I feel like I have been on vacation this past week. OK, I know what you're thinking ... we are retired and travel around in our RV, so we are always on vacation. Well, you may be right. But nonetheless, our stay this week at Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado, California has turned out to be one of those scenic, relaxing, and fun destinations that bring out that "vacation" feeling.
We originally ruled out staying at Silver Strand based on comments from past RVers. Yes, it is basically a parking lot, and yes, it backs up to a busy road ... all for twice the cost of most other RV parks in the area. But when we biked by here a few weeks ago and gazed upon the beach ...
we were hooked!
Let the Silver Strand Beach Vacation begin ... oh, and by the way, Doug ... there may not be as much lounging around on the beach as you would like!
Biking the Strand
With San Diego Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, there was endless beauty as well as activities to enjoy on The Silver Strand. A paved bike path leads you north into Coronado or south to Imperial Beach and around the bay into Chula Vista and San Diego.
Coronado, the "crowned one", is a famous vacation paradise located three miles up the bike path. Cute shops, tasty restaurants, beautiful homes and gorgeous views of the ocean and bay added to our vacation feeling.
We enjoyed walking around the flower gardens and along the beach behind the famous Hotel Del Coronado. The "Del" as the locals refer to it was the largest resort hotel in the world when it opened in 1888. Throughout its history many stories have evolved of movie star and ghost sightings ... but we saw neither.
For a crazy amount of money, Doug could have really spoiled his Valentine with dinner and a room, but he didn't. He knows the true way to my heart ... with some wonderful ice cream from Moo Time Creamery ... best enjoyed in the sunshine overlooking the ocean!
A little further down the street, I was able to return the favor and treat my Valentine to his favorite IPA at Coronado Brewing Co. What's this, they have Happy Hour specials Tuesdays through Fridays?? Let's just say that we took the bike path up to Coronado a few more times!
Walking the Strand
With the beach less than 100 yards beyond the Wildebeest's resting spot, we got our fair share of beach walking in. It is amazing how the sun, clouds, winds, and tides create a different beach walk experience each time.
With each walk we enjoyed ever-changing beach beauty including seashells and sand dollars,
... and a bat ray that accidently got hooked by a fisherman. We watched as the fisherman very carefully got the hook out and sent Mr. Bat Ray back into the ocean ... all the time avoiding contact with his stinging spine.
Relaxing on the Strand
Another reason that this week felt like a vacation is that we were able to just sit on the beach and relax while looking for whales, or surfers, or ... maybe a beautiful mermaid,
... or watch the birds discuss among themselves which group of people potentially has the best "snacks" to steal,
... or enjoy the excitement of children as they watch the sun disappear over the horizon signaling the end of another beautiful day.
Some may define "vacation" as taking time away from work or school, but we have found a definition that fits our current lifestyle. For us, a "vacation" is simply being able to spend time in the beauty around you ... and enjoy that beauty with a special person in your life!
Until next time ... "vacation" with the one you love ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!
We would love to see a photo of your favorite "vacation" place and partner!
