B & B in San Diego

Most of you probably think that "B & B" means bed and breakfast but in San Diego it means Beaches and Balboa. Our last couple of days with Lael and Doug were spent at Balboa Park and enjoying the beaches.

It was a rainy day when we visited the park so we only did a minimal amount of the grounds; but it was enough to enjoy the architecture. You can't go to Balboa Park without enjoying the buildings. And since we viewed an exhibit of black and white photography, I had to try my hand at some... I am easily influenced.

Can you believe the vibrant color of these flowers! That is the botanical garden in the background.

Once inside the building, the first thing to capture our attention, was this beautiful orchid.

You never know what you are going to find hiding in the greenery.

We went to the Natural History Museum for the display of gems and minerals. Can you believe these opals???

I think I want my next bauble to look something like this one... only with an opal maybe. Isn't this a striking setting.

The display was very interesting and we learned that San Diego County is rich with gemstones. In fact, there is still a mine that operates and we plan to make a trip there in March sometime. Balboa Park is an area that needs to be visited every year and the best time to visit is in February as all of the San Diego museums are half price during that month - a great promotion.

So, on to beaches. My fascination with black and white lives on.

The old roller coaster at Mission Beach.

Huh...

Each beach has its own personality.

The Imperial Beach Pier - two different looks

Now our Cleveland friends are basking in the warmth in Arizona and we are "chilling out" in California. It has been a cool and rainy week; lots of games and not much else. Till later,