A Hike at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve – Coachella Preserve

We enjoyed an interesting self-guided Spring hike of two oases at the Thousand Palms Oasis – Coachella Preserve (on the San Andreas Fault, no less) in the Southern California Desert (about 10 miles East of Palm Springs).


Here’s a video with photos that captured some of our day hiking at the Thousand Palms Oasis at Coachella Preserve!

A Hike at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve – Coachella Valley

Here are some photos from our hike at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve!

Visitors Center at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley
Photo by SJF Communications
Enormous palm fronds at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley
Photo by SJF Communications
A View of the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley
Photo by SJF Communications
McCallum Pond at Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, Coachella Valley
Photo by SJF Communications

We started our journey by stopping at the Palm House Visitors Center (the original homestead log cabin, complete with really cool artifacts) and hiking over a few boardwalks (and a bit of sand) on the flat McCallum Trail (round trip 2 miles). The amazingly tall fan palms (Washingtonia filifera – some over 50 feet) are a sight to behold!

Side giggle note: The lengthy fronds resemble ‘Cousin Itt’ from the Addams Family!

In the middle of this desert, there were two magnificent oases, as well as beautiful purple, yellow, blue and white wildflowers, and a few birds.

At the end of the trail was McCallum pond (yes indeed, a pond – with water courtesy of the San Andreas Fault) with an added bonus – the endangered Desert Pup Fish!

All in all, a delightful day!

More info at:

http://coachellavalleypreserve.org/

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A Glorious Day at Lake Hodges (Video)

What a spectacular day hiking at Lake Hodges in Escondido, CA! Beautiful scenery, wildflowers blooming, birds enjoying the plentiful rain that we’ve had lately, magnificent rainbows (did we mention the larger than life rattlesnake)? Take a look at ‘art in nature’ and ‘nature as art’!

Music: If We Knew All the Laws of Nature’ by Robert Farmer.

Photos/Video by SJF Communications ‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’ sjfcommunications.com

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Photos: A Visit to Hawk Watch in Ramona, CA

It was mesmerizing to see and photograph several hawks up close and personal on January 5th at Hawk Watch Ramona, thanks to the Wildlife Research Institute !

These free Hawk Watches (donations accepted as well) will continue on Saturdays throughout January and February at 10 a.m. (suggested arrival time 9:30 a.m.). The Hawk Watch lasts about 1.5-2 hours. The location is at the private Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd. Ramona, CA 92065.

More suggestions: Bring binoculars, cameras, wear layered clothing, and sturdy shoes. (It could get muddy and wet there)! There are chairs set up outside but you can also bring your own if you prefer. There is free parking.

There were several varieties of hawks to see up close and personal, 
including the Red-Tailed Hawk(s), as well as a Peregrine Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, White Gyrfalcon and an American Kestrel – plus several exhibitor displays inside the building and demonstrations outside, such as a net trapping and learning how the handlers work with the hawks. Each week will feature different species.

According to the WRI flyer at the event- Here is the upcoming Owl schedule:

February 2nd: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Western Screech

February 16th: Barn Owl, Western Screech

February 23rd: Barn Owl, Western Screech

Here are some photos from the day!

An Afternoon at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

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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Fun at the San Diego Zoo…and Then Some!!

Yet another fun afternoon of fun and adventure at the world famous San Diego Zoo – thanks to my Keeper’s Club Pass.

Keeper’s Club Pass. Photo by SJF Communications

This time I enjoyed the day with my Goddaughter Caroline, and her one of her best friends, Tori!

Susan and Caroline. Photo by Tori Trexel

Tori 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!

We passed by Food Truck Friday too!

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!

Polar Bear

Polar Bear; Photo by SJF Communications

Koalas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!

Orangutans – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!

Gorillas – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!

Giraffes – Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail!

Elephant

Elephant; Photo by SJF Communications

California Condor

California Condor; Photo by SJF Communications

 

California Condor; California Condor; Photo by SJF Communications

 

Tapir; Photo by SJF Communications

Meerkat

Meerkat; Photo by SJF Communications

Capybara

Capybara; Photo by SJF Communications

Lion

Lion; Photo by SJF Communications

Pigmy Hippo

Pigmy Hippo; Photo by SJF Communications

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Over the San Diego Bay and the Glorious Bridge: A Visit to Coronado

I enjoyed a quick overnight visit to Coronado, California…Check out these photos and see why this island touched my heart!

Feel free to click on each photo by SJF Communications!

The Charming Glorietta Bay Inn

Glorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF Communications

Glorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF Communications

Glorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF Communications

Glorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Glorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Glorietta Bay Inn – Photo by SJF Communications

The Famous Coronado Beach and  Hotel Del Coronado

A Beautiful Great Blue Heron Enjoying Glorietta Bay

 

Overlooking the San Diego Skyline from the Coronado Ferry Landing Including Coronado Bridge

 Colorful Places, Flowers and Things

Birds Galore! Osprey, Northern Rough-Winged Sparrow, Rock Pigeons, Cormorant, Black Turnstone, California & Western Gulls

The Glorietta Bay Marina Area

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Nature Trail Photos at the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy

A Relaxing Past Time

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.

The Mallards!

Mallard

Mallards

More Bird Watching!

Osprey

Double-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!

Such a wonderful day!

Snowy Egret

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Photos and Fun Exploring Julian, California!

Apple pie, apple cider, photos

…and lots of cool shops and restaurants!

We’re sold on JULIAN!

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, we had an enjoyable mountain getaway day trip to Julian, California. (We usually travel the less than an hour road trip from San Diego each year).

Julian is a picturesque, historic gold-mining town that exudes lots of charm!

This time, my daughter Emmy and her best friend Sydney were my traveling, shopping and dining  buddies and also helped with photography.

Our day started with a delicious lunch at the Julian Grille.

Photos by SJF Communications

Afterwards we checked out the shops, enjoyed the apple pie at Mom’s Pies (oh yes, and the apple cider) and ventured to take in the autumn foliage, colorful leaves and beautiful scenery.

Of course, many photos were snapped that day and we want to share them with you! Overall a delightful day in Julian!

Hope you enjoy these photos of our spectacular crisply colorful autumn day! Click on individual photos to see more details!

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People!

Emmy (in the hat) and Sydney – Exploring Julian!

 

Places to Shop!

Some of the shops that we noticed: The Birdwatcher, Julian Mountain Emporium, Kathy’s Dress Shop, Quilts & More, Hog Heaven, Julian Imports, Julian Book House, Julian Cider Mill, Julian Cafe & Bakery, Julian Trading Company, Julian Imports, Antique Boutique, JAG Art Gallery, the     T-Haus, & the Cuyamaca Clay Company.

Places to Nosh!

The Julian Grille, Romano’s Restaurant, Buffalo Bills, Blue Door Winery, Apple Alley Bakery, and Julian Cafe & Bakery, among others! Yum!

More Cool Images!

Let’s allow these photos to speak for themselves!

 

 

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Driven to the Max: Photo Shoot and Q & A with Max Cadillac

Meet Max Cadillac. I have known Max professionally for the past five years in San Diego. Our paths have crossed with me providing public relations & marketing, and with him either performing in professional theatre productions, choreographing and/or costuming…and most recently modeling as my photography subject for an action-packed, fun editorial shoot, as Max embarks on his new journey – the sky’s the limit – and seize NYC – a.k.a. The Big Apple!

This past September, our photo shoot (for his new modeling “look book”) with Max took place during the day at a cool park as well as a suburban cul-de-sac and street in the Rancho Penasquitos area of San Diego. Max posed. I snapped away.

Take a gander at Max’s photographic versatility (and read our interview Q &A which follows)!

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

Q & A with Max Cadillac

SJF: Max, please give us the run down…tell us where you have performed professionally

MC: I have a true love for musical theatre and have been working hard throughout my field of choice – performing, choreographing, and costuming in San Diego. I’ve performed with Cygnet Theatre (Pageant, Gypsy), Moonlight Stage Productions (The Wizard of Oz, Music Man, Big Fish), San Diego Musical Theatre (White Christmas, Sound of Music, Cats, West Side Story), and most recently in The Tragedy of Carmen with the San Diego Opera.

SJF: Besides being a dancer, you’re also a choreographer. Where have you been the creator of all things dance?

MC: My choreography credits include: Canyon Crest Academy (Zombie Prom, Evita, Sweet Charity), La Jolla High School (Anything Goes), San Diego Junior Theater (Shrek the Musical), as well as other high school, college, and studio performances.

SJF: And your newest venture into costuming?

MC: Over the last year, I have expanded into costuming under the wing of costume designer Janet Pitcher.

SJF: Why NY? Does it have a special meaning for you?

MC: Though I am proud to be a native San Diegian, I’ve always felt like my home town was ‘Broadway to Bloomingdales’ in The Big Apple. My parents and family are from the tri-state area and having growing up bi-coastal going to summer camp in the Poconos, I have always loved New York the most. Not only that, but there are so many more opportunities for theater in New York than Southern California. The fantasy of moving to the city and booking the first audition sounds splendid, but the reality of planning his move to New York has been a long awaited plan since high school.

SJF: Tell us about your performing and where you have studied

MC: The drive to perform has always been there. I have attended performing arts schools since middle school. I first attended Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy before transferring to Coronado School of the Arts for high school. It was there I learned his passion could become a career, and I pursued a degree in Theater. I attended a California State University to pursue my degree, but he realized within the first month this was not the right program for me. So within that first semester, I applied, auditioned, and was accepted into AMDA  in Los Angeles for musical theatre. It was a program that mainly focused on acting, singing, dancing, and allowing their students to explore many aspects of the performance world on and off stage.

SJF: What was one of your favorite roles?

MC: Everyday is another chance to create and perform, but I really enjoyed my most recent performance as Lillas Pastia in the San Diego Opera’s The Tragedy of Carmen. The creative team wanted to make a whole new vision for the classic opera, so with only six cast members, sets and costumes spanning many different decades, and direction like no one has seen before, It was a true collaboration of artists working together to feature the best of their talents. And although my character did not have any songs or dialogue, I threw myself into the physicality of the character. To quote the lead of Carmen herself, she wrote me a lighthearted opening night letter saying “Thank you for stealing my show. Now own it” and that is exactly what I did. The recreation of a classic role is something I am extremely invested in, always trying to adapt and tell a relatable story for the audience, and one day I hope to originate a role in a musical, play, opera, or film. Any medium that gives actors the freedom to shape and mold a character like that sounds like a dream role to me, and I would even love to write my own musicals and movies in order to ensure true artistic freedom.

SJF: Dream roles?

MC:  I have many! Aldolpho from The Drowsy Chaperone, Molina in Kiss of The Spiderwoman, Dr. Frank-N-Furter from Rocky Horror Picture Show, and an all time favorite from the first musical I ever saw on Broadway one day playing Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast.

SJF It’s been a pleasure Max. Anything else you’d like to share?

MC: On a personal note, I’d would like to thank you, Susan for all of your support, love, and laughter working together over the past 5 years and would like to leave your readers with this thought; If you love something, Do Not let it go! Hold onto whatever drives your passion, and love what you do. Theater, like the world can seem very small at times, but never limit yourself within your chosen field and always remember it is much more fulfilling to focus on the journey than the finish line.

SJF: Best wishes on your journey to the BIG APPLE!

 

Special thanks to Emmy Farese for photoshoot assistance!

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