Still Sunday July 9th (2006)

32◦ 51’ 53” N
117◦ 15’ 10” W

Well, now that she’s had her first Ferry ride (at least with us) and has a name, we should take her for a REAL drive.

So, after stopping for awhile at Crystal Cove, we did. Don put me behind the wheel and I pointed South. Woo-hoooooo. This car feels like a little race car. (Like I’d know how that feels. But really; tight steering---low to the ground—fun!)

We took PCH until it disappeared at the South end of San Clemente and returned to it in Oceanside from the Harbor exit (off I-5). Continuing South, feeling like I should have some sort of destination in mind, I began wondering if I could find the Scripps Institute Aquarium, where I hadn’t been since I was about 18, so I asked Don if he was interested in going.

“Yes. But I can’t help with directions. I don’t know where it is.”

We continued cruising, through Carlsbad, through Leucadia, Encinitas, Solano Beach, through Del Mar to where I thought it was—either on Torrey Pines Rd, or just off it.

‘Found N. Torrey Pines Road and headed toward the ocean but there didn't seem to be an aquarium anywhere in sight.

Just when I thought I’d certainly passed it and should think about giving up and heading home a sign for the “Birch Aquarium” appeared, promising that if I turned right we’d soon be there. I did and we were.

Funny. You’d think I’d remember it being called "Birch" and being on a road that was directly across from Cal State University San Diego.

No. This isn’t the Scripps Aquarium I remember. In fact, I’m pretty sure this isn’t quite where it used to be. But it’s better so I’m not complaining.

Where exactly is this aquarium, you ask? Well, the address is 2300 Expedition Way (La Jolla, CA 92093) and as I said, (or did I?) Expedition way is right off of N. Torrey Pines Road-directly across from an entrance to Cal State San Diego.

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