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Cabrillo National Monument…San Diego

 

First…a little history.

As the park’s namesake, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore what is now the west coast of the United States. Cabrillo departed from the port of Navidad, Mexico, on June 27, 1542. Three months later he arrived at “a very good enclosed port,” which is known today as San Diego Bay. Historians believe he anchored his flagship, the San Salvador, on Point Loma’s east shore near Cabrillo National Monument. Cabrillo later died during the expedition, but his crew pushed on, possibly as far north as Oregon, before thrashing winter storms forced them to back to Mexico.

Cabrillo National Monument, established in 1913, commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s voyage of discovery. A heroic statue of Cabrillo looks out over the bay that he first sailed into on September 28, 1542. At the Visitor Center, the film “In Search of Cabrillo” and an exhibit hall present Cabrillo’s life and times. Ranger-led programs about Cabrillo are usually available on weekends and on many weekdays during summer months.

Visiting…

Stop at the Visitor Center. Information about the park, tidepools, and trails, exhibits showcasing Cabrillo and the native people, films documenting the park and its history, and commanding panoramic views make the Visitor Center here an ideal place to start your visit.

Bring your shoes if hiking is on your agenda. The Bayside Trail is about 2.5 miles roundtrip. You’ll descend about 300 feet as you walk past native coastal sage, prickly pear, and chaparral. Leftover military control stations, bunkers, and other remnants of the defense system which protected the harbor during WWI and WWII can be seen on your way through this coastal Mediterranean ecotype.

Wear waterproof, sturdy shoes if you want to explore the tidepools. Keep in mind the rocks get slippery. Remember to explore by looking. These are protected to maintain the marine life in their natural habitat. Don’t take anything home with you.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a reminder of sailing ships and oil lamps. When in operation, a dedicated keeper was on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No vacations. No time off. An oil lamp was lit in 1855 to reflect the light off the newly installed Fresnel lens. This was reported to be seen 32 miles away, protecting ships from the rocks and coast. Being the highest lighthouse along the coast, it seemed like an ideal spot. It wasn’t. Fog and low clouds often obstructed the light. In 1891 the lamp was extinguished for the final time. It was shut down and a new one was constructed at a lower elevation.

Definitely worth a trip, the Cabrillo National Monument offers an insight into San Diego and California history. With so much to do here, plan on spending the day.

If You Go: Cabrillo National Monument is located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106. The entire park is open from 9am until 5pm. The only exception are the tidepools which close at 4:30pm. Park passes are available at the Entrance Station until 4:20pm. For more information, https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm.

 

 

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Learn a Language or Book a Table…These Apps May Work For You

Recently I read about some apps which may be useful as you travel. Check these out and let me know if you’ve tried any of them.

Memrise: According to users, Memrise lets you learn about different languages and cultures on-the-go with classes on a broad variety of topics in over 200 languages.

WiFi Map

WiFi Map highlights hotspots around your current location and provides the password. Is this something you would use? Of course, remember to be careful what data you access while using public WiFi.

MyPanda

MyPanda measures the security of an area using GPS. I learned the app was founded as a response to the horrific 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, and alerts users to any threats of violence in their immediate area. In select cities (like New York City and Los Angeles) the app locates the nearest police station and gives you the fastest way to get there and the option to call authorities with one tap.

UnTappd

Are you a beer drinker? Try this app to connect you with the best local brews, bars, breweries, and other drinking venues nearby. It says it also gives opinions on the local beers.

OpenTable

I’ve used this app quite a lot. You can make your reservations ahead of time at the restaurant of your choice or check out reviews to try a new one. It lets you search by location, time, or type of cuisine.

 

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La Jolla’s Map and Atlas Museum…A Rare Find

La Jolla brings to mind sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, great shopping, wave skimming armadas of pelicans, and endless views of the Pacific Ocean. I don’t necessarily think of museums or old maps when I head to La Jolla.

But, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, how about the Map and Atlas Museum? Not your ordinary museum, this one offers an appreciation and awareness for the geography, history, politics, and beauty of antique collectible maps and atlases.

I was impressed by the maps detailing the world…from centuries ago. Many of the old drawings were so close to what is reality today. This is a rare find. And, not one you’d probably expect in La Jolla.

Next time you’re here…stop in.

 

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So Close…So Far Away

Pantai Inn

About a year ago we stayed at the Pantai Inn in La Jolla. Looking at the resort today…I would stay there again in a heart beat.

Welcome to Bali. Well, maybe not actually Bali.

But it sure felt like it.

Stepping out of the car, soothing sounds of gently flowing water and lightly tinkling bells made me smile. Tasteful, gold and purple umbrellas and lightly scented tropical flowers took my smile to another level. Walking between impressive sculptures, which I learned were Padma sculptures, gave me a peaceful feeling. Immediately, I was in a different place.

Walking in to the Pantai Inn in La Jolla, California, offered a glimpse of a Bali inspired resort. Those Padma sculptures? Being greeted by the Padma lets you leave the stresses of the outside world, and welcomes you into a place of serenity and tranquility.

Guess what? It worked.

But, it kept getting better. Attention to every detail, and I mean every detail, greeted me with water features, exotic landscaping, colors, sights, and sounds. I could have landed on any tropical island.

My own private island.

As it is, this one-acre piece of property includes rough-shingled cottages to Art Deco influences to Balinese design. And, it’s not on an island at all.

But, the peace and quiet, the lush, flower-filled greenery, and even the furnishings trick your mind into believing you really are at your own private island resort. I mean, get a glass of wine, relax in the courtyard, and look at the view. Seemingly endless blue sky meets wave after wave for as far as you can see. And, those sunsets. You have to see them to believe.

The best part? This was my home for a few days.

I was told the Pantai Inn had undergone an extensive renovation in all of its 30 suites and cottages. But, it was so much more than just renovating an existing motel that had been in the family for three generations. It’s more than wanting a place to resemble a Balinese resort. Authenticity was imperative to the family. So was state-of-the-art. Think contemporary beach resort meets old-world luxury.

I’d say they achieved it.

While each suite and cottage are unique, the Bali and Indonesia themes are evident. Authentic artwork and murals decorate the resort. Everything is just a little bit better than you’d expect.

Want to know what’s for breakfast the next morning? Just look on your refrigerator. A menu is posted for the following day. Maybe you’ll be lucky and have the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote, or the feta, sun-dried tomato quiche. This is the way to start the day…great food and a spectacular view.

Stop in the reception area in the afternoon for a delightful, chef prepared sweet treat. Oh my…key lime mini cupcakes today. Or sit around the fire pit in the evening, enjoying the weather and a glass of wine.

I just lost track of the outside world. Now, that’s a vacation.

https://www.pantai.com/ for more information

 

 

 

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Have You Used These Apps?

Airport Apps

Sometimes having the right app makes your trip go easier. Have you ever used any of these?

Mobile Passport: I have not used this, but here is what the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have to say.

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and San Diego International Airport today announced the expansion of Mobile Passport Control to SAN. Mobile Passport is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers may voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

“We continually strive to identify and implement new, more efficient ways of meeting the challenges posed by an increasingly complex mission and growing volumes in travel and trade,” said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. “We now have Automated Passport Control kiosks, Global Entry kiosks for our trusted travelers, and the use of smart-phone and mobile technologies to enhance the traveler experience.”

“We’re excited to launch this new program in San Diego just in time for the busy summer travel season,” said Kimberly Becker, President/CEO of San Diego International Airport. “Getting through the Customs process has never been so convenient, which allows more time to enjoy everything San Diego has to offer.”

MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States. Much like Automated Passport Control, the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.

There are five easy steps to MPC:

  • Download the Mobile Passport App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store prior to arriving
  • Create a profile with your passport information
  • Complete the “New Trip” section upon arrival in the United States
  • Submit responses to inspection-related questions to CBP through the app to receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code
  • Bring your passport and smartphone or tablet with your digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer

Eligible travelers arriving at San Diego International Airport can begin using the app on June 1 for CBP processing. The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and has since expanded to 23 airports. For more information on what airports have MPC available please visit, CBP.gov/MPC.

Hotel Tonight: This app provides a shortcut to hotels near your airport. It shows available rooms, in case your flight is delayed or you need a last minute hotel.

My TSA: The MyTSA app provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Save time and money with our helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags. With this app you can:

  • Check how busy the airport will be on your specific day and time of travel based on historical data.
  • Check the delay information and current weather conditions at your favorite airports nationwide.
  • Quickly search which items you can bring with you through the checkpoint onto the airplane.
  • Consult the TSA Guide on how to prepare for and get through the security checkpoint quickly.
  • Discover which airports and airlines support TSA Pre✓®, and learn how to sign-up.
  • Request live assistance from TSA through the AskTSA social media integration.

Google Translate: I use this for more than just at the airport. But, it’s handy to have if you need to find the right gate and you can’t remember your Italian.

TripIt and TripCase: These are travel itinerary apps that contain almost all details of a trip, including flight, car rental, lodging, and other details. The air travel information includes flight times, flight and booking numbers, seat assignments, terminal and gate information, and more.

I like to have all my information in one place, so this works well for me. You can set up notifications on your phone. Then 24 hours before your flight, the app will prompt you to check in online.

Gate Guru: This app helps when you need to get through the terminal efficiently. I feel it’s fairly up-to-date and useful in most airports. I’ve also noticed the security wait times tend to be a little off…sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.

Your Airline App: It’s always a good idea to have your airline app. It’s a quick way to see what’s going on with flight information, seat assignments, etc.

To my knowledge, these are available for both Android and IOS systems.

 

 

 

 

 

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Is Your Airport Listed?

I just read an article relating to the 50 busiest airports in the US. These are based on numbers related to on-time arrival data from the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2008 to 2017.

Most of the delays occurred in summer, with last summer having some of the highest increases.

Here are the findings:

Newark Liberty International (New Jersey) was worst for summer delays with an on-time arrival rate of just 67 percent, according to the report. The others in the bottom 10, with an on-time arrival rate ranging from 68 to about 75 percent, are LaGuardia (New York), San Francisco International, John F. Kennedy International (New York), Logan International (Boston), O’Hare International (Chicago), Miami International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Raleigh-Durham (North Carolina) and Philadelphia International.

The airports with the best on-time arrivals, ranging from 80 to 88 percent, were Honolulu International (Hawaii), Salt Lake City International (Utah), John Wayne Airport (Orange County, Calif.), Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Portland International (Oregon), Minneapolis-St. Paul International, San Jose International (California) and McCarran International (Las Vegas).

Do you regularly use any of those airports? Or, will you be flying into them this summer?

What can you do? These may help…especially if you have choices on flying.

Check the weather. Is severe weather forecast? How about fog or anything else that may delay the arrival?

Try for an early morning flight before delays start to affect the entire day.

Don’t forget to check security regulations if you have questions.

 

 

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New TSA Screening Regs

 

Did you know, starting June 30, foreign airports will be examining your carry-on bags more carefully? Why? Powder.

A new TSA regulation will ask that travelers headed to the U.S. from another country remove powdered substances from their bags to be carefully checked, as agents currently do with liquids, and be prepared to either discard the powder or check their bag.

The reason, of course, is the fear of improvised explosive devices, which can sometimes involve powdery substances.

To avoid extra scrutiny, anyone traveling with more than 12 ounces of powder, which could include makeup, baby-related products, food, and other substances, should put the powder in a checked bag.

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You Weigh How Much?

Walking towards the check-in counter at Paris’ DE Gaulle airport last month, I noticed a man kneeling on the floor frantically taking things out of his extra-large suitcase.

Upon looking closer, he was transferring some of those things to another bag and he was tossing other things in a pile. Listening to him mumble to himself, he was cursing the airline for telling him his bag weighed too much.

Apparently, he didn’t think to check the airline’s weight limit for checked luggage.

Do you?

Did you know airlines don’t all have the same guidelines for weight? It’s best to check with the airline you’ll be flying on to find out how much your bags can weigh. If you weigh your bags at home, you may think your scale is accurate. But, that doesn’t count. It’s the airline’s scale where your bags will be weighed that is important.

Or, you could make sure your bag weighs less than the limit…just in case.

If you want to compare airlines, use this site https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/airline-baggage-sizes-fees-carry-checked-luggage for a quick reference.

Then double check the airline.

Don’t be that man on the floor throwing his shoes and jeans into a pile.