Our day's outing took us to a community to which we rarely venture.
TC had on her fall break bucket list, 'visit La Jolla Coves' so that is where we went today...
despite my apprehension in finding parking and the anticipated stench of the sea lions. We hadn't been here in years (maybe when TC was still a baby). La Jolla isn't high on my list of places to hang out at. I know it's "beautiful" and all, but it's too much of a hassle and I don't like the snobbishness associated with this area.
Of course, all of the highly coveted three-hour parking spots near the coast were already taken and it was only 9:30 am. We actually found a shaded two-hour spot at the end of Eads Ave. I guess two hours is better than finding no parking. But of course, pessimistic me kept thinking in the back of my mind..."Okay, we only have two hours...hurry, hurry, hurry." Skies were clear and it turned out to be a very warm day while we enjoyed the views of the Pacific Ocean...
We headed over first to the Cave Store where a particular tourist trap was located, the Sunny Jim Cave. While on our way, we passed by the area where the seals were and were assaulted by the very strong and horrific stench. I literally gagged about three or four times and had to suppress my gag reflex. I rarely throw up and just thinking about it even now makes me cringe and want to hurl violently. The smell was so %$#@ awful. Across the street was the fancy restaurant, Brockton Villa where patrons were dining on their outdoor patio. Gosh, I'm pretty sure they can smell it too. I wonder how they can stand it. In any case. the odor was so pervasive and I felt the need to scrub myself down upon returning home.
This was the Cave Store which has, for a fee, a stairway in which visitors descend into one of the seven caves in La Jolla Coves. The fee has risen over the years from "Free" up to the present charge of $5 for adults and $3 for kids 16 and under. I know it's a tourist trap but we bit the bullet because we've never been in a sea cave before and blah blah blah.
The store itself isn't anything exciting; it's your typical overpriced trinket/souvenir store. We did however, enjoy reading about the history of the cave (one of the exhibits seen below). The cave itself is named after a cartoon character from a cereal box.
As I walked down, I nearly forgot about the low ceiling. As you venture further down, you may need to duck your head. The railings and steps themselves are wet so be careful so you do not slip and fall.
Once we reached the bottom of the cave, there was a platform above the water. The cave's opening did indeed look like the profile of a man with a goatee and a wierd hair thing in the back (I later looked up the Sunny Jim charachter and yes, this does resemble his profile).. The water rushing below splashed at times, but it's not like you will get drenched down here. We took our time taking photos (after all, we paid $13 total) and enjoying the unique views before heading back up.
Ugh...once more we had to walk back and pass the seals/sea lions. They NEVER used to be here in the late 80's. I personally feel they are a public nuisance. Get rid of the seals/sea lions!
I can't believe people even want to get this close to the animals. That guy is just asking for it. Sea lions are wild animals and will attack if provoked.
Can you see them? Seals...
TC spent some time taking photographs down in one of the small beach areas. She said the water was so very clear but there was a big drop off in terms of depth. The hues of the ocean were gorgeous but we were ready to take a lunch break.
Here is a recent youtube video of someone else's visit to the Cave, which was pretty much the same as ours:
So if you want to save $5, you can just watch that instead, ha ha.
Who else went to the Sunny Jim Cave?
Josh from California Through My Lens went here not so long ago (his photos are better as well):
June 2015
La Jolla Coves
1100 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
www.lajolla.com
wikipedia entry on La Jolla Cove
www.sandiego.com/beaches/la-jolla-cove
+ reviews from yelp and tripadvisor
Sunny Jim Cave/Cave Store
1325 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92107
(858) 459-0746
www.cavestore.com
+ reviews from that four lettered site
At TC's request, lunch would be over at a new eatery in UTC mall...
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