San Juan Capistrano! by train and by foot - a celebration of 7 years

This weekend, my parents took our kids (bless them! bless them!) and Adam and I got to take off for 26 hours of joyful celebration of seven years of marriage.

In other words: happy anniversary to us!

First, my sister (bless her!) dropped us off at a train station, and we waited for our train, enjoying the view from the pedestrian walkway over the tracks. 

Then we boarded the Pacific Surfliner, headed for San Juan Capistrano! We had a pleasant chat with a businessman who also had four kids, and enjoyed the view out the window. 

We got to San Juan Capistrano, slung our packs on our backs, and set out for our hotel in Capistrano Beach, about 4 miles away.  Before we left the city proper, we stopped at a grocery store and bought food, adding greatly to the weight in our packs!

We hiked along, enjoying the cool coastal weather and realizing just how much fun we were having. Seriously, it felt like we were kids who'd just gotten out of school and got to head straight to the swimming hole. We passed a car dealership and waited for some folks to pull out, and Adam said, "They just bought a new car . . . and they're still not having as much fun as us!" :)

Eventually we got to PCH, and then it was a straight shot to our hotel, which was lovely by the way. If you're looking for a place to stay, we were really happy with them. The whole hotel is built to welcome in the sea air, the patio is decorated in moss, stones and statues, the rooms are tastefully decorated and the continental breakfast had a waffle iron and batter - mmm!

We rested for a bit, and then, just when our feet had started to forget the hike down, we took a walk down to the beach. It was really pretty. It was a sandy beach, but down at the tide line there were big pebbles that made that lovely rushing sound as the waves went in and out.

We went in in our swimsuits, but quickly came out and got covered up again because it was cold. Then we putzed around for awhile, looking at stones and holding hands and generally goofing off.

When we got back to the hotel, we went to the spa on the roof (perfect!) and watched the sun set from inside the hot tub (it was lovely).

The next day we put our packs back on and hiked back to San Juan Capistrano.

We had a late brunch, putzed around the giant antiques mall, and then slipped into a pub in order to watch the end of the England vs. USA World Cup match. (It was actually the third match we'd caught some of on this trip - if you get a chance, watch a couple games. It's great stuff.) (I should also note that - bless them! - Adam's folks helped bankroll some of the treats on this trip.)

Then it was back to the train station, where we played a few rounds of golf (the playing cards kind) while we waited, and then it was back on the train.

This was just a perfect day. So lovely, so much fun, and all with the best of men, my husband. Lovely. I want much, much, much more than seven more years with you, Adam!