Puzzling Adventure - San Clemente

Today we're off on another adventure.  This time we're taking the Metrolink train to the San Clemente Pier where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking up the view and the sound of the ocean waves.  And then, we'll spend the rest of the afternoon solving (or trying to solve) riddles and clues that will take us on a Puzzling Adventure all around the area. 

But first, we have some exciting news.  We have a new F.R.I.E.N.D. and she's joining us for the very first time today.  Her name is Tina and we're thrilled that she's decided to join our group and come out to play with us.

Welcome Tina!!

Because we are coming from a few different areas, we are meeting at two different train stations.  Our first group met at the Corona North Main station.

Joy, Tina, Kathy, Debbie, Carol N

Taking the train is such a good idea - no traffic, no parking hassles, and the fare is amazing . . . 

Round Trip Ticket

Carol L and Seema joined us two stops later at the Anaheim Canyon station.  Once we were all together, we posed for a couple pictures . . . 

First with masks . . . 
(Love the lady photo-bombing us in the back)

And then without . . . 
Front - Tina, Carol L
Back - Kathy, Debbie, Joy, Carol N, Seema

It was so nice and relaxing on the train, and it gave us a chance to catch up while we watched the scenery fly by.  We arrived at the San Clemente Pier just in time for lunch on the end of the pier . . . 

At Fisherman's Bar and Grill 

During lunch we could watch the waves crash on the beach -
and feel them thump against the pylons of the pier underneath us.

And we had this beautiful view of the pier

Once our tummy's were full, we were ready to play!  As we headed off to solve our first clue, we passed this sign . . . 

 

. . . which was pretty funny, because when the trains come, this horrendous sound roars through the town.  There is no way you can miss hearing it.  I tried to record it, but just didn't do it justice.  Take my word for it . . . it was L.O.U.D.!!!

Main street near the Pier

Our first clue took us up a steep set of stairs which led to Park Semper Fi, the Marine Monument, and a tribute wall in honor of all branches of the U.S. military.  This was definitely a place to show respect and appreciation for all who have served.

Marine Monument

Tribute Wall

Reading the wall to solve the clues

View of the shoreline and pier from Park Semper Fi

Another view

Queen Debbie reads our next clue

Which led us to . . . 

The Clock Tower

We continued following clues and solving riddles, and we actually did really well.  And we were enjoying the scenery along the way.

But what would an adventure be without a detour?  Or a wrong turn?  Or a mis-read clue?  What would we have to talk about if everything went perfectly?  Not to disappoint, we walked a bit out of our way, but if we hadn't made that mistake, we might have missed out on this pretty scenery . . . 

And these cute little guys

When we finally realized our mistake, we took a moment to rest and regroup . . . 

And enjoyed walking along the shoreline as we made our way back to the pier area.

Soaking up the sounds and smells of the ocean

Back at the pier, our next clue was on the Surf Report wall.

The last few clues led us along the pier, where we enjoyed watching the surfers . . . 

Surfers hoping for that perfect wave

On the Pier
Seema, Tina, Kathy, Debbie, Carol N, Carol L, Joy

The perfect end to a perfect day
Ice Cream!!!

Such a fun day!  Thank you Queen Debbie for making all the arrangements and persevering with your phone, even when the signal was less than ideal.  And it was so nice NOT to have to wear masks (except on the train).  We all had a great time, and can't wait to do another Puzzling Adventure in another town.  

Oh Look!  Here comes the train!  Time to go home . . . 

See you next time!