Vacations

The Laguna Cliffs Resort, our digs for the first lart of our getaway. It’s quite large and reminds us a little of the Del Corado Hotel in San Diego.

Check-in and valet.

Dawn on our balcony.

The marina is just steps (and 182 stairs!) from the resort.

The marina is home to the usual array of sea gulls and pelicans, but I was surprised to find a pair of egrets standing on one of the the docks! I couldn’t get this one to come out of the shade…

While we were all enjoying a sea lion floating on his back in the harbor, this big guy surfaced right next to me and surprised me so much I barely got a shot off before he went under again.

On the way to dinner one evening in the marina, I spotted this beautiful blue heron perched atop the restaurant and snapped a few images.

The second leg of our getaway we stayed at the Casa Laguna Inn. A B&B, it was built in the 1920s and added to in the 1930s as a private villa on a grand scale, complete with barrel tile roofs, imported Italian tiles and lush gardens. I took several images when we arrived and have posted some here.

Living room.

Dining room.

Mrs. A poolside.

Lovely garden decor.

A beautiful gate at one of the many gardens.

The property is tiered, with several terraces where guests can enjoy breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’œuvres, or just relax.

Part of our balcony

View of the courtyard nearest the dining room and the pool area taken from the end of our balcony.

Many of the walls and stairs are inlaid with beautiful imported tiles like these.

Another view from the end of our balcony.

The main terrace off the dining room where we enjoyed breakfast and evening cocktails.

Yet another view.

The clock tower in San Clemente. The retail part of town appears to be one long main drag leading down to the ocean. Even at this time of year it was quiet and uncrowded.

Wifey in front of what I believe is the San Clemente public library.

We stopped in this little San Clemente main street restaurant for afternoon chips and margaritas.