Happy New Year

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 3, 2016

 The last couple of weeks in 2015 were quiet and peaceful around our home here in Chula Vista. The weather was rainy and cooler and most days were spent dodging showers to walk to the bark park and play. 

Just before the rains set in, we did walk several miles of the Florida Canyon Trails...a suggested urban hike on one of the web sites I visited. 

 As far as we could tell, there wasn't any specific way to go so we twisted up and down, around, and somehow managed to end up where we began.

Another sunny day, we had fun at the beach with the puppies. They love going to the beach and we love watching them have fun!

Jack playing ball is always a treat. 

Joe calls Jack our "Little Champion" weighing in at 12 pounds...

(For anyone interested, the beach doggie park on Coronado Island is on land owned by the Navy base.)

As we were leaving, this Snowy Egret caught my eye. 

 Home...

lazy, rainy days...

bird watching days...

and sunny, take a walk days.

 The lower back 40 is property owned by the KOA. The surrounding homes and the KOA work together to have a community garden. 

Some of the produce and eggs go to the on-sight cafe here at the KOA. 

From our home to yours...

site # 1518
wishes to everyone for great health, happy hearts, and safe travels...let the good times roll...

 HAPPY TRAILS!

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
December 16, 2015

Torrey Pines Natural Reserve remains one of the "wildest" stretches of land on the Southern California coast. Over 2,000 acres of land "are as they were" before San Diego was developed. For information on this beauty, click here. 

 Yesterday, we took the 25 miles interstate drive to the reserve, another San Diego gem. In 1500-1700, the Spanish explorers referred to this area as Punto do Los Arboles which means Point of Trees.

 According to my reading, Torrey pine trees are the rarest native pine trees in the United States. The trees along the coast are naturally pruned by the salty sea breeze and provide a beautiful canopy.

There is a two-way road in the reserve (north entrance) that travels up to the  lodge-visitor center/museum. We walked! There is a "path" for pedestrians that parallels the road...a good workout going up! 

 I was impressed with the monthly bird count posted at the lodge. On the list, two peregrine falcons were seen in November. We saw one yesterday...as always, I could have kicked myself for not having the correct lens, but I was so excited...even with a fuzzy picture...that I had to share!

We took two side trails on our way up to the lodge. First was the Guy Fleming Trail. 

In 1916, naturalist Guy Fleming led a city-wide campaign to protect the Torrey Pine trees which were being cut down for firewood and threatened by uncontrolled camping. In 1921, he became the park's first resident caretaker. During the next 10 years he developed trail systems, a plant nursery, and the lodge. 

The trail is an easy loop that meanders out to a north overlook and a south overlook.

 The large cones at the top of the tree are the female, seed-bearing cones. In January-February, the smaller male, pollen filled cones appear on the lower branches.

  

 The second trail we chose was part of the Parry Grove Trail. We bypassed the steep 118 steps down (and up) to the cliffs edge. But did enjoy the native plants at Whitaker Garden and the walk to the overlook.

The most impressive plant we saw was Shaw's Agave.  

Velvet Cactus

Coastal Barrel Cactus

Indian Fig...huge cactus, but very few pricklies

We also spent time on the beach there. Its not a sandy beach, but rather a squishy pebbly one. 

It was such a fun day. Until next time, let the good times roll...

HAPPY TRAILS!