February Vacation

Since hubby took a break from the Antique and Garden Show this year we took advantage of the free time and went to San Diego.   
I have always wanted to go out whale watching and we found out about the America from Next Level Sailing, that does four hour sailing tours to see the whales.  If you are ever in San Diego, I highly recommend taking this trip.  
The ticket includes entrance to the Maritime Museum.  The museum has a collection of ships in the harbor open for tours.   

The Star of India.

The Surprise, used in the filming of Master and Commander. 

A Russian sub.

We boarded the America, participated in raising the sails, and headed out to find whales.  

On Monday, the weather and ocean was perfect for a first time sailor like me. Unfortunately, we didn't find any whales, but this company allows you to rebook, which we did for later in the week. 

I wouldn't call this the best job on the ship, but he did spot our whale quickly.

After spotting a whale, the engine was turned off and we used the sails to quietly approach.

 The only decent shot I captured of the whale.

Click on the arrow to see the video my hubby captured of our whale. 

We were treated to a close up view of a nuclear submarine as it came in for a crew change; so close up, that the navy came over and asked us to move! 

In addition to the whale, we saw sea lions, dolphins, sun fish, pelicans diving head first, and the following rare Hole Punch Cloud.

The ending of a perfect day!  

If you want to see the photos from from the Union Tribue San Diego photographer, who was with us on our trip, check out the slide show at the UT San Diego website.  I will be linking to the Tablescaper's  Seasonal Sundays