A different perspective on risk in San Diego

Risk & Insurance, April 1, 2004 by Michelle Kerr

Sure, when you're in town for RIMS, you can visit tourist standbys like the San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter and the Point Loma Lighthouse. But if you're more inclined to take the roads less traveled, here's a smattering of other ways to make the most of your stay in San Diego--or even extend it a couple days. There's something here to suit every risk executive's personal style and interests, whether you like to meet risks head on--or avoid them at all costs.

Don't Risk It If You're Wearing Sandals These Geckos Aren't Hawking Anybody's Insurance

Is there a rugged "Crocodile Hunter" soul hiding beneath your calm, cool risk manager's facade? No worries then, mate. Maybe you need to check out the Creatures, Sky and Bumps in the Night Tour-it's one-of-a-kind adventure! Enjoy rugged jeep trails, a spectacular desert sunset and then explore the desert at night. As billions of stars become visible, so will the nocturnal desert life. Safely view many of these unique creatures in their natural environment ... a "must do" for real nature-lovers and risk-takers! Three hour tour, minimum of two persons per vehicle.

San Diego Outback Tours Inc., www.desertjeeptours.com, 888-295-3377

Don't Risk Missing It

When Dinosaurs Ruled the ... Skies?

The recent discovery of spectacular fossils from China provides exciting flew evidence concerning the debate about the relationships of dinosaurs and birds and the origin of flight. The traveling exhibition Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight, will continue through Sept. 7th at the San Diego Natural History Museum. This exhibition is the largest display of significant fossils regarding the origins of birds ever shown outside of the People's Republic of China, dating from more than 120 million years ago. The San Diego Natural History Museum is the only U.S. venue to display Feathered Dinosaurs.

www.sdnhm.org; 619.232.3821

We Hear the Food Is Worth the Risk

El Fandango Restaurant was built on the site of the Machado home, which was destroyed by fire in 1858. Over the years, a billiard saloon, a bakery, then a residence were built on this spot. Ghostbusters have reported seeing the misty specter of a Victorian woman dressed in white, drifting or floating through the building, sometimes passing through walls and closed doors or sitting at a corner table, according to San Diego Magazine. The woman's expression has been reported as sad, or sometimes angry. She never seems to interact with anyone that sees her, but just appears then vanishes. Oh, be sure to try the mole poblano.

El Fandango, 2734 Calhoun St., Old Town, 619-298-2860

Can You Put Greens Fees on Your T&E Report?

Risk a Brush with Greatness

Tiger Woods won the PGA Tour's 1999 and 2003 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, one of the nation's foremost municipal golf facilities. But it wasn't Tiger's first win at Torrey. At age 15, Tiger won the Optimist Junior World Tournament at Torrey Pines and a legend was born. Not moved by golf history? Go for the scenery. From cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, marvel at the views of the coastline and deep ravines. Nature lovers can spot wildlife and the pines that are indigenous to the area. Bounded by mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the seaside courses are often swept by sunshine or by rain, fog and chilling winds.

Torrey Pines Golf Course, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La aolla, (800) 985-4653, www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Get a Feel for What Your Forefathers Were Willing to Risk

Bragging Rights Included

Attention armchair aviators and history buffs! It's time to live your dream and strap yourself into the cockpit of a WWII warbird. Travel 35 minutes north of San Diego and take a flight in a 1941 North American SNJ, the aircraft flown by future Navy and Marine fighter pilots (Army Air Corps types flew the similar AT-6 "Texan"). You'll don a military flight suit, strap on a parachute, take the controls of a historic warbird and maybe even fly a few loops! Numerous flight packages are available. One option: The appropriately named "Lucky Bastard Flight" package includes a full hour of flying (including aerobatics) pins a genuine military A2 leather flight jacket, a copy of the SNJ flight manual published by the Navy in 1940, a copy of a Navy video tape about how to fly the and a color 8"x 10" photo of the aircraft. No pilot's license or previous experience is required.

Barnstorming Adventures Ltd., 2160 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad, 800-SKY-LOOP, www.barnstorming.com

Eat Like a Native

Save time and skip the souvenir shopping. Instead, just call your friends and family when you get home and invite them over for a feast of San Diego's signature street food--fish tacos. This recipe comes from Rubio's, known to most locals as the place to get your fill of these tasty treats. While you're in town, be sure to snag at least one. It shouldn't be tough, Rubio's are everywhere. But if you miss them all, have no fear, you'll have one last chance at the airport in terminal one.