West Coast Once Again

After returning from NY I worked one day then the next morning caught a plane to head back to the West Coast.  This time the destination was a little further south than Oregon.  On the agenda was a visit with Grandma White in San Diego followed by a bachelorette weekend in Temecula, the "Napa of Southern CA". 

Of course, after arriving in San Diego, the first stop must be fish tacos with Sandy!

It was great to visit with Grandma.  I still can't believe she lives just down the road from Sandy!  It was also nice to be familiar with the area already (since I came to San Diego last year with Bo) and I was able to find my previous running trails in Balboa Park.

On Friday night Kate, Sandy and I picked up the bride, Monica, with two of her New Mexico friends at the airport.  The trip was a complete surprise for Monica--even her flight was booked for her!

Dinner with the girls at Sandy's favorite local Italian place.  Squid ink gnocchi with scallops, shrimp, and a saffron cream sauce.  I never had anything like that while living in Italy!

After dinner we drove about an hour north to Temecula, the southern wine country.  Monica still didn't know where we were taking her!

In the morning a blanket of thick fog obscured the view on my run.  I miss that poor CA visibility!

I think there might have been a hot air balloon behind those clouds

The view from our front deck

We told Monica to dress up because she was going to do something special (we continued to try to keep everything a surprise for her)

Our limo was ready for our wine tour!

It felt like prom all over again, except the dates were replaced with alcohol

Blue RaspGary, our driver (he was a good sport)

Feelin' like a rapper

The after party

Our picturesque Airbnb house for the weekend

Those of us who weren't too "sleepy" from the wine tour got to enjoy an evening with Shakespeare in the Vines.

The fog remained at bay the next morning.

With the clear skies I was surprised to find hot air balloons being launch just at the end of the road!

 

 

The six of us checked out on Sunday morning and said good bye to Temecula.  However, the fun wasn't over yet! We stopped by the Ranch (near Julian) for a picnic lunch.  Too bad it was sweltering hot :o(

It felt like home

Jennifer, MG, and Kate taking in the views

A trip to the Ranch wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Julian Pie Co!

A quick visit to the old cemetary

It was a great weekend!  We should have bachelorette parties more often :o)