MISSIONS AND MICROBREWERIES

(Click on any photo for large view)

We went to San Diego/San Clemente and Oceanside for our last weekend here. Marianne wanted to get some photographs of Missions San Diego Alcala and San Luis Rey in her quest to photograph all 21 of the California missions while I thought we should balance it out by visiting Stone's and Oceanside Ale Works Microbreweries while in the vicinity.  Stone's brewery was without a doubt the prettiest I've ever had the pleasure of visiting with the latest in brewing technology and equipment,  beautiful stonework befitting its eponymous brand name, and a fantastically landscaped beer garden  looking out over a small lake. We couldn't believe our good fortune when , walking into  Oceanside Ale Works, a full blown celebration was in progress featuring a band and $2 pints!

We spent the night in Coronado directly across from the famous Hotel Del Coronado not wanting to pay the $300/night tariff there. Interestingly, it was the second building in the US to be electrified and has been visited by a number of presidents and other heads of state over the years. Coronado is also the home of the Navy Seals and I actually came upon four of them running in full combat dress! Our second night was spent in San Clemente with my daughter and son-in-law's house where we had a nice visit with them. 

The focus is now on celebrating my last treatment tomorrow (St. Patrick's Day), packing on Wednesday and wrapping up Marianne's dental work Thursday. We are planning to be home on Friday which happens to be the first day of spring.