Bob went surfing this morning at a place called Big Bay, and I had a nice long walk on the beach. The weather has been lovely for the most part; mild and sunny with a bit of a breeze. The climate and vegetation, with flat land near the beaches, then some small hills leading to nearby rugged mountains, is quite similar to Santa Barbara, California in February. The aloe plants, which are plentiful, have mostly faded for the winter but some Bougainvillea are blooming, and most yards have very large Inpatients for color. There are white pelicans at the beach, and a number of ordinary birds in the yard that seem exotic to me. Ibis and other large shorebirds fly over Lisa’s house in the early morning and late afternoon as they make their way from a nearby marsh to the ocean.

 

We spent a few hours at the Mug and Bean in the nearby mall. We had mochas and omelets, and felt every bit like we were still in the States. We got caught up with emails and a bit of work then went home and did some more prep work for our trip. Jet lag is still kicking our butts so we took a long afternoon nap. In the early evening we went for a walk on down at the beach, which is only two kilometers from Lisa’s house. The famous tablecloth of clouds veiled the mountain tonight. Joggers and after-work dog walkers crowded the boardwalk. Later, we took Lisa and her charming mom, Frieda, to a local steak house for dinner. Just as we left the restaurant after a good meal and great conversation it started to pour, the storm that had been threatening all day finally moved onshore.