No dogs are allowed at Dog Beach. That sign amused me as we entered. I feared great crowds, but the sandy expanse was only lightly freckled with people in lawn chairs. Several small children were playing in the shallow areas near the beach as their parents rested. I feared the water would be dreadfully cold, as the climate was even chilly. But Laura ventured out first. Only a little sting, she pronounced. After picture taking, I walked back to the car and safely put the camera in the trunk. Bravely shedding my sweater, I headed back to the water.

Surprisingly, not that cold, so I ventured in deeper and deeper. We didn't swim, but mostly stood in a row, all holding hands, back to the ensuing waves. The big ones pushed us forward. We howled with delight as the tumultous rushing water embraced us. Some waves even went over our heads. One pushed me down and I got a good gulp of sea water, very salty. The jaded locals smiled at our enthusiasm. Sensing our own childlike qualities, some of the children gathered around Shayna when she sat down to rest close to the waters moving edge.

But it's awesome. To feel that water, which stretches on for thousands of miles come at me with cyclical regularity makes me more aware of the cycles of nature. I crave that sense of oneness with nature. I'll never lose the wonderment. Twelve years of the desert, and I never tire of its special beauties. It's sacred to me, all of it.

 

8:00am - TOO MUCH cheesy hash browns - but they were SO GOOD!, a few scrambled egges with melted cheese, onions and peppers; small slice ham; 1/2 slice french toast with cinnamon and sugar; slice 'breakfast pizza' with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and bacon; pineapple chunks (supposed to aid in digestion), iced tea - I ate too darn much, and my tummy hurts!

Golden Corral restaurants look quite similar where ever you go. Whether it's the one on the east side of Tucson, or the northwest, or the one in Casa Grande, or this one in San Diego, (El Cajon, to be precise), they all look the same. The resemblance makes me feel 'placeless', homogenized. However, the food is dependably good, so I'm not complaining.

Oh, what a wonderland the zoo was! The amazing lush vegetation, just in and of itself would be fascinating enough! The zoo has been accredited 'Botannical Garden Status', for its persevation of the foliage. In the newer exhibits, they've perserved the environmental habitat that is native to the animal's country of origin, as well. I've caught many good shots of 'cute critters' on disc and will process them as soon as possible.

The only sad part was Laura pushed herself a little too hard. She wanted us to see as much as we could see, so she went until she could go no farther. Her angina was considerable. But we'd left her nitro pills in the car, so we had to wait until we walked back to the car to begin the healing process. After about seven or eight of the tiny white pills and a couple hours sleep, she still feels quite weak.

Awakening to an incredibly humid morning, we decided not to linger much longer. Everything I touched felt WET or at least damp. By 8:30am, we were headed back home. After we got out of San Diego, and about to enter the mountains, we saw an unusual bumper sticker. Most everyone has seen those stickers which say "I'd rather be fishing" or "I'd rather be shopping". This banner happily proclaimed "I'd rather be here now". I like this philosophy. Rather than wishing his life away, this driver is content to be in the moment and experience it completely for what it is.