Oceanside, California: We only had dinner plans, but there was a lot happening in Oceanside today so we took advantage of the weekly Thursday market. During the day, the market has lots of craft booths, but also fruit and vegetable stalls. At night, it is more of a craft and food stall situation. We rode our bikes into town and spent about an hour walking up and down all the booths. So many lovely pastries and so many clothing booths selling jumpsuits. Am I missing a new trend? (Can't imagine a 5-foot woman in a jumpsuit, so just walked away... and do I, really, need to jump?)
Oceanside has just a wonderful vibe. People are very friendly. Traffic stops for us to cross traffic (walking, or on our bikes). Want a sample? Where are you from? There is a bit of ocean fog in the morning, and then the sun shines all day. It is a bit of a paradise - but with a lot of vacationers. The restaurant culture is strong - so many hole-in-the-wall places, fancy places, taco stands, very few chain restaurants downtown, and so many families out enjoying the sunshine and beach. Everyone smiling. Lots of girls in bikinis walking down the street. There is also a strong military presence, which is always nice to see supported. We saw so many Marines out today.
After walking through the market (and not buying even one thing), we wanted tacos, so stopped at a place next door to Odie's Pizza (where we had lunch the other day). Craft Coast Beer & Tacos has birria tacos, so we had to give it a go. I am working on a recipe for this delicious stewed beef, shredded into a taco and served with the simmered consomme sauce... and lots of other details... to be worked out later.
Because we were out for the day on our bicycles, we just kept riding around town. Cruising a bit north above the beachfront area, then heading south where we rode along the beautiful shoreline towards our campsite. I am fully confident on my new little bike - with 12 whole miles on the odometer. There is some-sort of situation with my chain guard. It is not always where it should be - there is some rubbing - but this is not something we had to put on/together during the initial installation, so will have to take my bike to DT's bike guy or consult with Brother Rick (Family Bike Guru). First World Problems.
Happy to report I used the pedal assist all the way to Level 3 today. Didn't like it much, as it brought me all the way to 11mph without having to even pedal. Way too fast for this old Bubbe.
I am happy at 8mph.
DT hates riding with me.
And as I previously mentioned, we have friends in Oceanside and had not seen them for several years. Their son ran (aka track & field) at the University of Oregon and we met him through other Duck runners. Long story short - AJ has great parents, and we came to know them at tailgates over the years.
Tonight Susan and David came to our campsite. We had appetizers and then they took us to one of their favorite restaurants in Oceanside, Blade 1936. The chef is Sicilian and the food was quite inspired. We had delicious meals and talked for hours. It was so great to see them again - and recently retired - fun to see where their new freedom will take them!
Until my next update, I remain, your caught-up correspondent.
Campground Information: Oceanside RV Resort