Harbor Staycation

For the first time since living here, we took the kids downtown on the coaster {a commuter train that goes along...the coast from Oceanside  to downtown SD}.  We've fared subways in NYC with four of the kids, and trains going inland to NJ, so the only cool thing about this was the scenery & trying to keep six kids fairly quiet with all the other passengers listening in to patty-cake, and our HS Musical Stars, Lexie & Izzie.  

Once we got off at the last stop--the Santa Fe Depot, we walked a few blocks to the waterfront.  Destination:  The Maritime Museum which includes about 4 vessels...a 'pirate' ship, merchant ship ("The Star of India"), Soviet Spy Submarine,  and a few others {they all begin to look the same once you explore them}.  The kids thoroughly enjoyed exploring & especially experiencing a submarine.  Those Soviets were like 4 foot nothin' with how short the bunkers were on the submarine.  

Ever been on a SD Harbor cruise?  Save your $$$ and don't.  It was okay--the sea lions and seals we were supposed to see in enormity were out at sea.  The history lessons were cool and the view from the boat to the mainland was beautiful, but unless you're doing a dinner cruise or something special like that, or have never been on a boat or a ferry, save your pennies.  Nothing matches the experience we had on the gigantic ferry up in Canada that we took to Victoria Island.  Spoiled, I know.  But this day wasn't for me & Curt...it was for the kiddos and any excursion like that is fun to 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 11.  Okay, maybe not 1.    

There's nothing like a stroll along the coastline...or two sisters skipping hand in hand.  I later joined them after they asked--I love being carefree with my girls.

We strolled down to the navy memorial statue and the USS Midway...the largest aircraft carrier museum--it's pretty impressive from the ground.  We should have forked out the money for and explored.  Next time.

Lunch at the Fish House--that amazing bread....yummmm and then we were on our way.  We tried to make it in time to go to the San Diego Children's Museum--but they were closing within the hour, so we figured the mile walk would be very much in vane.  Back home on the train...with eight worn-out people is the best recipe for a good nights sleep.