Fun without sun in San Diego

California! Hurray!

Upon arriving at Coranado Island across the bay from the city we found bright sun and a cool breeze, lovely! Stopped at Coranado brewery for lunch, walked across the island to touch the Pacific and then back again for a bay view of San Diego.

The weather uncharacteristically turned cloudy and there were even a few showers.

Then we checked into a hotel/hostel, which turned out to be mostly hostel. I think we were on the elevator with a homeless man riding a jazzy.

We quickly showered and were out the door to find the touristy, yet lovely seaport. I determined the precise specifications for a new California bear hat and the dragged Mark around to find it. And did! Look for future photos!

We unfortunately got stuck behind a mile long convention center which we then had to walk around to get to our final destination the Gaslamp Quarter.

Had a fine evening and dinner. Had a sleepless type night without ac and with lots of street noise and quickly woke up to head out to the solace of life, animals.

This is a 175 year old tortoise that arrived at the San Diego zoo in 1928. I rightfully fell in love with this non aggressive species that merely raises it's head to show power. 

The San Diego zoo is the epitome of zoos and wildlife conservation. The pathways mimicked the authentic habitats so well and were varied from bridges to escalotors to sky rides.

We saw panda babies, gorilla babies, giraffe babies, orangatan babies... The zookeepers were so in love with their work...volunteers were fountains of information.. It was just so well done. I think the zoo's job to inspire its visitors to be on board with conservation must be achieved daily. 

Then because we are Smiths and there is never a limit to animal love, we went to the safari park. 

Where we saw one of the seven remaining white horned rhino in the WORLD.

After seven hours at the zoo/ safari park we did some brewery visiting. First to the Lost Abbey where we were given much advice for the remained of our Cali experience, then to Stone. This is a micro-brew empire which is a contradiction, but really. This place knows it's beer, over 15 on draft, yet serves a gourmet menu over a beautiful bar and restaurant space with fire places and uber- modern facilities.