We came to Southern California, specifically the Los Angeles area to visit with Jim's relatives whom he has not seen in about 40 years.  His father's  family kept on going from Cleveland and ended in California and stayed there. His father decided to go back to the Cleveland area to raise his family.  We stayed in that area for a few days to visit with them and other areas around Redlands.  From there we drove south to the San Diego area as Jim went to diver's instruction school here back in the 70s.  We came also so I could see the Pacific Ocean, as I had never been this far west.  No beaches - just rocks.  I was finally able to dip my feet into the Pacific Ocean, when we stopped at La Jolla Beach for a few hours. We also met up with an old college friend whom we have not seen since the 70s. Northern California will come later.

All in all, we did not care for the cities -- way too much traffic and congestion.  Yes, the weather was great in the San Diego area, but it's not a place where we would want to send a lot of time. Very close to Mexico and the Border Patrol was in and out of the campground all the time, covering the roads that go behind it and around it up into the hills.  They were chasing some Mexicans that were coming over the border while we stayed there. During my walks with the girls, I found abandoned clothes and backpacks in the woods not far from the roads.

Joshua Tree National Park ~~ September 17, 2016
Cabrillo National Monument ~~ September 22, 2016