Wednesday 25th April

We went to Balboa Park, very close to our apartment. What a stunning place, it's beautiful, full of gorgeous buildings and greenery.  We took the trolley bus tour, first to the Old Town where we had breakfast and then a quick look at the museum area - a sort of 'Disney-fied' rebuilding of the original settlements. Then back on the trolley bus for the waterfront and Maritime Museum, which consists of several different ships to visit with a museum in the largest. Martyn was very keen as one was used in the Master & Commander film and coincidentally he happened to be reading the book. We went on the Star of India, mainly used as an emigrant ship from the UK to New Zealand, the HMS Surprise with its pirate exhibits, a B-39 Russian sub (not my favourite way to spend any time!) and then a steam ferry, the Berkeley with the museum. There was another ship but it sailed off before we had chance to visit!

Then back on the trolleybus and off to Coronado, with a number of stops in between - we stayed on and merely observed from afar. Coronado is approached via a 2+ mile bridge which affords great views. We'd planned to have a cocktail at the famous Hotel del Coronado and then a walk around but the tour was pretty comprehensive so we decided to stay on and go back to Balboa Park. The trolleys were getting very full and we didn't want to risk getting left behind. It was a good decision as Balboa is a wonderful place. We visited the Museum of Photographic Art and then went to look at an American version of The Globe Theatre (not much like our London one - certainly a lot more comfortable!) There was a play on - Two Trains Running, by August Wilson - which sounded good so we bought tickets for that evening, had a wander and then a superb dinner at the Prado restaurant, eating outside in lovely surroundings. The play was wonderful, about Black America in the 60s, with an all black cast. It was funnier than we were expecting and brilliantly acted and with a short interval nearly 3 hours long. It passed very quickly.

Thursday 26th April

It was time to leave San Diego and go out into the countryside to Idyllwild, up in the mountains just west of Palm Springs, for our final 3 nights of this wonderful road trip. We had breakfast en route at a diner called Pollo Loco, Mexican style and very cheap. Of course, we were very close to the Mexican border but San Diego had too much going for it for us to spend time driving down there. Maybe another year.

Idyllwild is 5000 feet above sea level so as we approached we were climbing steeply into lovely mountain scenery. We arrived well before our check-in time so parked up and looked at some of the  shops and had tea and scones in a little bakery - very English! Then we went off to our B&B, The Strawberry Creek Inn, which is lovely with lots of communal areas, inside and out. We decided to have an early dinner, with a walk on the way, and chose The Gastrognome. There's a footpath along Strawberry Creek, leading into the main town so we went that way but got carried away and walked too far!

We eventually found the exit back out again and found the restaurant where we had yet another great meal so decided to return there for our very last night. Back at the Inn we spent the rest of the evening chatting to fellow guests Lou & Kathy, with whom we have kept in touch.

Friday 27th April

After another great breakfast we drove to Humber Park from where we'd walk the 5.2 mile Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail to and back from Tahquitz View drive. We parked along a dirt track so we could walk uphill on the way and downhill on the way back as it really was heating up quite rapidly. The walk was beautiful with views every which way you looked. Sometimes we could see mountains in the distance as well as closer. We saw lots of grey squirrels and lizards and the birds were very vocal. It was a fairly gradual climb but we're not used to that altitude and my chest felt quite tight at first. But what lovely clean air.

Once back we had a short rest and then walked into town and looked at some shops and lovely art galleries. Lots of great stuff but mostly too heavy for us to take back. Much better value than in Santa Barbara though. Once back at the Inn we enjoyed some appetisers and then had dinner at the Café Rendezvous, a few minutes away - yet another good meal.

Saturday 28th April

Breakfast was an interesting affair. We had been joined by some young people who were here for the Coachella Music Festival at Palm Springs. Although I envied them the music, I didn't envy them the heat - it was hot enough in the mountains, let alone in the desert. We went to the Nature Reserve but found it too hot for a proper hike so took a short walk up to a lovely viewpoint and then came back to the bar opposite the Inn, for cold beers. We spent some time in the cool of the house reading in the library before our dinner at the Gastrognome, which was much busier than last time. I felt full after my starter - clearly time to go home and start eating less!

Sunday 29th April

We were sorry to leave but our time was up so we returned home via Los Angeles airport. To our great surprise, soon after take off we were taken to First Class! There were only 4 of us there in all, it was rather strange really. Great service and food, we probably didn't really take full advantage of it. A very good way to end a superb holiday.

We had such a good time. I'm writing this well over a year later and am having great fun re-living it all. The US is a great place for a holiday. We saw some amazing sights, met some lovely people and ate far too much - despite rarely eating at lunchtime. It's a great place to drive and the Coast Road is stunning. I was really pleased with how everything turned out, from accommodation to the areas in which we stayed. Overall, I think the start and finish points are the ones that will stay in my mind the longest, the places where nature makes the biggest impact. I would love to revisit one day.