[carli]

I didn’t see any mention of indoor/outdoor fireplaces or gas grills, but they may be a possible culprit.

We recently moved from a home that had an outdoor fireplace along with an outdoor BBQ gas grill, both of which were directly hooked up to our SDGE gas line. We used the outdoor fireplace pretty infrequently, but we did use the BBQ grill at least 2-3 times/week.

When we moved to another place without a direct gas hook-up to the outdoor grill and no outdoor fireplace, our SDGE bill went down dramatically. Each house had similar square footage and other characteristics, so that’s what we think made the difference.

[carli]

If you’re going kayaking in La Jolla cove, there’s an outfit called Hike Bike Kayak in La Jolla (in the Shores area) that does a great job w/their tours of the cove and the caves.

You’ve got some wonderful ideas already, most of which I would second. I’ve got two girls – ages 9 and 14 – but I also have a 12-yr old nephew, and when he comes, his favorite thing is to just go to the beach and boogie board, but it’s because he’s from the Chicago area, so anything beach or surf related is hugely fun and different for him. If your nephew is into surfing (or wants to try) it would be a good idea to give him a surf lesson for 1/2 day to check it out.

I would agree that it’s VERY important to warn him about the stingrays, which are already coming out at Del Mar beach. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle! It’s hard to warn kids without absolutely freaking them out, but it’s so important because if they’re stung, it can be unbelievably painful and probably traumatic.

If your nephew’s here for a long time (like a week or two) you might even want to enroll him in a surf camp, where he’d get a few hours of surfing every weekday morning or afternoon and be w/kids his own age, and then you could go do other stuff the rest of the day. The surf camp we like is Sol Surf camp in Del Mar, run by a former teacher of our girls. He’s very mellow, a fun guy and great w/kids. I think it’s $250/week. I haven’t really checked out others, but I know there are many good ones and it depends on what’s convenient for you.

Two more suggestions – hang out at the Gliderport in Torrey Pines for an hour or two watching takeoffs and landings (it’s especially busy and fun on a weekend). If you make it a lunch stop, you can also grab a sandwich at the snack shed – we love their BLTs! Also, you might combine it with a short, easy hike in Torrey Pines State Park, like the Guy Fleming trail. I think the trail is only about a mile long, and is flat, and it’s got a great payoff – the amazing view of the ocean, cliffs and coastline, which you’ll come to about halfway around the trail.

Even my soon-to-be 50-yr old hubby loves Miramar Speed Circuit, and kids flip over it, especially around your nephew’s age. There’s another place like that in Carlsbad, which I hear is even bigger and nicer, but I don’t know the name.

Oh – just remembered one more thing that’s a big hit with kids – going to Belmont Park. Yes, it’s very seedy, but if you don’t make it to Disney or SeaWorld, Belmont Park has some fun rides (we love the old-fashioned wooden roller coaster, which really whips you around). The kids also love the game room, of course. Sometimes it’s the lower tech (and less expensive) things that provide them w/the greatest thrills and lasting memories. Belmont Park is also good if you only have an evening or afternoon and can’t make it to the other big attractions, or if you want to combine it with a bike ride along the PB boardwalk to do some people-watching. Bikes rent on the boardwalk for, I think, about $10/hr. so you don’t have to bring your own. Also, you can have something at the Wave House, sit on their patio and watch everyone trying to surf on the artificial wave…that’s always fun and provides a 12-yr old with lots of laughs from watching all the wipeouts. Have a great time!

[carli]

If you’re going kayaking in La Jolla cove, there’s an outfit called Hike Bike Kayak in La Jolla (in the Shores area) that does a great job w/their tours of the cove and the caves.

You’ve got some wonderful ideas already, most of which I would second. I’ve got two girls – ages 9 and 14 – but I also have a 12-yr old nephew, and when he comes, his favorite thing is to just go to the beach and boogie board, but it’s because he’s from the Chicago area, so anything beach or surf related is hugely fun and different for him. If your nephew is into surfing (or wants to try) it would be a good idea to give him a surf lesson for 1/2 day to check it out.

I would agree that it’s VERY important to warn him about the stingrays, which are already coming out at Del Mar beach. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle! It’s hard to warn kids without absolutely freaking them out, but it’s so important because if they’re stung, it can be unbelievably painful and probably traumatic.

If your nephew’s here for a long time (like a week or two) you might even want to enroll him in a surf camp, where he’d get a few hours of surfing every weekday morning or afternoon and be w/kids his own age, and then you could go do other stuff the rest of the day. The surf camp we like is Sol Surf camp in Del Mar, run by a former teacher of our girls. He’s very mellow, a fun guy and great w/kids. I think it’s $250/week. I haven’t really checked out others, but I know there are many good ones and it depends on what’s convenient for you.

Two more suggestions – hang out at the Gliderport in Torrey Pines for an hour or two watching takeoffs and landings (it’s especially busy and fun on a weekend). If you make it a lunch stop, you can also grab a sandwich at the snack shed – we love their BLTs! Also, you might combine it with a short, easy hike in Torrey Pines State Park, like the Guy Fleming trail. I think the trail is only about a mile long, and is flat, and it’s got a great payoff – the amazing view of the ocean, cliffs and coastline, which you’ll come to about halfway around the trail.

Even my soon-to-be 50-yr old hubby loves Miramar Speed Circuit, and kids flip over it, especially around your nephew’s age. There’s another place like that in Carlsbad, which I hear is even bigger and nicer, but I don’t know the name.

Oh – just remembered one more thing that’s a big hit with kids – going to Belmont Park. Yes, it’s very seedy, but if you don’t make it to Disney or SeaWorld, Belmont Park has some fun rides (we love the old-fashioned wooden roller coaster, which really whips you around). The kids also love the game room, of course. Sometimes it’s the lower tech (and less expensive) things that provide them w/the greatest thrills and lasting memories. Belmont Park is also good if you only have an evening or afternoon and can’t make it to the other big attractions, or if you want to combine it with a bike ride along the PB boardwalk to do some people-watching. Bikes rent on the boardwalk for, I think, about $10/hr. so you don’t have to bring your own. Also, you can have something at the Wave House, sit on their patio and watch everyone trying to surf on the artificial wave…that’s always fun and provides a 12-yr old with lots of laughs from watching all the wipeouts. Have a great time!

[carli]

If you’re going kayaking in La Jolla cove, there’s an outfit called Hike Bike Kayak in La Jolla (in the Shores area) that does a great job w/their tours of the cove and the caves.

You’ve got some wonderful ideas already, most of which I would second. I’ve got two girls – ages 9 and 14 – but I also have a 12-yr old nephew, and when he comes, his favorite thing is to just go to the beach and boogie board, but it’s because he’s from the Chicago area, so anything beach or surf related is hugely fun and different for him. If your nephew is into surfing (or wants to try) it would be a good idea to give him a surf lesson for 1/2 day to check it out.

I would agree that it’s VERY important to warn him about the stingrays, which are already coming out at Del Mar beach. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle! It’s hard to warn kids without absolutely freaking them out, but it’s so important because if they’re stung, it can be unbelievably painful and probably traumatic.

If your nephew’s here for a long time (like a week or two) you might even want to enroll him in a surf camp, where he’d get a few hours of surfing every weekday morning or afternoon and be w/kids his own age, and then you could go do other stuff the rest of the day. The surf camp we like is Sol Surf camp in Del Mar, run by a former teacher of our girls. He’s very mellow, a fun guy and great w/kids. I think it’s $250/week. I haven’t really checked out others, but I know there are many good ones and it depends on what’s convenient for you.

Two more suggestions – hang out at the Gliderport in Torrey Pines for an hour or two watching takeoffs and landings (it’s especially busy and fun on a weekend). If you make it a lunch stop, you can also grab a sandwich at the snack shed – we love their BLTs! Also, you might combine it with a short, easy hike in Torrey Pines State Park, like the Guy Fleming trail. I think the trail is only about a mile long, and is flat, and it’s got a great payoff – the amazing view of the ocean, cliffs and coastline, which you’ll come to about halfway around the trail.

Even my soon-to-be 50-yr old hubby loves Miramar Speed Circuit, and kids flip over it, especially around your nephew’s age. There’s another place like that in Carlsbad, which I hear is even bigger and nicer, but I don’t know the name.

Oh – just remembered one more thing that’s a big hit with kids – going to Belmont Park. Yes, it’s very seedy, but if you don’t make it to Disney or SeaWorld, Belmont Park has some fun rides (we love the old-fashioned wooden roller coaster, which really whips you around). The kids also love the game room, of course. Sometimes it’s the lower tech (and less expensive) things that provide them w/the greatest thrills and lasting memories. Belmont Park is also good if you only have an evening or afternoon and can’t make it to the other big attractions, or if you want to combine it with a bike ride along the PB boardwalk to do some people-watching. Bikes rent on the boardwalk for, I think, about $10/hr. so you don’t have to bring your own. Also, you can have something at the Wave House, sit on their patio and watch everyone trying to surf on the artificial wave…that’s always fun and provides a 12-yr old with lots of laughs from watching all the wipeouts. Have a great time!

[carli]

If you’re going kayaking in La Jolla cove, there’s an outfit called Hike Bike Kayak in La Jolla (in the Shores area) that does a great job w/their tours of the cove and the caves.

You’ve got some wonderful ideas already, most of which I would second. I’ve got two girls – ages 9 and 14 – but I also have a 12-yr old nephew, and when he comes, his favorite thing is to just go to the beach and boogie board, but it’s because he’s from the Chicago area, so anything beach or surf related is hugely fun and different for him. If your nephew is into surfing (or wants to try) it would be a good idea to give him a surf lesson for 1/2 day to check it out.

I would agree that it’s VERY important to warn him about the stingrays, which are already coming out at Del Mar beach. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle! It’s hard to warn kids without absolutely freaking them out, but it’s so important because if they’re stung, it can be unbelievably painful and probably traumatic.

If your nephew’s here for a long time (like a week or two) you might even want to enroll him in a surf camp, where he’d get a few hours of surfing every weekday morning or afternoon and be w/kids his own age, and then you could go do other stuff the rest of the day. The surf camp we like is Sol Surf camp in Del Mar, run by a former teacher of our girls. He’s very mellow, a fun guy and great w/kids. I think it’s $250/week. I haven’t really checked out others, but I know there are many good ones and it depends on what’s convenient for you.

Two more suggestions – hang out at the Gliderport in Torrey Pines for an hour or two watching takeoffs and landings (it’s especially busy and fun on a weekend). If you make it a lunch stop, you can also grab a sandwich at the snack shed – we love their BLTs! Also, you might combine it with a short, easy hike in Torrey Pines State Park, like the Guy Fleming trail. I think the trail is only about a mile long, and is flat, and it’s got a great payoff – the amazing view of the ocean, cliffs and coastline, which you’ll come to about halfway around the trail.

Even my soon-to-be 50-yr old hubby loves Miramar Speed Circuit, and kids flip over it, especially around your nephew’s age. There’s another place like that in Carlsbad, which I hear is even bigger and nicer, but I don’t know the name.

Oh – just remembered one more thing that’s a big hit with kids – going to Belmont Park. Yes, it’s very seedy, but if you don’t make it to Disney or SeaWorld, Belmont Park has some fun rides (we love the old-fashioned wooden roller coaster, which really whips you around). The kids also love the game room, of course. Sometimes it’s the lower tech (and less expensive) things that provide them w/the greatest thrills and lasting memories. Belmont Park is also good if you only have an evening or afternoon and can’t make it to the other big attractions, or if you want to combine it with a bike ride along the PB boardwalk to do some people-watching. Bikes rent on the boardwalk for, I think, about $10/hr. so you don’t have to bring your own. Also, you can have something at the Wave House, sit on their patio and watch everyone trying to surf on the artificial wave…that’s always fun and provides a 12-yr old with lots of laughs from watching all the wipeouts. Have a great time!

[carli]

If you’re going kayaking in La Jolla cove, there’s an outfit called Hike Bike Kayak in La Jolla (in the Shores area) that does a great job w/their tours of the cove and the caves.

You’ve got some wonderful ideas already, most of which I would second. I’ve got two girls – ages 9 and 14 – but I also have a 12-yr old nephew, and when he comes, his favorite thing is to just go to the beach and boogie board, but it’s because he’s from the Chicago area, so anything beach or surf related is hugely fun and different for him. If your nephew is into surfing (or wants to try) it would be a good idea to give him a surf lesson for 1/2 day to check it out.

I would agree that it’s VERY important to warn him about the stingrays, which are already coming out at Del Mar beach. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle! It’s hard to warn kids without absolutely freaking them out, but it’s so important because if they’re stung, it can be unbelievably painful and probably traumatic.

If your nephew’s here for a long time (like a week or two) you might even want to enroll him in a surf camp, where he’d get a few hours of surfing every weekday morning or afternoon and be w/kids his own age, and then you could go do other stuff the rest of the day. The surf camp we like is Sol Surf camp in Del Mar, run by a former teacher of our girls. He’s very mellow, a fun guy and great w/kids. I think it’s $250/week. I haven’t really checked out others, but I know there are many good ones and it depends on what’s convenient for you.

Two more suggestions – hang out at the Gliderport in Torrey Pines for an hour or two watching takeoffs and landings (it’s especially busy and fun on a weekend). If you make it a lunch stop, you can also grab a sandwich at the snack shed – we love their BLTs! Also, you might combine it with a short, easy hike in Torrey Pines State Park, like the Guy Fleming trail. I think the trail is only about a mile long, and is flat, and it’s got a great payoff – the amazing view of the ocean, cliffs and coastline, which you’ll come to about halfway around the trail.

Even my soon-to-be 50-yr old hubby loves Miramar Speed Circuit, and kids flip over it, especially around your nephew’s age. There’s another place like that in Carlsbad, which I hear is even bigger and nicer, but I don’t know the name.

Oh – just remembered one more thing that’s a big hit with kids – going to Belmont Park. Yes, it’s very seedy, but if you don’t make it to Disney or SeaWorld, Belmont Park has some fun rides (we love the old-fashioned wooden roller coaster, which really whips you around). The kids also love the game room, of course. Sometimes it’s the lower tech (and less expensive) things that provide them w/the greatest thrills and lasting memories. Belmont Park is also good if you only have an evening or afternoon and can’t make it to the other big attractions, or if you want to combine it with a bike ride along the PB boardwalk to do some people-watching. Bikes rent on the boardwalk for, I think, about $10/hr. so you don’t have to bring your own. Also, you can have something at the Wave House, sit on their patio and watch everyone trying to surf on the artificial wave…that’s always fun and provides a 12-yr old with lots of laughs from watching all the wipeouts. Have a great time!

[carli]

Hi Raptor Duck –

Welcome to the area, and Del Mar in particular! We’re right up the street from you, not on the beach but near the Plaza. It has been unusually HOT, as you know, so I hope you’re surviving okay. Sounds like you’ve found lots to do already.

Regarding gyms, we’ve belonged to both PAC and Frog’s, and I have to say that I prefer Frog’s (there’s one in Solana Beach on 101). It’s not as slick and pretty as the PAC, but there is rarely a wait for the machines, which are all new and well-kept, and the classes are great (although sometimes a bit crowded). Lots of folks from RSF are there, and I know several from Fairbanks Ranch belong. I found the PAC really crowded. I go to the gym around 8am, not mid-morning (although that may be mid-morning for some workaholics, not me!!) On the other hand, there is the pool at the PAC, which is great for the kids. On balance, for me, it wasn’t worth the monthly fee…I just want a good workout, a nice shower and I’m outta there. I don’t want to hang around and get manicures or have a snack so it depends on what you’re into.

One more place to check out is Del Mar Workout on Jimmy Durante Blvd…I haven’t been there recently, but it’s been renovated within the last couple years and my friends like it and think it’s a nice, low-key place. I have no idea what the crowds or wait times are like, and in full disclosure, my friends are mostly the fit Mom types vs. the hardcore workout dudes.

So happy to hear that your story ended well and that you found a way to come to the area! You provided some valuable and interesting info in your posts throughout the process, which was greatly appreciated by many of us here, including me.

All the best!
Carli

[carli]

Hi Raptor Duck –

Welcome to the area, and Del Mar in particular! We’re right up the street from you, not on the beach but near the Plaza. It has been unusually HOT, as you know, so I hope you’re surviving okay. Sounds like you’ve found lots to do already.

Regarding gyms, we’ve belonged to both PAC and Frog’s, and I have to say that I prefer Frog’s (there’s one in Solana Beach on 101). It’s not as slick and pretty as the PAC, but there is rarely a wait for the machines, which are all new and well-kept, and the classes are great (although sometimes a bit crowded). Lots of folks from RSF are there, and I know several from Fairbanks Ranch belong. I found the PAC really crowded. I go to the gym around 8am, not mid-morning (although that may be mid-morning for some workaholics, not me!!) On the other hand, there is the pool at the PAC, which is great for the kids. On balance, for me, it wasn’t worth the monthly fee…I just want a good workout, a nice shower and I’m outta there. I don’t want to hang around and get manicures or have a snack so it depends on what you’re into.

One more place to check out is Del Mar Workout on Jimmy Durante Blvd…I haven’t been there recently, but it’s been renovated within the last couple years and my friends like it and think it’s a nice, low-key place. I have no idea what the crowds or wait times are like, and in full disclosure, my friends are mostly the fit Mom types vs. the hardcore workout dudes.

So happy to hear that your story ended well and that you found a way to come to the area! You provided some valuable and interesting info in your posts throughout the process, which was greatly appreciated by many of us here, including me.

All the best!
Carli

[carli]

Hi Raptor Duck –

Welcome to the area, and Del Mar in particular! We’re right up the street from you, not on the beach but near the Plaza. It has been unusually HOT, as you know, so I hope you’re surviving okay. Sounds like you’ve found lots to do already.

Regarding gyms, we’ve belonged to both PAC and Frog’s, and I have to say that I prefer Frog’s (there’s one in Solana Beach on 101). It’s not as slick and pretty as the PAC, but there is rarely a wait for the machines, which are all new and well-kept, and the classes are great (although sometimes a bit crowded). Lots of folks from RSF are there, and I know several from Fairbanks Ranch belong. I found the PAC really crowded. I go to the gym around 8am, not mid-morning (although that may be mid-morning for some workaholics, not me!!) On the other hand, there is the pool at the PAC, which is great for the kids. On balance, for me, it wasn’t worth the monthly fee…I just want a good workout, a nice shower and I’m outta there. I don’t want to hang around and get manicures or have a snack so it depends on what you’re into.

One more place to check out is Del Mar Workout on Jimmy Durante Blvd…I haven’t been there recently, but it’s been renovated within the last couple years and my friends like it and think it’s a nice, low-key place. I have no idea what the crowds or wait times are like, and in full disclosure, my friends are mostly the fit Mom types vs. the hardcore workout dudes.

So happy to hear that your story ended well and that you found a way to come to the area! You provided some valuable and interesting info in your posts throughout the process, which was greatly appreciated by many of us here, including me.

All the best!
Carli

[carli]

Hi Raptor Duck –

Welcome to the area, and Del Mar in particular! We’re right up the street from you, not on the beach but near the Plaza. It has been unusually HOT, as you know, so I hope you’re surviving okay. Sounds like you’ve found lots to do already.

Regarding gyms, we’ve belonged to both PAC and Frog’s, and I have to say that I prefer Frog’s (there’s one in Solana Beach on 101). It’s not as slick and pretty as the PAC, but there is rarely a wait for the machines, which are all new and well-kept, and the classes are great (although sometimes a bit crowded). Lots of folks from RSF are there, and I know several from Fairbanks Ranch belong. I found the PAC really crowded. I go to the gym around 8am, not mid-morning (although that may be mid-morning for some workaholics, not me!!) On the other hand, there is the pool at the PAC, which is great for the kids. On balance, for me, it wasn’t worth the monthly fee…I just want a good workout, a nice shower and I’m outta there. I don’t want to hang around and get manicures or have a snack so it depends on what you’re into.

One more place to check out is Del Mar Workout on Jimmy Durante Blvd…I haven’t been there recently, but it’s been renovated within the last couple years and my friends like it and think it’s a nice, low-key place. I have no idea what the crowds or wait times are like, and in full disclosure, my friends are mostly the fit Mom types vs. the hardcore workout dudes.

So happy to hear that your story ended well and that you found a way to come to the area! You provided some valuable and interesting info in your posts throughout the process, which was greatly appreciated by many of us here, including me.

All the best!
Carli

[carli]

Hi Raptor Duck –

Welcome to the area, and Del Mar in particular! We’re right up the street from you, not on the beach but near the Plaza. It has been unusually HOT, as you know, so I hope you’re surviving okay. Sounds like you’ve found lots to do already.

Regarding gyms, we’ve belonged to both PAC and Frog’s, and I have to say that I prefer Frog’s (there’s one in Solana Beach on 101). It’s not as slick and pretty as the PAC, but there is rarely a wait for the machines, which are all new and well-kept, and the classes are great (although sometimes a bit crowded). Lots of folks from RSF are there, and I know several from Fairbanks Ranch belong. I found the PAC really crowded. I go to the gym around 8am, not mid-morning (although that may be mid-morning for some workaholics, not me!!) On the other hand, there is the pool at the PAC, which is great for the kids. On balance, for me, it wasn’t worth the monthly fee…I just want a good workout, a nice shower and I’m outta there. I don’t want to hang around and get manicures or have a snack so it depends on what you’re into.

One more place to check out is Del Mar Workout on Jimmy Durante Blvd…I haven’t been there recently, but it’s been renovated within the last couple years and my friends like it and think it’s a nice, low-key place. I have no idea what the crowds or wait times are like, and in full disclosure, my friends are mostly the fit Mom types vs. the hardcore workout dudes.

So happy to hear that your story ended well and that you found a way to come to the area! You provided some valuable and interesting info in your posts throughout the process, which was greatly appreciated by many of us here, including me.

All the best!
Carli

[carli]

FLU –

No worries, I didn’t think you were pointing fingers at me. I agree it’s not good to make a kid live like a hermit to the point that he/she is out of touch with reality. I think that’s part of the balancing act in a nutshell – not succumbing to the pressure to just buy all kinds of stuff (and, as you say, is often the path of least resistance) while making sure they have what they need to be in tune with what’s going on in the rest of the world. Thanks for your insight.

[carli]

FLU –

No worries, I didn’t think you were pointing fingers at me. I agree it’s not good to make a kid live like a hermit to the point that he/she is out of touch with reality. I think that’s part of the balancing act in a nutshell – not succumbing to the pressure to just buy all kinds of stuff (and, as you say, is often the path of least resistance) while making sure they have what they need to be in tune with what’s going on in the rest of the world. Thanks for your insight.

[carli]

FLU –

No worries, I didn’t think you were pointing fingers at me. I agree it’s not good to make a kid live like a hermit to the point that he/she is out of touch with reality. I think that’s part of the balancing act in a nutshell – not succumbing to the pressure to just buy all kinds of stuff (and, as you say, is often the path of least resistance) while making sure they have what they need to be in tune with what’s going on in the rest of the world. Thanks for your insight.

[carli]

FLU –

No worries, I didn’t think you were pointing fingers at me. I agree it’s not good to make a kid live like a hermit to the point that he/she is out of touch with reality. I think that’s part of the balancing act in a nutshell – not succumbing to the pressure to just buy all kinds of stuff (and, as you say, is often the path of least resistance) while making sure they have what they need to be in tune with what’s going on in the rest of the world. Thanks for your insight.

[Author]

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