I believe this is a Riding's Forester...a type of moth
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Morro Bay - Sea Otter
A bunch of Sea Otters were swimming around . Too bad it was getting dark and they were too far away to get a good shot of em. They are so cute!
Sea Lion in Morro Bay
Quite a few of these guys were swimming around the bay, following the fishing boats.
Yellow Billed Magpie
Finally! I got a pic of a magpie. I found this handsome guy at Lake San Antonio's north shore.
Western Fence Lizard
I foud this guy at Lake San Antonio. Looks like his feet are hot (but it looks like he's smiling too - lol)
Side Blotched Lizard
Found this little fella at Lake San Antonio. Is it me, or does it look like he's giving me the ole stink eye?
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
...and as for the rest of my trip....
Well, on Sunday morning, I headed out to Henry W Coe State Park in Morgan Hill. It was a nice, sunny morning, perfect for a walk in the woods. Well, I got to the main parking lot and there were no empty parking spaces. There was another parking lot not far from the main one, so I parked there, found a trail, and started walking. Lots of flowers were in bloom, so I thought, "great! Looks like a good trail." I hadn't gotten too far when I heard some rustling in the woods ahead, and I couldn't see what was making all the noise, but it was something big (not a bird or a lizard, or even a fox....I could tell it was something big). There was no one else around, so I decided to turn back, walking rather quickly, telling myself it was probably just a deer....just a deer, Kim. Just a deer (lol). But I was all alone out there, so it made me uneasy. Then when I got in my car, I was ticked off at myself for being such a chicken - lol. Oh well. There were more places to hike still.
After my little adventure at Henry Coe, I set off for The West Pinnacles National Monument. The entrance to this park is located in Soledad, CA (there is another entrance, to the East Pinnacles, in King City, CA - my old home town - but there is no road leading from one side to the other, although you can hike from the East to the West if you want to). I always hike the same trail...the Juniper Canyon/High Peaks Trail. It is absolutely FULL of wildflowers in the spring. You can't go more than a few feet without seeing something new. Lots of birds and butterflies out there too. If you are lucky, you may even spot a California Condor, as they nest in the Pinnacles. I didn't make it to the East Pinnacles, as I was running out of time, and still had a ways to drive to get home (and I had to be at work at 7 am on Monday, so I thought I better save the East side for another time). Still, I had a nice hike. I went about a mile before turning back. There is another trail...The Balconies Trail...that leads to a cave. But I have never hiked that trail before. If you do plan to hike The Balconies Trail, take a flashlight, as they are required in the caves. Also, you may want to arrive early, as the parking area is rather small and fills up quickly on the weekends. I know there is an entrance fee of $5 per car ($3 if you walk in). I have the Interagency Pass, which is $80 per year, but when you go to the parks as much as I do, it pays off rather quickly ;)
After my hike, I decided to drive Jolon Road to Lake San Antonio to check it out. I love Jolon Road. It is much more scenict than the freeway, and, given the choice between the freeway and the scenic route, I will choose the latter every time. Unfortunately, they were having a marathon at the south shore, so I was unable to get there. I did visit the north shore, and managed to finally get a pic of the Yellow Billed Magpie (a bird I have been trying to photograph for just about forever!), so my side trip paid off.
Instead of driving the 46 home, I decided to go to Morro Bay, grab some dinner and then drive the 166 home to Bakersfield. I got home just before 10:00, tired, sunburned, but very happy I went.
This weekend I have volunteer work in Venice on Saturday, so no road trips this weekend (altho I would love to take my mom to Caramel for Mother's Day and drive the 17 Mile Drive, since she has never been there), but knowing my mom, she will just want to stay home and watch the Laker game - lol.
Next weekend, I am off to Yosemite. Staying in Curry Village on Saturday nite and camping out in Bass Lake on Sunday. Stay tuned for more pics from this last weekend's trip (still in the process of uploading em to Flickr so I can post em here). And of course, next week, I will be posting Yosemite shots! I can't wait!!!!!
Til then, Happy Trails!!!
After my little adventure at Henry Coe, I set off for The West Pinnacles National Monument. The entrance to this park is located in Soledad, CA (there is another entrance, to the East Pinnacles, in King City, CA - my old home town - but there is no road leading from one side to the other, although you can hike from the East to the West if you want to). I always hike the same trail...the Juniper Canyon/High Peaks Trail. It is absolutely FULL of wildflowers in the spring. You can't go more than a few feet without seeing something new. Lots of birds and butterflies out there too. If you are lucky, you may even spot a California Condor, as they nest in the Pinnacles. I didn't make it to the East Pinnacles, as I was running out of time, and still had a ways to drive to get home (and I had to be at work at 7 am on Monday, so I thought I better save the East side for another time). Still, I had a nice hike. I went about a mile before turning back. There is another trail...The Balconies Trail...that leads to a cave. But I have never hiked that trail before. If you do plan to hike The Balconies Trail, take a flashlight, as they are required in the caves. Also, you may want to arrive early, as the parking area is rather small and fills up quickly on the weekends. I know there is an entrance fee of $5 per car ($3 if you walk in). I have the Interagency Pass, which is $80 per year, but when you go to the parks as much as I do, it pays off rather quickly ;)
After my hike, I decided to drive Jolon Road to Lake San Antonio to check it out. I love Jolon Road. It is much more scenict than the freeway, and, given the choice between the freeway and the scenic route, I will choose the latter every time. Unfortunately, they were having a marathon at the south shore, so I was unable to get there. I did visit the north shore, and managed to finally get a pic of the Yellow Billed Magpie (a bird I have been trying to photograph for just about forever!), so my side trip paid off.
Instead of driving the 46 home, I decided to go to Morro Bay, grab some dinner and then drive the 166 home to Bakersfield. I got home just before 10:00, tired, sunburned, but very happy I went.
This weekend I have volunteer work in Venice on Saturday, so no road trips this weekend (altho I would love to take my mom to Caramel for Mother's Day and drive the 17 Mile Drive, since she has never been there), but knowing my mom, she will just want to stay home and watch the Laker game - lol.
Next weekend, I am off to Yosemite. Staying in Curry Village on Saturday nite and camping out in Bass Lake on Sunday. Stay tuned for more pics from this last weekend's trip (still in the process of uploading em to Flickr so I can post em here). And of course, next week, I will be posting Yosemite shots! I can't wait!!!!!
Til then, Happy Trails!!!
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Morro Bay - 5/1/11
West Pinnacles National Monument - 5/1/11
Saturday, April 30, 2011
My trip so far....
So, yesterday, I got in my car, and set out on the road. Destination: San Francisco. The drive went pretty smooth, for the most part. I made it to San Francisco around 10:30, and then went across the Golden Gate Bridge and stopped at the Vista Point on the north side in Sausalito. I had decided to walk across the bridge prior to going on this trip (actually had wanted to do it for years). I thought, time-wise, it would be best to go halfway, then turn around. But once I was on the bridge, and made it to the first support tower, I thought, what the heck. Might as well go all the way. And, so I did. It was a beautiful day, and not much wind. I did forget to put on the sunscreen, and I paid for it. My nose is as red as Rudolph's. So, I made it to the south side, took a break, and then walked back across to my car. Mission accomplished.
After I finished my bridge walk, I set out for Point Reyes National Seashore. I stopped at the Bear Valley Visitor Center first, to get my mandatory souvenirs, and then set out for the beach area. My favorite spot to hike there is Chimney Rock. It's about a mile to the Chimney Rock viewpoint, which isn't far. BUT, there is the wind to contend with. And unlike on the Golden Gate Bridge, this was some real wind. Gusty winds that nearly knocked me off my feet. But I found what I was looking for...the Hairy Star Tulip (aka White Pussy Ears), a small flower that grows around Point Reyes. In fact, lots and lots of flowers were in bloom: Blue Violets, Checker Mallow, Lupine, Buttercups, Indian Paintbrush, Douglas Iris, California Poppy, and lots more. 2 miles in winds gusting 30-50 mph, with a runny nose and an ear aching from the cold, feels more like 10 miles - lol. But it was beautiful there, and I had a nice hike nonetheless.
On the drive back into Petaluma, I nearly hit a deer. I mean, very very nearly (like inches away). My poor heart was racing! I imagine Bambi's heart was racing too! That deer was lucky to get away with her life. And my car was lucky to not end up with a smashed in front end! Wow. Earlier, on my way into the park, 2 deer jumped in front of me and I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting them too. I think my car is a deer magnet - lol.
After all the walking around, I was hungry, So I checked into my hotel and then went to Negri's in Occidental for some much needed dinner (I hadn't eaten since 5:30 that morning, and here it was almost 8 pm). The food was awesome. The Minestrone soup was soooo good. I went there once when I was a kid. I had almost forgotten how good their food is.
This morning, I got up and drove to Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa for a little morning walk. I hadn't been to that park before. I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend there, so I was only able to take a short walk before turning back. I will have to check out that park again one of these days. After the park, I got some breakfast and then set out for Mt Diablo State Park in Walnut Creek. I went in at the north gate to venture up to the summit. Lots of bikes in the park and lots of curves, so you have to go slow. You have to go slow anyhow, since the speed limit is 15-25 mph. There are some really great views to be seen from the road to the top. It is absolutely beautiful!
After I made it back down to the north gate entrance, I went to the Mitchell Canyon part of the park, which is my favorite place to take a hike. The trail is well-shaded, and lots of wildflowers grow along the trail, including the rare Mt Diablo Globe Lily, which is blooming right now. Lots of Chinese Houses, Larkspur, Buttercups, Woodland Stars, Indian Paintbrush, California Poppy, Purple Vetch, Miner's Lettuce and more line the sides of the trail. Beware the poison oak! If you stick to the trail, you won't have a problem with it. Although I dropped my cell phone and had to put my hand through a small patch of it to get to my phone - lol. So, after walking about a mile, I had to turn back, because it was almost 3:00 and I still had to drive to Morgan Hill to get to my hotel.
So, here I am, sitting in the hotel after a nice, hot shower, typing on my laptop. Tomorrow I am heading to Henry W Coe State Park in the morning, and then to The Pinnacles (West side) National Monument. I would like to stop by Monterey on the way as well. I really like Jack's Peak Regional Park, which is located between Salinas and Monterey. There is a great viewpoint at the top of the hill overlooking the Monterey Bay. If I have time, I will. But, like most of my trips, plans are easily changed along the way.
I posted some pics below. Enjoy!
Til next time, Happy Trails!
After I finished my bridge walk, I set out for Point Reyes National Seashore. I stopped at the Bear Valley Visitor Center first, to get my mandatory souvenirs, and then set out for the beach area. My favorite spot to hike there is Chimney Rock. It's about a mile to the Chimney Rock viewpoint, which isn't far. BUT, there is the wind to contend with. And unlike on the Golden Gate Bridge, this was some real wind. Gusty winds that nearly knocked me off my feet. But I found what I was looking for...the Hairy Star Tulip (aka White Pussy Ears), a small flower that grows around Point Reyes. In fact, lots and lots of flowers were in bloom: Blue Violets, Checker Mallow, Lupine, Buttercups, Indian Paintbrush, Douglas Iris, California Poppy, and lots more. 2 miles in winds gusting 30-50 mph, with a runny nose and an ear aching from the cold, feels more like 10 miles - lol. But it was beautiful there, and I had a nice hike nonetheless.
On the drive back into Petaluma, I nearly hit a deer. I mean, very very nearly (like inches away). My poor heart was racing! I imagine Bambi's heart was racing too! That deer was lucky to get away with her life. And my car was lucky to not end up with a smashed in front end! Wow. Earlier, on my way into the park, 2 deer jumped in front of me and I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting them too. I think my car is a deer magnet - lol.
After all the walking around, I was hungry, So I checked into my hotel and then went to Negri's in Occidental for some much needed dinner (I hadn't eaten since 5:30 that morning, and here it was almost 8 pm). The food was awesome. The Minestrone soup was soooo good. I went there once when I was a kid. I had almost forgotten how good their food is.
This morning, I got up and drove to Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa for a little morning walk. I hadn't been to that park before. I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend there, so I was only able to take a short walk before turning back. I will have to check out that park again one of these days. After the park, I got some breakfast and then set out for Mt Diablo State Park in Walnut Creek. I went in at the north gate to venture up to the summit. Lots of bikes in the park and lots of curves, so you have to go slow. You have to go slow anyhow, since the speed limit is 15-25 mph. There are some really great views to be seen from the road to the top. It is absolutely beautiful!
After I made it back down to the north gate entrance, I went to the Mitchell Canyon part of the park, which is my favorite place to take a hike. The trail is well-shaded, and lots of wildflowers grow along the trail, including the rare Mt Diablo Globe Lily, which is blooming right now. Lots of Chinese Houses, Larkspur, Buttercups, Woodland Stars, Indian Paintbrush, California Poppy, Purple Vetch, Miner's Lettuce and more line the sides of the trail. Beware the poison oak! If you stick to the trail, you won't have a problem with it. Although I dropped my cell phone and had to put my hand through a small patch of it to get to my phone - lol. So, after walking about a mile, I had to turn back, because it was almost 3:00 and I still had to drive to Morgan Hill to get to my hotel.
So, here I am, sitting in the hotel after a nice, hot shower, typing on my laptop. Tomorrow I am heading to Henry W Coe State Park in the morning, and then to The Pinnacles (West side) National Monument. I would like to stop by Monterey on the way as well. I really like Jack's Peak Regional Park, which is located between Salinas and Monterey. There is a great viewpoint at the top of the hill overlooking the Monterey Bay. If I have time, I will. But, like most of my trips, plans are easily changed along the way.
I posted some pics below. Enjoy!
Til next time, Happy Trails!
Mt Diablo Globe Lily
Point Reyes National Seashore - 4/29/11
Point Reyes National Seashore - Chimney Rock trail - 4/29/11
Signs that make you go "duh"
Golden Gate Bridge - 4/29/11
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Birds in Los Angeles - 2/26/11
I visited Wilderness Park in Downey, CA last weekend. I had remembered this park from my first Free Arts volunteer day last August. There were lots of birds then, and there were lots of birds this time around. I posted some pics below. Enjoy!
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