Highlight Photos
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The bells of San Juan de Capistrano -
Quartzsite – Hi Jolly Tomb -
California Sea Lions near Dana Point -
San Juan de Capistrano lotus flower -
Quartzsite – Gem Show -
San Juan de Capistrano central courtyard -
Joshua Tree NP – Cottonwood Spring -
Grey Whale near Dana Point -
California Gnatcatcher at Dana Point -
Dana Point harbor views -
Egyptian Goose in defensive formation
Highlights Map
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Our second long weekend trip in succession with relatives takes us to Orange County where friends of our relatives live. Besides spending time with them we also want to take a whale watching cruise, explore some of the parks in Orange County and visit San Juan de Capistrano mission as well as stop on the way for a few attractions. We are able to do all of this in one tiring trip, especially for our relative who leaves for home the day after our return.
To learn more click on the Links below or Markers on the map above to go directly to a specific part of our trip and follow our visit to Orange County.
- Hi Jolly and Gem Exhibit in Quartzsite
Before California we stop in Quartzsite to visit the tomb of Hi Jolly and admire a gem show with our relative - Short jaunt into Joshua Tree National Park
Late in the afternoon we visit the southern part of Joshua Tree NP with stops at Cottonwood Spring and Bajada Nature Trail - Whale Watching from Dana Point
We spend the morning of our full day in Dana Point taking a successful whale watching cruise - Tri City Park in Brea
Before sunset we explore a city park looking for birds while our relative is shopping with her friends - Dana Point headland and harbor
In the morning we explore the Dana Point headland area with a short detour to enjoy the harbor - San Juan de Capistrano, a famous mission
Last stop before the long trip home is at the historic and famous San Juan de Capistrano mission