Impulse Cruising Again

We had breakfast, packed up, and left the hotel by 8:45 to head to the San Diego Botanic Gardens, which is really in Encinitas. My membership at the Peace River Botanical Gardens gives me reciprocal privileges so it was a cheap date!
It was a beautiful day so roaming the gardens wasn't too hot, although it is a hilly tract of land so we did have to huff and puff at times. The plantings are very mature and many are very different than what we have in Florida so we found it quite interesting. They are grouped by regions like Australia, Mediterranean, Old World desert, etc. There were topiaries made from succulents in the Mexican area. They had been made for the San Diego County Fair and then donated a number of years ago. Quite creative! The bamboo forest included 110 types and we saw a Corpse Plant that blooms every 7-10 years and smells like a dead body.
We left there and then drove to Hermosa Beach, stopping in Carlsbad at Panda Express. The food wasn't bad, but we were headed to another place but there was no parking. Driving along the coast was fun but wearing due to traffic, pedestrians, and bikes so we got on the interstate and finally got to John and Annemarie's in Hermosa Beach.
They served another great dinner - amazing pork chops! Then to the rooftop for sunset which was better than the last few but still not as gorgeous as the photos John sends. Bedtime and then on the road tomorrow!