Day 3: Sea lions, Stingrays, and Sea Turtles Oh My!

After a night of glorious rest, the singers got up bright and early to head down to breakfast.

The kids enjoyed a vast array of meal choices. Some of the singers got creative and made blueberry waffles.

Our wonderful bus driver Willie (who sang for us, and was rated “100/10” by singers) picked us up to head to our first activity of the day.

We were contacted by the staff at Vi at La Jolla Village, who told us that due to covid cases, it would be safest for us to cancel our planned performances there today. We were appreciative of their communication and transparency, and are looking forward to future performances.

Instead, we rerouted to Balboa Park, where CC gave a short impromptu concert in the courtyard in front of the California Tower before exploring the park. Singers toured the Japanese Garden, visited small stores representing different countries, and even got to climb on a jeweled serpent!

Next, we boarded the bus for Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Once there, we gave another impromptu concert, singing through favorite rounds from choir camp. We ate delicious boxed lunches (sandwiches, chips, and a cookie) before entering the aquarium. Popular exhibits included baby penguins, sharks, sea turtles, and petting creatures in the tide pools.

At La Jolla Cove, singers had a large block of free time to explore the area. Many went straight down to the beach, where they waded, swam, built sandcastles, explored the “smuggler’s cave”, and basked in the sun. (“Sunscreen and hydration crew” made sure everyone was adequately smothered with sunscreen before beach time.) Others spent time relaxing in the shade “base camp” and doing some shopping. Henna was especially popular (see the photos.) After burritos near the beach, we took the bus back to the hotel. Lights out was early tonight, as singers and chaperones are all tired. More tomorrow!