From The Ranch To The Sea

AWARENESS MAGAZINE September/October 2013

The beauty and tranquility of the wilderness and the water continually intoxicates me. After clearing my schedule and gathering a few friends together, it was time for a little getaway.

A rare Southern California rainstorm poured over the car as we drove to our first destination along the winding, narrow roads of the Escondido country side on the way to The Ranch at Bandy Canyon. Views from the windows were filled with towering stands of eucalyptus trees, alongside expansive fields and farm land.

The Kumeyaay first settled on this land, nestled in the heart of the San Pasqual Valley, prior to John Bandy staking his claim here in 1870. Over the years, the property, about 30 miles north east of San Diego, has been home to 450 dairy cows and a 1,000 head cattle ranch.

The Ranch at Bandy Canyon, Photos by Ann Nelson

Today the ranch spans over 144 acres, with 9 guest cabins and a 1930’s rustic adobe lodge, all set in a stunningly beautiful backdrop of soaring cliffs and awe-inspiring views. After checking into The Mockingbird Cottage, the rain turned into a light drizzle and we headed out to Cordiano Winery, only a few miles away. What a surprise and a highly recommended treat! We immediately felt as though we’d been transported into the hills of Italy, with spectacular views and impressive wines.

Our days at the ranch were filled with horseback trail rides, miles of hiking, relaxing in the hammock, cooking in our little kitchen and hanging out on the expansive front porch. As the sun was setting, we’d swim a few laps in the pool and recline in the jacuzzi. Simple pleasures!

After spending time at the ranch, it was time to head south to Shelter Island, a tiny narrow strip of land, only few hundred feet wide and close to downtown San Diego. The Kona Kai Resort Spa & Marina, surrounded by the waters of San Diego Bay, would be our home for the next few days. The setting is simply spectacular, with stunning views of the downtown skyline and Point Loma, home to Cabrillo National Monument.

From the moment we stepped outside the door in the morning, it felt like we were eaves dropping on paradise. We lounged on the beach and in the “outdoor living room” as we watched sailors rig their boats in the marina, contemplated the sea gulls as they caught the prevailing winds and sailed through the air and walked for hours along the paths next to the bay. At night we had dinner at Vessel. This signature marina-front restaurant is colorful, innovative and features fresh, local food incorporating seasonal ingredients. We sampled a few small and large plates, including lobster mac n cheese, seared diver scallops with sweet corn succotash and asparagus and sea bass with con fit peewee potatoes and avocado. Chef Roy Hendrickson is simply the best!!

There is so much to see and do along the Embarcadero in San Diego. A new 12-acre Water-front Park has just been completed, the USS Midway on Harbor Drive is the most visited ship museum in the world and Seaport Village is filled with shops and restaurants. Our original site-seeing plan was put on hold however, because we didn’t want to leave Shelter Island.

We rented a kayak and explored the bay from the top of a paddle board. We were pampered for an entire afternoon at Spa Terre. I’ve visited many spas and this one is special. The treatments are adopted from global rituals around the world, including Bali and Thailand. The Ab-hyanga massage blends traditional Ayurvedic and European techniques. The Royal massage incorporates a honeycomb thermal heat patch as an intense back treatment. Afterwards, the steam room melted away every ounce of stress left in my body.

Before returning home, we made it a point to visit Cabrillo National Monument. Cabrillo is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses on the West Coast. The tide pools are one of the best protected inter-tidal ecosystems in Southern California. Special events held at this national park include historical World War 2 re-enactments and singing and dancing performances, incorporating the Kumeyaay, Portuguse and Mexican cultures.

As we were driving home I remembered a quote from June Polis - “The sounds of the wind or sounds of the sea make me happy just to be.”

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Ranch at Bandy Canyon: Call (760) 212-0360 or visit www.bandycanyon.com

Kona Kai Resort Spa & Marina: Call (800) 566-2524 or visit www.resortkonakai.com

San Diego Tourism Visitor Information Center: Call (619) 236-1212 or visit www.sandiego.org