infamous hotel. We walked the grounds and had a terrific lunch at a nearby pizzeria.

Back through the Hotel Coronado grounds, we loved this entry to the beach.

From the beach, we gazed back toward Point Loma - being engulfed by low clouds coming in from the Pacific.

The boys donned their swimsuits, but never ventured further than knee deep in the icy water.

We lounged and played on the beach until late afternoon, caught a hint of the coming sunset and headed back to the RV park before peak hour traffic on the freeways....another lovely day in beautiful southern CA!