The southern tip of San Diego is part of the migration route for blue whales as they make their way south from Alaska and it is not unusual to see whales swimming through the water at this time of year.
Although we did not manage to spot any whales, we took the
chance while we were up there to see the Cabrillo National Monument. This statue commemorates the landing of Juan
Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, the head of the first European expedition that had
set foot on the West Coast of the US.
Interestingly, there are no real records of exactly where the expedition
landed but historical research pins this as the most likely spot!Near the monument is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The lighthouse was commissioned just 19 days after California became a state in 1850. Its position at the highest peak of Point Loma, however, proved to be a challenge as the lighthouse was so high that it could not be seen by boats on foggy days. As such, several years later a new lighthouse was commissioned on a lower plot of land.
The Lighthouse now stands as a museum highlighting the history of Point Loma and showcasing once again the role that women played in San Diego and beyond. The Museum explained that managing lighthouses was one of the first leadership roles for women in the government.
Surprisingly, it was the drive to Point Loma that really
made an impression. The panoramic views
stretched far and wide, allowing us to see not only Coronado Island from above but also Tijuana, Mexico, and beyond. On the drive
up, we also saw a number of military installations, such as coastal artillery
batteries, as well as thousands of military graves covering the surrounding
plains. Reminiscent of Arlington
Cemetery, the simple but elegant tombstones
run in precise rows, surrounded by beautiful gardens and the rushing
water below. A calm and peaceful resting
place for those who served.
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