Plants and Animals

The Experience

When you spend some time in sunny southern California its easy to understand why so many have chosen to live here.  Within a radius of one hundred miles are the desert, snow capped mountains,  picturesque rolling hills covered with oak and rocky outcroppings, the endless beaches, etc.  Its too much to describe.  

California also offers some of the best State Park camping we have enjoyed thus far.   Two of our campsites sat on overlooks above the Pacific and at night the rhythm of the wave sets provided the original white noise.   We even braved the water, wet-suits, ice cream headaches,  to do a little body surfing one day.    

Again it seems that no matter where we go we are fortunate to have friends and sometimes family to visit.  Jacqueline and Dennis, wow, great times, great rides along U. S. 101.  Thanks for showing us  your home grounds via road bikes and for guiding us safely through, frequently, heavy traffic without a hitch.  Another notable attraction in San Diego is the zoo which is very much worth the time.  Their effort to protect all endangered species world wide is a pretty amazing story.

We also caught up with Dominic and Michael, two of Toni's nephews one evening.  Dominic has made San Diego home for now and he, girl friend Ally and Michael all joined us for a bite to eat in ritzy La Jolla.   We fed'em burgers and micro-brew but hey, it was still La Jolla.  

For the last week we have been exploring Joshua Tree National Park, a climber's mecca of renown with its wild rock formations.    To the desert wanderers like us who are in great appreciation of Mother Nature the sights are endless.   The bike riding among the alien looking, Dr. Suess like landscape is spectacular with great highway miles to be had.   

Next week we will make our way to Parker, Az and the Colorado River where the kayaks will finally see some water time.  More then.  Happy trails to all.