Oceanside Rain and Whale Watching

We knew the rain was coming around 1:00 and timed our walk accordingly, as to not be stuck inside all day.

I was especially interested in heading to the beach knowing there was a beach warning in place (peligro=danger). 

I am not sure if I like the beach more when it is warm and sunny, or stormy and deserted.  

We were in luck, just like the day before, in the same spot, there were whales!  Closer to shore than I have ever seen, right where the waves were starting to break.

She is such a good sport.

Not only did we see two whales, we saw two different news stations broadcasting the "news", semi-live.

We were a little off with our timing, we didn't stay here long enough, and for the other news broadcast, we just missed it!  Oh well.  

It was funny because Fox 5 waited until the instant it started to pour before taping, which was our cue to head home.  We think they were watching the Doppler closely because they were parked for awhile, waiting.  I don't think the weather was news-worthy but everyone else in the country was broadcasting the weather, and it wouldn't be San Diego news if we didn't jump onboard.  

Julian, CA

We have been at home for the past two months so I was ready (needed) to get out of town.  Eric is always up for an adventure so we spontaneously packed up and left for Julian, just an hour and a half away, in the Cuyamaca mountains.

Founded during the Gold Rush in the 1870s the little mountain town is full of history.

Apparently we weren't the only ones who felt this way.

Immediately upon our arrival, who did we see walking on a historic Julian sidewalk but Eric's mom!

We stopped into her quaint hotel built in 1897 to spend some unexpected quality time before heading off to explore.

After seeing Nickel Beer Co. on a local TV show I have wanted to go check it out. 

The owner is the former brewmaster of Oggi's, Pizza Port and Julian Brewing Co.

He buys fresh local hops, which rather uncommon for San Diego breweries.  

We entire flight that we sampled.  

My favorite was the Nickel Beer, Karl Strauss, South Park collaboration IPA.

The last stop before heading back home was Julian Pie Co.

We ordered a slice of warm caramel Dutch apple pie with cinnamon ice cream and ate it on the outdoor patio in the back, where crying babies are welcome (because it was empty).

I don't think I need to mention that it was delicious.

Not bad for our first family road trip!