On my way to San Diego, I decided to stop by Sherman Gardens and Library. It seemed like a nice place about 2 hours away from San Diego, and with a beautiful area to have lunch. Indeed, it did not disappoint.
On March 3rd, the weather was truly outstanding! Eighty three degrees Fahrenheit and sunny - who can argue with that?! I only stayed for half an hour there since I had an appointment for a massage in San Diego. There is plenty of street parking and even a private lot right in the back of the Gardens. Knowing I would not exceed the 1 hour parking rule, I parked on the street.
The entry fee is $5, and you can visit the library during the weekdays. Although I did not go inside the library, I did check out their antique journal collection:
Located right beside the library, the fountain provided plenty of seating and relaxation. Restrooms and the gift shop were just behind the french doors on the picture below:
On the other side of the garden, you could enjoy peaceful plantation of exotic trees and plants in the enclosed arboretum. There was not as much seating as I would have preferred, but in such a small place there is only that much that you can do.
I had lunch on site as well. It was really expensive and just ok, but the location cannot be beaten.
I loved this Lemon French Soda! And I really don't like soda!
This is a steamed beet salad with some sort of weird dressing - not bad!
I finished my walk in the gardens staring at a few happy turtles bathing in the sunlight and beautiful California flowers. I really love California, can't deny the pleasure of warm weather!
It is finally starting to get warmer here in Fresno. Enough of the 55 degree weather, let's switch to something bigger and better! Today it was nice and sunny with 63 degrees and only moderately polluted air. I signed up for my first Meetup in a while since the weather left much to be desired in the past month. On the other hand, California got all the rain it starved for and drought conditions are diminished now. It is amazing to see California green! No more "golden hills", or so they try to call it!
Today I headed to Millerton Lake, about half an hour north from Fresno. For whatever reason I have never been there, and this hike promised to be relatively easy, rolling hills and 8 miles total along the lake. I was told that the group generally does not go there in the summer because of snakes, but now in the beginning of February we were safe.
The views were really cool!
This place is really great off-season because there are not too many people there yet, but the weather is already warm. It is an easy hike, limited elevation, but it is quite long, so for me it was more like moderate. Well, I am probably not in the best shape either :p
Who on earth names a canyon Hellhole? Am I part of a comedy show and there is a hidden camera somewhere?
I went hiking in Hellhole Canyon the day after Christmas, sick with upper respiratory and not sure what to wear given the changing weather. It was almost impossible finding a coffee shop and a deli open since it was the day after Christmas, and Christmas fell on a Sunday. Everything was closed except for this great Mexican supermarket called Pancho Villa's Farmer's Market. They had fresh croissants and pastry, so fresh that it was falling apart as I was biting through it. I also picked up a sandwich and happily was on my way hiking.
Hiking was organized by a Meetup group, and over 50 people showed up. In this 4 hour 8 mile hike we froze and warmed up, got excited by downhills and challenged by uphills.
The views were pretty incredible. Hikers in my group were telling me that they would never come here during the summer. Apparently, it get to 90s here.
Who can say that there is a better place than San Diego? Neither can I.
A short 5.5 hrs drive to San Diego was a short vacation I recently went on to get away from work and boredom of Fresno. I have been to San Diego several times in the past year and a half, but this time I visited two really cool places: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and came close to Cabrillo National Monument.
Fort Rosecrans was an unexpectedly beautiful place. Who goes to a cemetery to enjoy the views? I do!
Sunset was caught there by accident and was surely a pleasant add-on.
This year so far I have met a sunrise on the East Coast and sunsets on the West Coast. Incredible!
I also went Salsa dancing the first time in a few years. Great time at Marriott Hotel! See you very soon San Diego ;)
It's been too long since I last left Fresno. I had to get out. The number of places to visit is shrinking, and the distance to drive has become a nuisance. Nevertheless, driving 2.5 hours to see the Pacific Beach is worth it.
On the way out of Fresno I hit some dense fog, something I was warned about by the locals, but have never experienced it myself. You could see nothing ahead of you, really, check it out!
Here is what my schedule looked like. I generally go on Tripadvisor and Roadtrippers to get the sites I want to visit.
I bought the ticket to Hearst Castle online, it cost $25. It just gives you a reservation in case you travel during the peak months. In my case, it was really unnecessary as there were plenty of spots available. Besides, you still have to wait in line to pick up your ticket and wrist bracelet at the counter.
The wait was very minimal, they valued our time! The group was transported to the castle via a shuttle bus with a very nice audio recording in the background describing the history of Hearst Castle. On the way down I actually recorded the views.
The castle itself is more like an estate, not so much of a castle. When you mention the term "castle", I have a picture of medieval structure, but this was a luxurious building with beautiful architecture. It reminded me The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. Regardless, the tour of the Grand Rooms was educational, and you had as much time as you wanted outside.
Here is what it looked inside:
Outside it was even more magnificent! It was a relatively clear and sunny day, so you could see the water closely in the distance. I tried to imagine how it would be living in such luxury...
That was their indoor pool...
A little hummingbird was used to people and did not mind me taking fifteen hundred shots of him:
After taking a bunch of pictures on site, I headed out to my next destination. Luckily, it was right across the street. William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach is really unique in that you can go out on pier and fish! Well, me and fishing don't go together, but I certainly took advantage of the view.
Here is a short video of the view:
I attempted to visit Piedras Biancas Beach, but there was not much to see and certainly no seals.
I then went to the Moonstone Beach, parked right at the big red cross on the map below and walked about a mile along the beach on the boardwalk to the Moonstone Beach itself.
Really nice views along the way, pleasant atmosphere in a unique neighborhood.
Finally, the Moonstone Beach! The stones are really of different colors, see for yourself!
