California Dreamin' Part 3 - Humphrey's, San Diego

Sunday morning. It was nice waking up in a big cozy bed in LA, though a little strange having all this space to myself. Usually there's a little place for me, my husband and maybe a couple of cats. Being able to stretch out in the middle of the bed was a luxury. I had time to make use of the hotel gym (very nice and new) and have breakfast.  Not rushed at all, but I was ready for the drive to San Diego and very much looking forward to seeing Craig at Humphrey's that evening.
The drive was uneventful until I reached a point where I could see the Pacific Ocean. From then on, until I reached my destination, I kept having moments where I wanted to take a little side trip to the beach!  All the beautiful scenery spread out in front of me made the rest of the drive go quickly. 

Then I started seeing signs for San Diego exits. I needed to find the one for Shelter Island. When I did, I was glad I had chosen to stay on the main road. This was exactly where I wanted to be.  It may have had something to do with Humphrey's by the Bay.  Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites is the hotel name. I won't post an ad for it here, but Google it. It's heavenly! http://twitpic.com/9i8mrg  http://twitpic.com/9i8mai http://twitpic.com/9i8oq9 http://twitpic.com/9i8nzx 

When I checked in, guess who was at the front desk? http://twitpic.com/9it4ik There's a greeting! I found I had been upgraded to a junior suite. When I located my room, I discovered the view from my door. http://twitpic.com/9it4ik Oh come on, really? I couldn't stop giggling at the whole situation. I'm not really much of a stalker, more of a lover of adventure letting one of my favorite people lead the way. Sorry, Craig, I'll try to do better. Just kidding! :D  --- But I this was just too perfect. I settled into this beautiful suite and set up the computer to send some pics. http://twitpic.com/9iykj5 http://twitpic.com/9iykj5 (Could I live here, please?) I had a 6PM dinner reservation at the hotel restaurant, and plenty of time to get there. So I wandered around the property, falling more in love with this little paradise at every turn.

At 6PM, I arrived at Humphrey's casually elegant restaurant, with a large abstract bird sculpture hanging from the ceiling (like Brancusi, maybe Calder?), and full view of the marina. Sitting comfortably at a table on one side, I could enjoy the ambience with a little privacy. I tweeted about a sailboat flying the skull & crossbones (Aarrgh, there be pirates here!). I wondered how many boat owners would be watching Craig from their decks that night. 

Dinner was from a special prix fixe menu. It was delicious, including a salmon dish with vegetables and a sauce that had bacon in it. Gourmet comfort food! I was enjoying this so much that I broke my diet and ate the dessert. Thank you, Chef Murphy!

After dinner, I still had an hour to relax before the show. There was a concession selling Humphrey's logo items and I found a pink t-shirt I liked. It took so long to pay that I lost my chance to meet another skelly, @bd_sd, who visited my seat but didn't find me. Rats.(I'll be back!) I did enjoy watching people arrive and took some more pictures as the sun was setting. http://twitpic.com/9i8n5z http://twitpic.com/9iy7e8 http://twitpic.com/9iy72h http://twitpic.com/9iy8gr

Almost showtime! I took my seat, front row, stage left. The audience was friendly. I had a conversation with the people sitting behind me. One couple was from Florida, and the husband had gone to the University of Tampa! Ted came on and did a great set. It was a good crowd in a partying mood.  Performing on a stage outside on a cool, fresh evening with the boats swaying in the marina nearby has to be pretty sweet.  It was time for Craig. He was all smiles walking onstage. He talked about the pirates in the marina and the beautiful surroundings, and wondered aloud how the audience on the boats might behave that night. (He's been here before. :D) Craig did a fantastic job. The audience was very happy. Just before the end, the lady behind me got up to go to the bathroom. Craig suggested we should all hide while she was gone. We liked the idea! When he reached the end of the show Craig looked over at us and asked "Did that lady ever come back?" She had sneaked in and was in a different spot behind me. Craig spotted her. "Oh I see you like to change it up... I like that!"  When Craig was ready to leave, he made his way towards stage left. He said something like "A lot of you are parked out front here. My car's out there too. I was gonna tell you this one thing..." and he dropped the mic and ran offstage. A very playful, delightful evening!