We left Ventura on 'Sam Allardyce Boulevard' or Route 1 as it's known here. It was a scenic drive south. Sea,sand ,surf......that was it I was driving!!

It really is iconic stuff. Harley Davisons cruising along, riders with their feet on the highway bars. On the other side beaches and sand. Lots of joggers with headphones and skateboarders. In the sea, surfers and paddle boarders.

The route took us through Malibu, Long Beach, past Seal Beach where the US Seals are based. US Seals are a bit like our Marines and SBS but s***.

Malibu is just like in the movies. Flawless beach, big waves and beach front Condos. How a slightly unstable detective with a dead wife, a dog and a drink problem affords one is anybodys guess.

Our overnight stop was Oceanside. The first motel was right on the intersection of the highway so we looked elsewhere. We found a Days Inn and booked in.......result.

Good price and a short walk out of the car park and we were right on the marina and beach. We had a drink on the balcony of a bar and enjoyed the afternoon sunshine.

In the evening we had dinner at the same restaurant and sat outside watching the sun die down.

Next day we left and headed for San Diego. It was only going to be about an hour on 101. We left the motel about 9am and stopped about 10 to have coffee overlooking the sea.

After a relaxing drive we arrived in San Diego. We found an excellent motel near the gaslamp quarter. This used to be the red light area but is now a hub of bars etc. We have a nice room with a balcony.

Usual pack drill, book in, dump the cases and head out. We walked down to the Sea Port village which is a man made harbour area.

Our walk continued along the sea front until we saw the USS Midway. A floating museum.

We had to go on board. It was great. It is a 2nd WW aircraft carrier and had 4,500 sailors on board. It really is like a small town. It saw service right up until recently including Desert Storm. It was fascinating and we spent a few hours exploring it.

Now back at the motel having a glass of red on the balcony. Tomorrow we are headed for the Old Town and Balboa Park.