Cabrillo National Monument

Sunday I went with Albie & Court up to Cabrillo National Monument, which lies atop a hill, with great views out over San Diego. The area is formally part of a Naval base, but it's administered by the National Parks. It is named for the first civilized person European to set foot in California, the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.

The area is quite nice, and there was a moment when I stood looking out over the sea and felt a pang of yearning for Italy. There was just something about the way the hills sloped down to the sea that reminded me of the Sorrento peninsula and Naples, and for a brief time I was almost homesick for Europe. Then I remembered the hell that is Italy and the Italians, and promptly felt ashamed.

All pics here.

From the island of Coronado, where we made a brief stop before going up to the Monument. I definitely didn't like it there. Smug.


The Cabrillo Monument on the other hand, was absolutely brilliant. Here is a view of the airport.


More of San Diego airport and the harbor.


Gorillas Skyscrapers in the mist.


A sailboat.


Reminded me of Italy. And there was a strong, pleasant smell from the plants up at the lighthouse. Sigh.


The lighthouse.


Some winged creature. I have no idea whether it is a falcon, a hawk, an eagle or a pigeon. It did fuck all except move its head around.


Look, no head!


The view on the other side of the hill, down towards the Pacific.


This plant is called Chapparal. I know this because it said so on the little sign near the ground.


Monterrey cypress. Again, there was a sign.