Surfin' USA...or at least California

We were in Laguna Beach, CA for the Public Affairs Council board meeting (or as Brian called it, my "scam"). I appreciated the humor; however, I'm not sure my fellow board members did. He had a point, it was really two half days of meetings.

My favorite speaker was David Ignatius, a columnist on global politics, economics and international affairs for The Washington Post, and the author of six books including, "Body of Lies" that was made into a movie and currently in theaters. He really had a fascinating background and experience with Middle East countries.

Of course there was some free time, hence the label "scam." We played golf (horribly) at the Monarch Beach Golf Links. The setting was indeed beautiful, there were a couple of holes that look over the ocean.

The meeting was over on Friday and we stayed the weekend. We toured around the area and went down to Dana Point, we explored the downtown of Laguna Beach, lots of picture taking for Brian, watching surfers and sand volleyball, driving up to Balboa Island.

One of my favorite little stores in Laguna Beach is the Candy Baron www.thecandybaron.com. They have all the old fashioned candy. Remember Bottle Caps, Fun Dip, Pop Rocks, Pixie Stix, candy necklaces and cigarettes? They have it all.

Recommend:
Penguin Cafe - great diner for breakfast
Cafe Zoolu www.cafezoolu.com

• Blackened Raw Ahi (Sashimi)
  Avocado, grapefruit and Thai-ginger horseradish sauce.
• Alaskan Halibut
  Mild, thick filet, topped with white wine, herb-onion-mushroom-shrimp sauce, with garlic mashed potatoes.
• Swordfish Sampler (3-Way)
  Mesquite broiled & topped with lemon-caper butter OR macadamia nut butter.
  Blackened with Cajun spices and topped with tomatillo sauce and corn salsa.

Take a pass:
Coyote Grill

Only a few pictures.