A new mission...

I have a new obsession and it is history. Specifically, my obsession is with history I can see. Because of this obsession, I have set myself the goal of seeing all the registered historical sites in California. It is a crazy goal, as there are well over 1000 to see. I do not feel overwhelmed. I will do this by setting forth in small chunks. I am starting at home, San Diego County. Here's to exploration!

At least I am not starting at zero. Here are sites I have already visited:

NO. 51 OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE -Some of the most amazing views in town. Picture by me. (This CA landmark is within the Cabrillo National Park, part of the National Parks System).

NO. 52  MISSION DAM AND FLUME -  Mission Trails Regional Park- Site of Hike Club 2008. (This is also a National Historic Landmark, designated in 1963.)

NO. 63 PLAZA, SAN DIEGO VIEJO (WASHINGTON SQUARE) - Old Town San Diego - I don't have a handy picture of this but, it IS Old Town. The main square where everything is. Been so many times and love it!

NO. 65 THE WHALEY HOUSE  - Didn't see any ghosts while I was there. Bummer!

NO. 68 El CAMPO SANTO - Probably my favorite spot in Old Town. I love reading the grave markers in the old cemetery and showing the small makers of graves on the sidewalk outside the walls to visitors. A man once told me that cars parked on this section of the street have been known to have the life sucked out of their batteries, probably by the people in the graves underneath. I made a note to self never to park there. You can also see the grave of Yankee Jim inside the walls. He is one of the guys that haunts the Whaley House (above)

NO. 72 CASA DE BANDINI - Used to house the restaurant of the same name (my favorite), now restored as the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, as seen in this old photo. I have sat on the balcony having margaritas many times.

NO. 538 FIRST PUBLICLY OWNED SCHOOL BUILDING - Went to this site on a field trip when I was in school. Neat!

NO. 844 HOTEL DEL CORONADO - This one is haunted too. I have walked on the stairs where they found the lady who was shot. One day I hope to stay in her room, but not on Halloween, it is booked years in advance. (Also a National Historic Landmark, designated in 1977.)

NO. 1031 FERRYBOAT BERKELEY - The boat is a maritime museum inside. It is on the left in the picture, The Star of India is on the right (also a landmark, I still need to see inside it). The Berkeley is also a National Historic Landmark, designated in 1990.