California // Day 3

We walked down to the beach from the hotel that morning.

Then we waited in the lobby to meet my surf instructor Ian.  I was sorta nervous, but excited.  He drove us to a spot in San Clemente by the pier.  I had a great time the last time I went but this time was a little different.  I'm not sure if it was me, the instructor or the waves but something was not meshing well, haha.  It seemed like by the time I could get up, the waves fizzled out + I was only in a foot of water.  For most of the time, I was thinking "why am I out here again?" while I was being beat by the waves + my surfboard.  I'm glad I did it + I can mark it off my list, but I really wish I had gotten up for longer than 2 seconds.  It makes me want to do it again just to prove to myself that I can do it.  I've never worn a wet suit either + I was surprised that I never got cold.

Crossed off the 28 before 29 list: 11. Go surfing in CA

And a little video so you can get a laugh...

I got in the hot tub after surfing + it felt soooooo good.  Then I treated myself to a date milkshake at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack.  It has changed owners since the last time I was there, but it was still awesome!

Crossed off the 28 before 29 list:  12. Get a date shake at Ruby's Crystal Cove

Next, we went to Balboa Island + took the ferry.  I thought it was so cool the first time I ever did it + it is still pretty cool :)  It brought back sweet memories.  I really wanted to try the everything balboa bar or frozen banana, but we were still full from the milkshakes :(  I love that the island has a ferris wheel (one of my favorite things).

On our last night, we had dinner at Las Brisas in Laguna.  The views of the coastline at night were beautiful.

We flew home the next morning.

More pictures here.