Discovery Lake, San Marcos, Ca

Discovery lake is a wonderful place child friendly with a county feel, but not in the country. Here is an article written by Agnes Herman has been a Lake San Marcos resident since 1983 and posted in the North County Times May 25, 2005.. it is as true today as over 5 years ago.
.Discovery Lake is a jewel in San Marcos' crown of fine parks and lovely walking trails.
I discovered it in a moment of need almost 12 years ago. I had been babysitting Matt, our grandson, when he suddenly was screaming in pain from a severe earache. After a session at Urgent Care, I sought a calm, quiet diversion to help both of us erase the memory of his pain.
I drove around the city seeking to locate the "new" lake I had heard about. We drove up the hill off Craven Road, which runs from Discovery Street to the university, and then up Foxhall. This led us into an inviting parking area that borders a children's playground and small park and provides access to Discovery Lake.
What a "Discovery" it was! A wide, wooden bridge led us to an equally wide, paved road, and a gleaming body of water came into view. We followed the road around the lake, a three-quarter of a mile hike marked by many stops to admire the variety of trees and flowers that grow in profusion on both sides.
The lake itself was alive with ducks and other waterfowl; Matt was all smiles and chatter. I could not have designed a better way to heal the pain. We returned to the playground where this grandma was rewarded with a big hug as I permitted Matt to join the gaggle of youngsters at the spraying water fountain.
Our family has been addicted to Discovery Lake ever since. It offers us seniors, especially, an opportunity to walk several laps and brag about the accomplishment. And it affords a peaceful, contemplative moment in otherwise stressful days.
They astonish me, the variety of people who amble slowly, walk briskly, run or jog around the lake. Grandparents and young parents pushing strollers arrive after naptime. Some use walkers, some are in wheel chairs and others meander around the trail keeping tight to the right hand lane, out of the range of bikers and skaters.
Some of us are so regular in attendance that our absence causes concern. When I first walked the lake after recent surgery, a frequent walker stopped to say, "Long time no see." In the past he had been so absorbed in thought, we hardly exchanged nods. I remember the Sunday we spied our family doctor bent over a wild rose. When I called his name, without missing a beat he answered "mistaken identity."
I had invaded his private time. He was gracious, nevertheless, and stopped to chat about the health of wildflowers.

There are two other interesting trails. Discovery Creek Trail is a 2-mile round trip that follows the creek, which runs under the bridge at the Lake. For the adventuresome, there is the Double Peak Trail, five miles round trip, a moderate to difficult hike.
The myriad of area plants and flowers are best enjoyed during a leisurely walk. Willow trees and Sycamores provide umbrellalike shade; wild roses, honeysuckle, California blackberry, lemonade berry and even pussy willows abound! The many water birds include coots and mallards, herons and an occasional egret. If one is lucky, a quail leading his family will cross your path. In the quiet of the night I am told, deer, an occasional bobcat and coyotes enjoy their space. Even the lonely snake that ventures across the road as the day cools does not bother us as long as we return the courtesy.


I am off to meet a friend and fellow walker there this morning.. always bring a bit of bread for the ducks and geese :)

La Jolla Inn

While on our short get away.. we stayed at the La Jolla Inn.: for a location it can't be beat..
The room was clean and tidy and I would recommend this hotel to anyone that wanted a nice place close to all in downtown La Jolla with an ocean view..
They had a continental breakfast each morning that can be delivered to your room or rooftop terrace.
The breakfast included:
Bagels, croissants, cereal, bananas and juice. Coffee is in the library area along with hot water and the toaster to heat up the bagels. (it appears they buy in bulk from Costco) Which isn't horrible but just not fresh and what I would expect from a place in La Jolla.
The room again was clean and organized. Although it was outdated, the curtains were stained and old and the kitchenette area needed repair. They do have water in your room for $3 a bottle as well as other snacks.. I suggest putting those all in a cupboard so you don't get dinged.
The front desk has hit and miss hospitality. On the day we arrived the level of friendliness was not there.. On day two, a very nice and helpful woman was there and on day three a real grump..
Parking is great, $5 a day and once you park about a block away in underground parking, you really do not need a car.
So out of 5 Fair Dinkum stars, I would give the La Jolla Inn a 3.5
To make it a 5, update the older rooms, personalize the breakfast and increase the hospitality of the staff.
So go to the La Jolla Inn, it is a great place to stay.. located right next to the Valencia..... and just a short stroll to La Jolla Cove and the seals.

La Jolla, Ca.

We have just come back from a short vacation to La Jolla, Ca. Now as much as the word "staycation" is overused.. this was a great get away... over the next few days I will post my reviews of our hotel, restaurants, parking and bars...
First up tomorrow our Hotel The La Jolla Inn...

I will say, for location and price this place was perfect... will recommend it to others with a few items to be aware of...

Happy New Year one and all,
Kendall