A Sand Filled Paradise
Huntington Beach in California **August 8, 2012**
We spent our final day in “the Orange County city that defines Southern California.” My friend Elaine scooped us up in her tricked out Toyota for a day at a beach with close to nine miles of sand. I am returning home rather burnt, but it was really fun. I sent her a text when we got on the train to thank her and tell her how I have missed her “infectious laugh and sweet smile.” We have known each other for close to 20 years, and were roommates in college. It was really nice to spend time with her. She had never met my son Daryn and I had never her children Ella and Gavin. They were so adorable! This beach is splendid. It wasn’t that hot. The water was nice. Daryn **really** loved the ocean and cried his eyes out when we had to leave. Since he was just a little boy he has been asking to “see the ocean.” This area was once known as Pacific City. Huntington Beach has roots back to the 1780s with the Spanish, but was eventually named after a man with money (a likely story– what about the Spanish soldier LoL 
). Pacific City eventually caved to the almighty dollar and the town became the City of Huntington Beach. The name derived from a king of the railroad named Henry Huntington. The city was incorporated in 1909. This beach also goes by the name Surf City USA. Today we saw many, many surfers (men, women and kids). The women were actually holdin’ it down out there! Nice….. Laine said that there was a huge surf competition there recently. I asked her if this is where the Huntington Beach Bad Boy was from? She confirmed that this was the place claimed by bad boy Tito Ortiz and asked “you watch UFC?” Haha— Yessss……. Apparently this is where “the true trendsetters of West Coast fashion, food and lifestyle reside.” On the way to the station she insisted that we try In and Out Burger. She said we “had to try it.” Of course we obliged! The diet doesn’t start ’till Monday people!!!! Today was a great way to wrap up our time in Cali, but I am glad to be going home. I do **love** New Mexico! See you in the morning…
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August 9, 2012 at 1:34 PM
As a resident of Santa Cruz country, California, I feel honor bound to point out that the city of Santa Cruz has actually trademarked the name Surf City USA because it was actually where surfing was introduced to America. There is some considerable (and usually friendly) rivalry between SC and HB over the use of that name! Oh and “In and Out” is the best best burger chain in the US, agreed
August 19, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Interesting Seb! That’s where you are from? Cool…Is it really the “Vampire Capital of the World?” (Lost Boys- the movie) Haha! I remember wearing Santa Cruz surf stuff when I was little so I don’t doubt that! Yeah—”In and Out” rocked!
August 10, 2012 at 12:22 AM
Sounds like a wonderful trip. I spoke with a blogger friend in Dubai the other day and she said that U.S.A. makes the best hamburgers anywhere, so it sounds like “In and Out” might be a good one for me to recommend! Glad you had fun and are going home too.
August 19, 2012 at 11:55 PM
Thanks Penny! It was fun… Interesting about the burgers in the USA ha? 2 many are not good, but once in a long while I don’t mind! Americans may eat 2 many burgers!!! Gettin’ bigger by the second! Ahahhhaa!
August 11, 2012 at 5:56 AM
I miss In and Out so much… Great stuff, Felicia. I now know more about Huntington Beach, CA than I did a few minutes ago. Never a day without learning!
August 19, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Hey Sahm— were you from Cali or what? History and this and that and this and that!! Haha!
August 13, 2012 at 5:36 PM
It has been nearly 10 years since we saw each other, and when we finally met up again, it was as if not a day had passed. It was truly good to see you my friend! Your family is amazing and I LOVE that I snapped some shots of our kids playing together! How did Mike like the extra Double Double from In N Out that we packed for his train ride home??
As far as my tricked out Toyota, I’ll take the complement. It’s not everyday you get to hitch a ride in a minivan with skulls and crossbones on the back! HaHa! Much love to you Felish! And here’s my shameless plug if your visitors want to read a couple giggles from a Cali mom… http://casaneel.blogspot.com
August 20, 2012 at 8:13 AM
I know right?! I have missed you gurl— I really do wish we lived closer. I’ll be back! He loved the xtra burger