Monday, February 9, 2015

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
February 9, 2015


This beautiful stretch of more than 2000 acres know as Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within the city limits of San Diego in the coastal neighborhood of La Jolla. When visiting here, it is easy to imagine how California must have looked to settlers many years ago. The reserve encompasses the rare Torrey Pine, unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating birds. 



Because groves of trees were not common along the southern California coast, early Spanish explorers (1500-1700) referred to this area as Punto do Los Arboles which means "Point of Trees". In 1850, the year California became a state, the tree was officially discovered by Dr. Charles Parry ( a medical doctor with an interest in botany) who was doing a survey to determine boundaries between Mexico and California. Dr. Parry named these trees for his friend Dr. John Torrey.


The fog was thick!
In 1956, the park was given to the State of California so that the many endangered species would have the protection they deserved.

Hiking was on our agenda for the day. Can you just imagine how excited we were?  We haven't been on a hike since July!  When we headed out about 9:00, the sun was shining and the skies were blue. The closer we got to La Jolla, the cloudier and foggier it got! We were expecting to see spectacular views of the ocean from the look-outs. "Turn around" was never mentioned as we finally parked along the street with very little visibility in front of us. So, most of the pictures in tonight's post look like black and white photographs with some beautiful spots of color thrown in.  



 The first part of the hike was along the rode leading to the top where the Visitor's Center is. About half way up, we turned right and followed the Guy Fleming Loop Trail.
















According to the kiosk, the cones at the top of the Torrey Pine are the female, seed bearing cones and take 3-5 years to mature...





 In January and February, these small pollen filled male cones form on the lower branches.







Also, the needles have an important job...they collect fog droplets in their deep groves and channels them to the ground so that moisture is not lost to evaporation.
I guess this is a good time to mention that Torrey Pines are the rarest native pines in the United States...but danger is present.


We saw these strange looking things as we hiked and then came upon this sign that explains they are Bark Beetle Traps. 









A volunteer we stopped and chatted with said that 127 trees have died as a result of the beetle.








California State Flower...California Poppy














What a great day we had...until next time, take care and...


...happy trails!


12 comments:

  1. Congratulations on getting back to the trails:) Hope all went well for Joe.

    The fog actually created very neat, eerie photos. Super job, Gay:)

    I love all the flowers. You found some very interesting plants. What a nice day out on the trail:)

    Thanks for the history on the Torrey Pine!

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    1. Thank you Pam...Joe is getting stronger everyday! He has actually gained back about 6 pounds of the 30 pounds he lost. Knees are the biggest issue right now. Riding bikes has been wonderful to build up the muscles around the joints.

      Torrey Pines is a beautiful area Pam...we do hope to return for some of the other hikes...if not this visit, next time!

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  2. More excellent photos, and a great day for you too.

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    1. It was great George to walk some trails! A photographers heaven!

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  3. The fog gave the photos a softer, eerie quality. Still very beautiful & scenic. I have heard of Torrey Pines but not in such great detail. Thanks for sharing Gay. Happy trekking.

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised when I got home and saw the images I had captured Gayle. The fog turned out to be a good thing! And oh my, the diverse plants...from cacti to ferns and lots of blooms in between!

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  4. You got some very beautiful shots of that wonderful preserve. I think the fog enhanced your visit! Sometimes, if you are really lucky, you might see pods of dolphins or whale spouts from the bluffs. I worked on the Torrey Pines Mesa for 13 years and was an avid runner at the time. I've seen rattlesnakes on those trails and know a guy who saw a mountain lion once!

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    1. Thank you Lisa...I do want to return on a sunny day for a better view and to walk the beach. I was blown away by the beauty and so surprised to find so many Wildflowers in bloom. The longer I stay in San Diego, the more I want to be here!

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  5. Sometimes a foggy day makes for good moody pictures. Love all your flowers and interesting plants and the history about Torrey Pines. I thought you were watching the Golf Tournament held at Torrey Pines! But you had a better day at the Nature Preserves one of the many places that we would like to visit one day.
    Congrats for being backed on the hiking trail!

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    1. It sure feels good to be hiking again MonaLiza and what a wonderful choice we made doing this hike...

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  6. Oh Happy Happy Day.....Thrilled that you are back on the hiking trails. And, what stunning pictures !! You have captured the essence of the area. We have been there and know parts of the California coast quite well and you have certainly found the beauty and uniqueness.

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    1. Thank you Sue...we sure had a great time! I love these kinds of hikes and clicking away on the camera! I was surprised to see so many wildflowers.

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