2014

Visitors 14

Modified 9-Nov-14

Created 9-Nov-14

57 photos

A year ago we took a birthday celebration train trip to Santa Barbara. This year Matthew suggested a trip on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego with family and friends. We left Fullerton about 7:55 arriving about 2 hrs. and 25 minutes later. We seven were seated in two four-place seats across the aisle from each other. Plenty of time for casual conversation without anyone stressing about driving. We walked from the Santa Fe Station along the wharf, around the Midway, to the Fish Market Restaurant. It opened at 11 and we were seated at two tables in view of navy ships including one carrier being repainted. After an excellent lunch, including birthday cards and a treat from the restaurant for Matt, we walked along the water to Seaport Village, some took a cab there. We looked through shops, took photos, drank coffee, and enjoyed the perfect weather. We had agreed to catch the 2:40 p.m. train back to Fullerton. Matt, Kathy, and I took a rickshaw back to the station and Don, April, Sue and Carol took a cab. We waited in the area where a cart would take you to the train, but no one ever came to take us, so we walked to the train. Two private cars were disconnected from the Surfliner train, the Pacific Sands and Silver Splendor. We left San Diego about 20 minutes late, but I was able to board first and selected the same 8-seat area we had ridden south on even though it was a different model coach. Five of us walked to the Spaghetti Factory for another delicious meal for the day. Back home after the train trip celebration, we all settled in and prepared for Sunday.

Here we are at the Fullerton Amtrak Station before 8 a.m. ready to depart after crossing the pedestrian bridge: Don, April, Sue, Matthew, Carol, and Kathy.

Kathy took this photo of Sue, me, and Matthew.

Plenty of trains to watch at the Santa Fe Cafe.

From the Pedestrian Bridge the beautiful weather at Fullerton Station. Short sleeved weather all day.

Out train arrives. We were early enough to avoid the Del Mar Race Track crowd since the first race of this new fall season is noon. We like to enter the Cafe Car then select our seats.

First stop, Anaheim and the Anaheim Stadium outside Matt's window.

New ARTIC Station which is to have an open house Dec. 13.

New palm trees and light poles between the station and the wharf.

Abstract of the Patriot's hull reflecting in the water.

A distant flattop carrier, the Carl Vinson or the Reagan, looked like a space station, but we surmised that is was being repainted.

Back of the huge Midway aircraft carrier permanently docked in San Diego.

There are a few vendor tents and individual musicians at the back of the Midway.

Old Midway and new flattop carrier in the distance.

This fellow was singing Suzy Q so I tipped him and took a photo for Sue.

The Fish Market Restaurant opens at 11, but the fish market opens at 10:45, so I took a photo of some temporary occupants.