USA California, it's a Nation State : Laguna Beach and Mission San Juan Capistrano

July 21

Welcome to Laguna Beach, home to hundreds of art galleries, and to the yearly display of the Pageant of the Masters.

The view, through the umbrellas, from the Ocean View Bar and Grill at the historic 1930s Hotel Laguna.

An internet picture of the Montage Hotel where I'm staying with Sharon for a couple of nights.

Following are some views from around the property.

Views and beautiful beaches.

More.

Easy public access and a public parking lot nearby.

One of the three restaurants.

The waiter told us some people must have dropped off a pair of rabbits around Easter time, that's when he started seeing them every day, and since then they have made themselves at home here and ever since have been breeding like, well, rabbits.

It's been pretty grey and humid but most enjoyable nonetheless.

July 22

Good morning! he looking onto the room service breakfast with nothing else on his mind but...

...MINE!

I've had to resort to internet pictures for the huge highlights of today.

The SPA, wow, sooo nice.

Late lunch at Nick's in town where we shared what we both agreed was among the most delicious sandwiches EVER.

Then, TaDAHH, Pageant of the Masters! If you don't know what this is you can look it up because it's an interesting story and except for a four year WWII break, it has been presented here yearly since 1933.

After lunch we thought to take a quick stop here but... closed! Who would think, closed on Wednesdays.

More walking around the area of the Mongage Hotel.

Oww, those holes in the cliffs have a name. I forget.

Pools, umbrellas, really nice landscaping.

July 23

Time to say fond farewells to a fantastic hotel, the Montage in Laguna Beach, see you again I hope!

Enjoying the refuge, a protected shore and tide pools.

On the way home we thought to stop off at Mission San Juan Capistrano for lunch and to have a wander.

They're always working on something but the whole complex looked great this visit.

The only picture I have of us so I'm using it despite my mile-high hair.

Check out my new visor that I bought in Laguna. That baby makes serious shade and doesn't get tangled in hair. Plus it's made from bathing suit material so you can wear it wet if you want.

The gardens were particularly wonderful and hollyhocks make everything around them smile.

Even the cactus was in bloom.

How handsome everything looked.

More.

I couldn't stop!

Bougainvillea - another favorite.

Adios Mission San Juan Capistrano!

BTW, swallows have not been returning here for many years but the Mission is trying to lure them back by broadcasting mating calls. Fingers crossed!