Long before arriving in San Diego, the emails were flying back and forth, discussing “What’s on your list while you are here?” Some of us had longer lists than others, while some had less time to hit the highlights. The intent was to stagger the activities so the hikes were left for the remaining hikers, while the bike rides were reserved for the arrival of the bikers.
But one common activity that seemed to be on everyone’s list was Balboa Park. The iconic 1,200 acre park is both a cultural and architectural landmark of the downtown area. We strolled through both man made as well as natural beauty, from rose gardens to dense urban forests, interspersed with beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture.
Of course, the number one item on my “list” was Cabrillo National Monument. Not because I have an interest in Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who was believed to be the first European to step ashore on the west coast back in 1542. Or even because it is an institution within the National Park Service, offering yet another passport stamp. Nope. I am there for one reason, and one reason only…
La Jolla Cove deserves an honorable mention. Unfortunately, the unseasonable cold snap that hit while we were here kept even the most fool hearty of water worshipers (me) out of the water.
And finally, another park that plucked at my heartstrings for an entirely different reason, was the Torrey Pines Glider Port. Not really a “park” per se, but rather a place to sit and watch the thrill seekers take flight. Some people stand and watch, muttering “Why?” while I stand and mutter “When?” I have tried just about every form of “flight” I have the strength for, from hang gliding to paragliding to bungee jumping to sky diving, and it still wasn’t enough. If it weren’t so darned expensive, I would have been on the other side of the fence around the Torrey Pines Glider Port picnic area. Da Vinci was right when he said, “For once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will always long to return.”
Today’s post is paired with a selection from a pub crawl through the funky North Park neighborhood. Starting with “appetizers” from the tasting room of the Belching Beaver, my flight included Saison de Beaver, Beaver’s Milk Stout, Horchata Imperial Stout, and Peanut Butter Milk Stout, all satisfying selections in spite of the image of the gaseous, guffawing rodent on the label.
Given the descriptions of “A dark chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in a glass,” it sounds like “Life is short! Eat dessert first!” It would seem that we got our stops reversed, given the attraction of the next stop. Not only Thorn Street Brewery have some great beers, there is a food truck parked right outside their door! Place your order, go inside and enjoy a few brews, and they will bring your order to your table.
I have forgotten what beers I sampled here. Jim and Gayle can correct me, but I am pretty sure it included the Castaway Coconut Porter, Abbey Roof (Belgian Quad) and Santos Coffee Stout, an oatmeal stout flavored with coffee from the Santos Coffee House, the local grinder down the street. It was no subliminal coincidence that my Thai Food Truck dinner selection was “Drunken Noodles.”
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
~Benjamin Franklin
I had forgotten how beautiful Balboa is! Ever the editor, the first thing that pops into my mind is a sign pointing to the Museum, the letters on which having deteriorated a bit. So then it read: MUSFUM. When I hear “Balboa Park”, my mind sees “MUSFUM”.
PS: This was well over thirty years ago. Why do these things never leave long-term memory? ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Lighthouse!!!! I’m so glad you got out there. I’ve never made it to the lantern room there, but I still enjoy the area. More good brews!
Nina
Oh, I can barely look at the photo of you on Paolo’s back without feeling woozy!
Fabulous photos, as always. Visiting that Lighthouse was a SD highlight, for sure. What fun you are having ‘hanging’ with Paolo!
You guys did a good job of hitting all the highlights!
When you were at Thorn St Brewery you were less than a mile from where we used to live!
Great pictures of Balboa Park. It’s unfortunate the Botanical Garden building was closed. They had amazing orchids when we were there. And you didn’t go to the Garden Railroad Museum!!! You missed the best part.
Allison stole my thunder… the railroad museum is unbelievable… right up there with beer 🙂
Box Canyon Mark
Ben Franklin was so correct. Wish I was a contemporary of his, but then I would miss all the micro brewers of today. Did you know that when Budweiser was sold, no I do not drink Bud, then Sam Adams became the largest American owned brewery, pretty good for a former microbrewery, eh?
Great blog, brought back great memories of a city I have loved since my first trip there. Drunken noodles sounds like a good accompaniment for beer, or not.
Inner city parks are special but I’m sure the smell has been taken from those hybrid roses. I’d like to hang-glide and parasail. All this beer drinking means you all are going to need a lot of exercise after SD.
We really enjoy Balboa Park. I do agree that the orchids inside the Botanical Gardens are breathtaking. Had no idea about the Railroad Museum. Will have to check it out next time we are in the area. Not sure after all these beer posts that we will have time for anything but the breweries though. Tomorrow is my maiden voyage back into the world of alcohol. To say that I will be unhappy if beer does not agree with me will be an understatement, after you all have toyed with me this past week. 😉