April 2018 – Staycations California

The Day at the Docks

On the end of the line, the mighty trout was fighting for dear life while on the other end, Staycationer JoJo was fiercely reeling it up to the surface. As the fish tugged and pulled, the rod would bend over almost to its breaking point. Two minutes into this struggle, JoJo was huffing and puffing as her face was turning a bright crimson red. She was getting tired now although soon it would be over. You see there wasn’t really a live fish on the line, this was just a simulation, one of many booths and demos at the annual “Day at The Docks” event in San Diego.

JoJo trying to catch a fake trout

Prior to her trying this demo, there was a young boy working rigorously to snare in a large Marlin that could be seen on the TV monitor in the tent. Every time it jumped out of the water he would reel in the line at a rapid pace. When it was her turn, big kid JoJo selected a smaller fish thinking she wouldn’t have to work that hard. The trout proved to be quite a challenge.

I briefly thought I’d give it a try but the line behind me was full of youngsters anxiously waiting their turn. I had to give it up for the kidlets as it was a great chance for them to try fishing.

The even younger tykes were given an opportunity to catch real fish in a penned in area next to one of the docks. The netted area was stocked with small mackerel and from what I saw, every one of them caught a fish.

All of this interaction was part of this amazing celebration and was a perfect day for the whole family.

Day at the Docks:
I feel bad about reporting about it after the fact although sometimes we have to experience it ourselves first. If it is a worthy happening as this one was, hopefully you will put it on your bucket list for the following year.

Held at America’s Cup Harbor near Point Loma, every year the Day at the Docks celebrates the beginning of the sport fishing season. San Diego’s sport fishing fleet is known as the worlds largest.

Part of Americas Cup Harbor Continue reading “Day at the Docks”

I wish I would have visited the San Diego Botanical Gardens just two hours earlier. Maybe I wouldn’t have man-handled my succulent that I was replanting because of a broken pot. The poor thing is either going to flourish in its new home or die a slow death. Coincidentally, two hours later while I am at the botanical gardens, a lady was speaking on how to plant and handle succulents. She taught the crowd about things to do and things not to do. My planting skills were on the not to do list.

The informative seminar is one of a few that they had in progress on this warm spring day in April. Nearby, another woman spoke on the care of orchids which was perfect for my friend who had one sitting on her dining room table at home. I am sure she listened carefully to the helpful tips as to keep the beautiful flower the vibrant purple that it was in its current state.

Art on a Sunday Afternoon
The “>San Diego Botanical Gardens has been a mainstay in Encinitas, California for many years. Originally it was called Quail Botanical Gardens but changed its name in 2009 to gain more attention as a regional attraction.

We saw an advertisement for an “Art Fest” on social media that caught our eye and decided it was the time to give this place a visit.

So on a warm Sunday afternoon we decided to check out the San Diego Botanical Gardens and the “Art Fest”. The festival was in full bloom with various booths featuring paintings, photography, sculptures, gourds, wood carving, and various other crafts, all from local artists. It is always nice seeing what these creative people display and we were not disappointed.