We went to California to celebrate our anniversary

Last Thursday Jenn and I celebrated our 15th anniversary. I know, how can two people who are only 25 years-old (looking) be married that long? Well, it's a secret I can't tell you since it involves various types of black magic and quantum physics.

Anyway, we chose to go to Newport Beach mostly because we got a deal through Marriott. Several months ago we received a call and asked if we wanted to check out their Vacation Club. In exchange for checking it out and going through a presentation, we were able to stay in a pretty cool place for much less than what it would cost. I don't think we could have stayed at a Holiday Inn for the price. So, yes, we went to a time share presentation, what of it? Actually, it wasn't bad. They weren't really pushy at all. And, to be honest, it wasn't as expensive as I thought. No, I am not being paid to say this. I'm being serious.

Here was a view from out balcony. Just pretend all the haze and mist weren't there and imagine the dark gray in the distance is the ocean.

Unfortunately, the weather was like this everyday we were there.

On the second day we took a ferry out to Catalina Island. It was a cold ferry ride out there. Mostly because I stayed on the deck to the whole trip out there. Just imagine that I stayed out there because I wanted to see what it was like to be on Deadliest Catch, or to see dolphins or whale, not because I was terrified of being seasick. I wasn't and I did see some dolphins.

The island was interesting. It was certainly quaint in a way, but I found it interesting how the island was set up. Basically it was levels of wealth. The very rich and houses up in the hills and it got poorer as you made it down to sea level. I'm not saying there were homeless people all around at sea level or anything, it's just that it was various obvious where the money was.

Did you know that the Chicago Cubs used the island for spring training from 1921-1951? Me neither. There is even a memorial and botanical garden with his name on it. We took a golf cart (the main mode of transportation on the island) up there to see what it was all about. It's about a lot of plants and flowers, obviously, but there is also a memorial tower there. It was a nice view from up there. Also, notice this was the only time we saw the sun on our trip.

Some of the roads on the island were a little scary. I was a little concerned that the brakes wouldn't hold on some of the hills. But, we didn't die, so I guess the carts are and acceptable mode of transportation for the island. I can see why the people pay a lot of money to live in the hills. There are some really nice views up there.

Our last day there we drove around the area a little bit. We went to the Crystal Cove state park area and had lunch at Beachcombers. It was a nice little place to eat on the water. The whole area reminds me a little bit of the housing complex that was used on Lost where the others lived. I didn't get any good photos of the houses since they are renovation everything, but this might give you an idea.

So, that is what we did for our anniversary. Now we need to start planning for our 20th.