Day 204 - Hiking

After landing at Two Harbors, we set out along the Trans Catalina Trail, taking the Silver Peak Trail up into the peaks of Catalina, before heading down Boushay Road to the campsite.

Day 203 - Vincent Thomas Bridge

A weekend of group camping on Catalina Island at Parson's Landing meant we left the Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro from a berth right under the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

Mountain Pies

In anticipation of a camping trip to Catalina, I experimented making hobo, or mountain pies. Using a long-handled pie iron, we stuffed two pieces of buttered bread with more butter, cinnamon sugar, and fruit, and after about eight minutes in the hot coals, created a crispy stuffed pocket.

We wound up not taking the pie iron to Catalina, but the mountain pie was a good preview of campfire cooking.

Day 202 - All-Star Closers

With the Padres and Giants playing extra innings, I got to see both teams' All-Star closers pitch. That's Heath Bell of San Diego on the left and Brian "Fear the Beard" Wilson of the Giants below.

Day 201 - Left Field Corner

The left field corner of PETCO contains the Western Metal Building, an historic structure from the early 20th century that was incorporated into the construction of the stadium in 2004.

Day 200 - PETCO Park Panos

PETCO Park by itself doesn't have the charm of other ballparks, but then again, it's reflective of San Diego's very nature: low-key, relaxing, and thoroughly enjoyable.


The Gaslamp Quarter just north of the park is a perfect example of the successful urban revitalization that sports franchises always tout when arguing for a new ballpark, and in this case, is a perfect pre- and post-game complement for the Padres. As for the on-field product, well, let's just say the Padres are in a state of perpetual rebuilding.

Day 199 - San Diego Bay

The Hilton's pool faced San Diego Bay, and, while it had a gorgeous view of Coronado, was way too windy to be completely enjoyable.