My husband and I enjoyed a delightful afternoon enjoying the benefits of my Keepers Club Pass at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California. The advantages: I can always bring a guest, I can enjoy the free parking (usually $15), and there are new exhibits every once in awhile to take in and experience. (Oh, we also walked about 10,000 steps too)!
Here’s a short video recap of our day! Hope you enjoy it!
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This time I enjoyed the day with my Goddaughter Caroline, and her one of her best friends, Tori!
Susan and Caroline. Photo by Tori TrexelTori and Caroline; Photo by SJF Communications
We spent several hours enjoying the weather, scenery, botanical treasures and of course phenomenal animal exhibits! Plus: an added bonus of walking (and strolling) at least our 10,000 steps (& beyond)!
Then we ventured out to Balboa Park for a lovely lunch at the Prado, complete with a pitcher of sangria before our delicious steak and chicken tacos (and fries) were delivered!
Tori, Susan and Caroline at the Prado Restaurant in balboa Park. Photo by a very kind member of the Prado Wait Staff!
Caroline and Tori at Food Truck Friday at Balboa Park; Photo by SJF Communications
Caroline and Susan at Food Truck Friday at Balboa Park; Photo by Tori Trexel
Here are some more photos from our splendid day!
Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
First of all, my Mentee this past year in the San Diego State University’s Aztec Mentor Program, Senior Delaney Heil, (class of 2019) is thrilled to be interning this summer at the San Diego Zoo! She was our bus tour guide! Weren’t we the lucky ones! Besides driving that huge bus (oh my…I could NEVER), she was brilliantly humorous as she narrated along the way!
Delaney Heil; Photo by SJF Communications
Susan and Delaney; Photo by Caroline Brigham
And here are some photos of our very cool animal friends!
Flamingo
Flamingo; Photo by SJF Communications
Jaguar – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Jaguar; Photo by SJF Communications
Jaguar; Photo by SJF Communications
Polar Bear
Polar Bear; Photo by SJF Communications
Koalas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Koala Bear; Photo by SJF Communications
Koala Bear; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutans – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Gorillas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Gorilla; Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Gorillas; Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Gorilla; Orangutan; Photo by SJF Communications
Giraffes – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!
Glorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF CommunicationsGlorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF CommunicationsGlorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF CommunicationsGlorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF Communications
Disclaimer: I am still learning….Birds (and butterflies) were moving QUICKLY and I am quite new at using the Manual settings on my camera! So…my shots aren’t the most focused…
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It was a beautiful Sunday and as usual I had my camera with me!
Snapped some photos at Liberty Station as well as on Manzanita Trail at Pacific Highlands Ranch (Carmel Valley), San Diego. Feel free to click on each photo for more detail…
This was my view of downtown San Diego looking south from Liberty Station
Looking South from Liberty Station Photo by SJF Communications
Loved this Coral Tree at Liberty Station!
Coral Tree – Photo by SJF Communications
Coral Tree – Photo by SJF Communications
Coral Tree – Photo by SJF Communications
I was captivated watching these great blue herons at Liberty Station!
Great Blue Heron – Photo by SJF Communications
Great Blue Heron – Photo by SJF Communications
Great Blue Herons – Photo by SJF Communications
Great Blue Heron – Photo by SJF Communications
Great Blue Heron – Photo by SJF Communications
Saw (and definitely HEARD) several airplanes taking off above Liberty Station
At Liberty Station – Photo by SJF Communications
And again witnessed the lantana’s #artinnature and #natureasart (Liberty Station)
Lantanas – Photo by SJF Communications
Loved the color combination here!
Kanaka Canoe Landing – Photo by SJF Communications
Then ventured out for a walk on the Manzanita Trail at Pacific Highlands Ranch
Manzanita Trail at Pacific Highlands Ranch – Carmel Valley – San Diego Photo by SJF Communications
A beautiful white-crowned sparrow (Manzanita Trail, Carmel Valley, San Diego) !
White-Crowned Sparrow Photo by SJF Communications
Saw (and heard) this lovely Song Sparrow (Manzanita Trail, Carmel Valley, San Diego) !
Song Sparrow Photo by SJF Communications
Blue Lupine Perennials (Manzanita Trail Carmel Valley San Diego)!
Blue Lupine Perennials (Manzanita Trail Carmel Valley San Diego)! Photo by SJF Communications
A Black Phoebe – (Manzanita Trail – Carmel Valley, San Diego)
Black Phoebe – Manzanita Trail – Carmel Valley, San Diego Photo by SJF Communications
Finally, an Allen’s Hummingbird (Manzanita Trail – Carmel Valley, San Diego)!
Allen’s Hummingbird (Manzanita Trail – Carmel Valley, San Diego)! Photo by SJF Communications
All in all, a wonderful day!
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In honor of National Poetry Writing Month (#napowrimo) I have mastered the first few days in previous blog posts and am attempting to keep it going (with and without prompts)!
As I have stated previously, I’ve been a Mentor at San Diego State University in their Aztec Mentor Program since 2016. Mentoring has been an inspirational and enjoyable way to connect with and guide students as a role model, share wisdom and give back to one’s community.
Today, I arrived early and was waiting for my first of two mentees to join me for our biweekly in-person session.
Alas: a Haiku blossomed!
Once I returned home for the day, I walked around our general neighborhood and snapped some photos (which to me depict #artinnature #natureasart). The photos are attached below!
As the season of Spring has sprung and as nature evolves – my burgeoning Mentees have been flourishing as well! May they thrive and prosper! Thus…my tribute to them!
We visited a great new exhibit, “Butterfly Jungle” at the Safari Park in Escondido, California the other day…
Please note: The Butterfly Jungle is only open now through April 15th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
A few words to the wise! Be prepared to wait! This is a very popular exhibit! (For an extra fee of $20 you can move up in line).
Once you’re inside, they will allow you to marvel at and photograph these lovely colorful butterflies.
What a hoot! The butterflies love bright colors, so feel free to wear them! They will gladly land on you! You’ll chuckle with delight!
It’s a blast!
Here’s my #Haiku to kick off National Poetry Writing Month (#NaPoWriMo) and Global Poetry Writing Month (#glopowrimo):
Haiku: Sweet Butterflies
by
SJF Communications
Fickle flutterers
Quick, vividly colorful
Dainty butterflies
They might land on you
If so, they invite your grin
Butterflies marvel!
Oh…another important note (per the ambassadors): No touching the butterflies or taking them out of the area with you!
These sweet creatures are endangered, so there will be several ‘exit stations’ where the Safari Park Ambassadors will have you “turn around’ and ‘shake it out’ to ensure that no butterflies are resting on your clothes, backpacks, hats, etc!
It’s all worth it though! Although there was an elusive few that flew so quickly that by the time I had my camera ready they were gone!
I am looking forward to going again soon! Hurry, the exhibit closes on April 15th!
Check out these photos and feel free to click on each one for more detail!
Paper Kite – Photo by SJF Communications
Postman – Photo by SJF CommunicationsRusty-Tipped Page – Photo by SJF Communications
Giant Owl – Photo by SJF CommunicationsGiant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications
Giant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications
Giant Owls – Photo by SJF Communications
Flowers that invite butterflies to visit! – Photo by SJF CommunicationsMore flowers that invite butterflies to visit! – Photo by SJF Communications
It’s always a breath of fresh air (at an altitude of 4226 ft of glorious elevation) for a visit to Julian, California, including a stop at this time at the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve!
Here’s a look at what I captured with my camera recently.
Feel free to click on each photo!
Bird Watching!
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
Acorn Woodpecker Photo By SJF Communications 2018
More Bird Sightings!
Western Bluebird Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Dark-Eyed Junco Pink-Sided Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Band-Tailed Pigeons Photo by SJF Communications 2018
White-Crowned Sparrow Photo by SJF Communications 2018
California Scrub Jay Photo by SJF Communications 2018
California Scrub Jay Photo by SJF Communications 2018
I spent a delightful afternoon wandering about by bird watching and enjoying nature’s foliage, views and more at the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy – a Southern California nonprofit land trust which is part of the nearly 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, bordered by the northern San Diego areas of Solana Beach, Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe.
I began my solo stroll at the ‘green’ San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007). The volunteers and rangers were very helpful with information. I gave a donation and visited the interactive exhibits. The Nature Center sells limited items such as maps, books, snacks/drinks etc.
I embarked on my journey by following the beautiful trail. Here are some photos from the day!
Nature Center and Trail
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I visited during low tide and was able to see a variety of shore birds at the mud flats. The trail is quite easy to navigate (it also includes ADA accessible boardwalk). There are natural-looking overlooks and benches for those who’d like a rest, or just sit and observe!
Bird Watching!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
Bufflehead
American Wigeon
American Wigeon
White-Crowned Sparrow
White-Crowned Sparrow
Mallards
Snowy Egret
Yellow Common Throat
The Mallards!
MallardMallards
More Bird Watching!
OspreyDouble-Crested Cormorant
Enjoying the Surroundings!
Feel free to hover over/click on each photo to see the name and enlarge it.
I also enjoyed admiring the foliage and surroundings. Here’s a peek at what I saw that day…Spring has sprung indeed!
Arroyo Willow
Climbing Milkweed
Sea Dahlia
Pine Cone
Torrey PInes
Such a wonderful day!
Snowy Egret
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My husband and I recently thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon at Santee Lakes. We walked around several of the lakes for fitness and I did some incredible bird watching!
As I have stated before, #TorreyPinesStateBeach is my ‘go to’ place to walk for fitness, stroll, socialize, observe the #artinnature and #natureasart. I like to visually capture interesting images.
Here are a few images from my most recent March, 2018 visit…I also saw a whale spouting, but it was so fast I couldn’t capture it quickly enough with a photo!
The Entrance to Torrey Pines State Beach
Things Happen in Threes!
Wouldn’t you know…I glanced up and saw a pelican, dolphin and helicopter in the distance!
Things Happen in Threes!
Some images from the afternoon!
Rocks within rocks!
Ocean movement
Lovely waves!
A Sandpiper Enjoying a Snack from the Ocean!
And a Classic Sandpiper Pose!
And a classic Sandpiper Pose!
A Seagull in Flight!
A Seagull in Flight
Shells a Plenty!
Shells a Plenty!
Pelicans in Formation on Parade!
Pelicans in Formation on Parade!
Ocean Friendship: A Pelican with a Dolphin!
Ocean Friendship: A Pelican with a Dolphin!
Dolphin Fin!
Dolphin Fin!
Dolphin Swimming!
Dolphin Swimming!
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Thanks to my friend’s recommendation, my husband and I recently visited the Miramar Reservoir for the first time. Located in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego, Miramar Reservoir is a place loaded with nature and atmosphere! One of those ‘hidden gems’ in my opinion. Nearly 5 miles of paved trail (and a few areas right next to the water) surround the ‘lake’.
Want to go fishing? You can obtain a fishing permit, bait & tackle from the facilities and concessions stand. Apparently the reservoir is home to largemouth bass, crappie (lol), bluegill, channel catfish, sunfish and trout. There are minimum size & amount limits.
Also visit the concession stand (opened Wednesdays through Sundays) for the following:
Hungry or Thirsty? Grab some snacks & drinks!
Up for some exercise with a bike ride? You can rent bikes for adventures on land!
Yearning for the water? You can rent kayaks, motorized boats, rowboats even pedal boats! Read here about restrictions and use of float tubes as well
Or, like us, simply power walk, or simply stroll the trail loop.
What are you waiting for???
Directions: Take #15 to Mira Mesa Boulevard traveling East. Take a right turn onto Scripps Ranch Boulevard, then a left on Scripps Lake Drive. You’ll see the entrance on your left.
Feel free to click on these photos from our afternoon at Miramar Reservoir! You can click on each one to see a better view.
First of all, the ‘geese patrol’ greeted us!
Geese welcoming us in the parking lot. Miramar Reservoir. Photo By SJF Communications
Geese welcoming us in the parking lot. Miramar Reservoir. Photo By SJF Communications
Geese welcoming us in the parking lot. Miramar Reservoir. Photo By SJF Communications
Some beautiful images of the Miramar Reservoir from our walk
(Click on each for a larger view)
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications 2018
This signage invites you to rent and enjoy a paddleboat!
Signage at Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
A few images of the boat dock…
Boat Rentals, Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications, 2018
Boat Rentals, Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications, 2018
And finally, more geese!
(Click on each for a larger view)
Geese! Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
Geese! Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
Geese! Miramar Reservoir. Photo by SJF Communications
Ah, and a beautiful bougainvillia as well!
(Click on each for a larger view)
Beautiful bougainvillea at Miramar Reservoir, Photo by SJF Communications, 2018
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