Gaviota State Beach, CA
Monday, December 26, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
Beach Weekend
On Saturday, I jumped into my car and headed on out to Santa Maria to see Chris. We headed on out to Avila Beach in the afternoon, but first we stopped off in Grover Beach to see the Monarch Butterfly Grove. The monarch butterflies stop off in Grover Beach on the annual migration to the north. Along the way, the females lay their eggs on milkweed plants which are the only plants the monarch caterpillars eat. Certain groups of monarchs migrate, while others stay in the same area their whole lives. The migratory monarchs can live up to 6 months while the other monarchs generally live only 6-8 weeks. You would think that such a concentrated group of butterflies would attract predators, but monarch butterflies are poisonous, and other animals generally avoid them as they will get sick if they eat them.
They like to hang out in groups in the eucalyptus trees. At first glance, they look like dead leaves fluttering about in the breeze. But as it warms up, the butterflies become active and fly around the grove. They can't fly at temperatures below 55 degrees, so they stay in the trees until it warms up. I could hardly believe that so many butterflies were in this one area at one time. There were some telescopes set up around the grove to allow a better view of them close up. I took some pictures and posted them below, also.
After the butterfly grove, we continued along the pathway which made its way out to the beach. It was a nice path and it went by a very nice campground as well. We took our shoes off and waded among the waves, which was something I hadn't done in years. The water was very cold, but it was still a lot of fun.
The next stop was Avila Beach. We walked out along the pier and saw a large group of very noisy sea lions. They sure were putting on a show. One large male seemed to be the dominant sea lion of the group. The others were on a constant state of struggle for territory on the small dock, which they had claimed to be their resting spot. Two of them in particular were pushing each other, taking turns pushing the other one off of the dock. They looked like little kids wrestling over a chair. There was another large group of sea lions taking up residence right below the pier. One large male was sitting there, not 10 feet below the pier, but he didn't seem to mind the people looking at him and taking his picture, although he did seem to mind it when other sea lions got too close to him. He would "yell" at them to let them know to back off.
After we walked the pier, we went down to Pirate's Cove. Well, we didn't go down on the beach, since it is a "clothing optional" beach. I suppose we could have, but I was more interested in the seals that were sitting on the rocks than naked people (hehe). Also, there was a nice cave in the rock...well, more like a big arch...which was very cool. As you walked up to it, you could see right through to the ocean. It was beautiful. Chris decided to be adventurous and climb on top of the cave, but I stayed down on the ground. I sat for a while and just watched the waves coming up below. It was quite a drop off to the ocean below, but I still felt pretty safe sitting there. There was a lot of poison oak along the trail, so it is best to stay on the trail than to go off and be an adventure-monger.
The next day, we went to Lake Osa Flaca, which is near Guadalupe. It is a nice trail that goes through a foresty-looking area, that leads to a boardwalk that goes right over the lake. There is also beach access, but you do have to walk about a mile to get to the beach, which we did. The trail is pretty flat for the most part, but there are areas where you have to walk through sand dunes. I got so much sand in my shoes. If I had been smarter, I would have taken off my shoes. The beach was pretty quiet there, but that was probably because it takes some effort to get to this beach, unlike others where you just park on the side of the road and go down some steps. Still, it was worth the walk. The day was beautiful, with temperatures in the low 80's. The sun was shining, and there was no fog. You could see out into the ocean for miles and miles.
After the beach, we went back to Santa Maria and went to Coldstone Creamery and got some ice cream, which was the perfect end to a great weekend. It was hard to believe that it was November, because the temperature was so warm. Of course, I took pictures and posted them below. Enjoy!
They like to hang out in groups in the eucalyptus trees. At first glance, they look like dead leaves fluttering about in the breeze. But as it warms up, the butterflies become active and fly around the grove. They can't fly at temperatures below 55 degrees, so they stay in the trees until it warms up. I could hardly believe that so many butterflies were in this one area at one time. There were some telescopes set up around the grove to allow a better view of them close up. I took some pictures and posted them below, also.
After the butterfly grove, we continued along the pathway which made its way out to the beach. It was a nice path and it went by a very nice campground as well. We took our shoes off and waded among the waves, which was something I hadn't done in years. The water was very cold, but it was still a lot of fun.
The next stop was Avila Beach. We walked out along the pier and saw a large group of very noisy sea lions. They sure were putting on a show. One large male seemed to be the dominant sea lion of the group. The others were on a constant state of struggle for territory on the small dock, which they had claimed to be their resting spot. Two of them in particular were pushing each other, taking turns pushing the other one off of the dock. They looked like little kids wrestling over a chair. There was another large group of sea lions taking up residence right below the pier. One large male was sitting there, not 10 feet below the pier, but he didn't seem to mind the people looking at him and taking his picture, although he did seem to mind it when other sea lions got too close to him. He would "yell" at them to let them know to back off.
After we walked the pier, we went down to Pirate's Cove. Well, we didn't go down on the beach, since it is a "clothing optional" beach. I suppose we could have, but I was more interested in the seals that were sitting on the rocks than naked people (hehe). Also, there was a nice cave in the rock...well, more like a big arch...which was very cool. As you walked up to it, you could see right through to the ocean. It was beautiful. Chris decided to be adventurous and climb on top of the cave, but I stayed down on the ground. I sat for a while and just watched the waves coming up below. It was quite a drop off to the ocean below, but I still felt pretty safe sitting there. There was a lot of poison oak along the trail, so it is best to stay on the trail than to go off and be an adventure-monger.
The next day, we went to Lake Osa Flaca, which is near Guadalupe. It is a nice trail that goes through a foresty-looking area, that leads to a boardwalk that goes right over the lake. There is also beach access, but you do have to walk about a mile to get to the beach, which we did. The trail is pretty flat for the most part, but there are areas where you have to walk through sand dunes. I got so much sand in my shoes. If I had been smarter, I would have taken off my shoes. The beach was pretty quiet there, but that was probably because it takes some effort to get to this beach, unlike others where you just park on the side of the road and go down some steps. Still, it was worth the walk. The day was beautiful, with temperatures in the low 80's. The sun was shining, and there was no fog. You could see out into the ocean for miles and miles.
After the beach, we went back to Santa Maria and went to Coldstone Creamery and got some ice cream, which was the perfect end to a great weekend. It was hard to believe that it was November, because the temperature was so warm. Of course, I took pictures and posted them below. Enjoy!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Monday, October 31, 2005
Train Ride :)
Chris took me on a train ride this weekend from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara. We went on the Surfliner on the way to Santa Barbara (which is a commuter train) and on the Coast Starlight on the way back. That train goes all the way to Seattle. It was great! You can see so much more on the train than you can on the freeway. The train takes you right along the coastline, so you have a great view of the ocean. It was a nice, sunny weekend, so the view was awesome! We saw a bunch of deer grazing in the fields, and a coyote catching himself some lunch. The train is a lot smoother than I thought it would be. It was the first time I had been on a train. Yeah, I know, I haven't been on a lot of things....haven't ridden in a taxi or been on the subway...haven't ridden on a trolley car or gone jetskiing...haven't been on a cruise or been in a hot-air balloon. Maybe someday.
We went and saw Saw 2 at the movie theatre on Saturday night. The theatre was pretty full, and the movie was quite good. I won't reveal anything about the movie except to say that it definitely leaves room for another sequel ;)
We took a walk along a trail in Goleta, CA in Sperling's Preserve on Sunday, before we had to go back to the train station. There is a butterfly preserve there, and in November or December, the monarch butteflies migrate there to take refuge in the eucalyptus trees. There were a few butterflies fluttering about, but it was too early to see them. We took a walk down the trail and ended up near the coast...actually, right above it. The trail was brushy, and luckily there wasn't any poison oak...believe me, I was watching out for it! The trail was full of bushes and you had to make your way through them, but the view of the coast, once you got past the bushes, was so worth it! Absolutely beautiful! I think we walked about a mile in all.
I had a great weekend. Great train ride....great weather....great movie....great food! It was, as Tony the Tiger says, "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!"
We went and saw Saw 2 at the movie theatre on Saturday night. The theatre was pretty full, and the movie was quite good. I won't reveal anything about the movie except to say that it definitely leaves room for another sequel ;)
We took a walk along a trail in Goleta, CA in Sperling's Preserve on Sunday, before we had to go back to the train station. There is a butterfly preserve there, and in November or December, the monarch butteflies migrate there to take refuge in the eucalyptus trees. There were a few butterflies fluttering about, but it was too early to see them. We took a walk down the trail and ended up near the coast...actually, right above it. The trail was brushy, and luckily there wasn't any poison oak...believe me, I was watching out for it! The trail was full of bushes and you had to make your way through them, but the view of the coast, once you got past the bushes, was so worth it! Absolutely beautiful! I think we walked about a mile in all.
I had a great weekend. Great train ride....great weather....great movie....great food! It was, as Tony the Tiger says, "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!"
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Camping Humor
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal, they lay down for the night and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend.
Holmes said: "Watson, look up and tell me what you see".
Watson said: "I see a fantastic panorama of countless stars".
Holmes: "And what does that tell you?"
Watson pondered for a moment: "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow."
"Why? - What does it tell you, Holmes?"
Holmes was silent for a moment then spoke: "Someone has stolen our tent."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
"A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
"Escalators would help on steep uphill sections."
"Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness."
"Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."
"Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals."
"All the mile markers are missing this year."
"Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."
"Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill."
"Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
"Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter."
"Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."
"The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals."
"Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."
"Need more signs to keep area pristine."
"A McDonald's would be nice at the trail head."
"The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."
"Too many rocks in the mountains."
Holmes said: "Watson, look up and tell me what you see".
Watson said: "I see a fantastic panorama of countless stars".
Holmes: "And what does that tell you?"
Watson pondered for a moment: "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow."
"Why? - What does it tell you, Holmes?"
Holmes was silent for a moment then spoke: "Someone has stolen our tent."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
"A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
"Escalators would help on steep uphill sections."
"Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness."
"Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."
"Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals."
"All the mile markers are missing this year."
"Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."
"Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill."
"Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
"Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter."
"Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."
"The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals."
"Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."
"Need more signs to keep area pristine."
"A McDonald's would be nice at the trail head."
"The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."
"Too many rocks in the mountains."
Just For Fun
CAMPING TIPS:
When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant.
Get even with a bear who raided your food bag by kicking his favorite stump apart and eating all the ants.
A hot rock placed in your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm. A hot enchilada works almost as well, but the cheese sticks between your toes.
The best backpacks are named for national parks or mountain ranges. Steer clear of those named for landfills.
While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheralded. It's single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle.
Modern rain suits made of fabrics that "breathe" enable campers to stay dry in a downpour. Rain suits that sneeze, cough, and belch, however, have been proven to add absolutely nothing to the wilderness experience.
Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter. Warning: Remove lint from navel before applying the match.
You'll never be lost if you remember that moss always grows on the north side of your compass.
You can duplicate the warmth of a down-filled bedroll by climbing into a plastic garbage bag with several geese.
The canoe paddle, a simple device used to propel a boat, should never be confused with a gnu paddle, a similar device used by Tibetan veterinarians.
When camping, always wear a long-sleeved shirt. It gives you something to wipe your nose on.
Take this simple test to see if you qualify for solo camping. Shine a flashlight into one ear. If the beam shines out the other ear, do not go into the woods alone.
A two-man pup tent does not include two men or a pup.
A potato baked in the coals for one hour makes an excellent side dish. A potato baked in the coals for three hours makes an excellent hockey puck.
In emergency situations, you can survive in the wilderness by shooting small game with a slingshot made from the elastic waistband of your underwear.
The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.
The sight of a bald eagle has thrilled campers for generations. The sight of a bald man, however, does absolutely nothing for the eagle.
It's entirely possible to spend your whole vacation on a winding mountain road behind a large motor home.
Bear bells provide an element of safety for hikers in grizzly country. The tricky part is getting them on the bears.
In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka hood can be used to strangle a snoring tent mate.
When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant.
Get even with a bear who raided your food bag by kicking his favorite stump apart and eating all the ants.
A hot rock placed in your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm. A hot enchilada works almost as well, but the cheese sticks between your toes.
The best backpacks are named for national parks or mountain ranges. Steer clear of those named for landfills.
While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheralded. It's single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle.
Modern rain suits made of fabrics that "breathe" enable campers to stay dry in a downpour. Rain suits that sneeze, cough, and belch, however, have been proven to add absolutely nothing to the wilderness experience.
Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter. Warning: Remove lint from navel before applying the match.
You'll never be lost if you remember that moss always grows on the north side of your compass.
You can duplicate the warmth of a down-filled bedroll by climbing into a plastic garbage bag with several geese.
The canoe paddle, a simple device used to propel a boat, should never be confused with a gnu paddle, a similar device used by Tibetan veterinarians.
When camping, always wear a long-sleeved shirt. It gives you something to wipe your nose on.
Take this simple test to see if you qualify for solo camping. Shine a flashlight into one ear. If the beam shines out the other ear, do not go into the woods alone.
A two-man pup tent does not include two men or a pup.
A potato baked in the coals for one hour makes an excellent side dish. A potato baked in the coals for three hours makes an excellent hockey puck.
In emergency situations, you can survive in the wilderness by shooting small game with a slingshot made from the elastic waistband of your underwear.
The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.
The sight of a bald eagle has thrilled campers for generations. The sight of a bald man, however, does absolutely nothing for the eagle.
It's entirely possible to spend your whole vacation on a winding mountain road behind a large motor home.
Bear bells provide an element of safety for hikers in grizzly country. The tricky part is getting them on the bears.
In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka hood can be used to strangle a snoring tent mate.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Chris and I went to the Santa Barbara Zoo on Saturday. The weather was a little chilly and overcast, but the trip was still great. One of the star attractions of the zoo is Gemina, the crooked-necked giraffe. Her neck is, indeed, crooked. It looks like it would be painful, but apparently it isn't. She eats fine and has even had a healthy baby. The zoo is not a huge zoo like the San Diego Zoo, but it is decent sized. We saw everything from tarantulas to lions. The reptile room was full of lizards, snakes, and even some insects and spiders. It was full of creepy-crawlies. They had a room full of turtles and fish, too, and a happily-swimming sea lion. They also have Asian elephants, lemurs, capybaras, foxes, monkeys, gorillas, lions, and a lot of birds. They have several aviaries, in fact. You can feed the giraffes and the lorakeets, and there is a petting zoo for the kids. The gorillas were being ornery. Apparently, they don't like each other much. In their enclosure, there are only the two males. Maybe they don't like sharing their territory. Well one of them did something pretty nasty. He sat down, and went poop and then ate it. I heard a kid exclaim, "ewwww. Why did he have to eat his poop?" That was sooooooo funny. Even though it was indeed pretty nasty, it was still funny all the same. The leopards were also putting on a show...they were in an amorous mood, if you know what I mean. After they were done, the female chased the male away, fangs bared and growling. Poor guy. He just wanted some lovin'.
After the zoo, we drove to Santa Barbara Mission and looked around a little, and then Chris showed me around Santa Barbara a little. On Sunday, we went to Solvang, which is a little Danish-style town, full of bakeries, gift shops, galleries, and restaurants. It is very touristy. I picked up a few postcards and some candy there. We stopped in Lompoc for coffee and hot cocoa at a little bookstore/coffee shop, and there was a wedding reception going on in there and a guy playing blues music. So we went in and had a drink and talked. It was a really nice weekend. I had so much fun!
After the zoo, we drove to Santa Barbara Mission and looked around a little, and then Chris showed me around Santa Barbara a little. On Sunday, we went to Solvang, which is a little Danish-style town, full of bakeries, gift shops, galleries, and restaurants. It is very touristy. I picked up a few postcards and some candy there. We stopped in Lompoc for coffee and hot cocoa at a little bookstore/coffee shop, and there was a wedding reception going on in there and a guy playing blues music. So we went in and had a drink and talked. It was a really nice weekend. I had so much fun!
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