A quick visit to Lake Poway today yielded a few surprises! Once we arrived it only took a few minutes to see a ‘capture’ of a baby rattlesnake, reported to the ranger by a man fishing along the water’s edge.
Only a few minutes later, someone behind us shouted ‘he’s got a fish’! We looked up to notice just that! Perched high above on a utility pole, an osprey was holding a fish. He soon took off! The photos below show a bit of the dramatic feat!
Here’s a short #haiku (Day #4 of National Poetry Writing Month hashtag: #napowrimo)!
Perched high, above pole
The osprey held on to prey
Then it flew away!
Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications
Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications
Osprey Perched with Prey – Take Off! Photo by SJF Communications
Osprey Perched with Prey – Holding On – Photo by SJF Communications
Wasn’t that osprey cool???
We walked along the water, taking in sights such as the beautiful blue sky and calm water of the Lake Poway. A few people were fishing, a few boating. Just a gorgeous afternoon.
More #Haiku
Crystal blue water
Perfect way to spend the day
Nature enriches
Entrance to Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Cormorants – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Coots and a Mallard – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Coot – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Picnic Area at Lake Poway – Photo by SF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Mallards – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
OH NO!!!!! We suddenly spotted this snake- rattlesnake? (or gopher snake?…it was a few feet long) – just as we walked above (and to the left) of the trail around the lake. That was enough for me! Beware, it’s SPRING and the rattlers are awakening!
Last #Haiku
I ask you…take heed
The rattlesnakes are lurking
Avoid getting bit!
Rattlesnake – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
Whew, that rattler was scary! At the end of the trip we noticed this woman who caught some trout. She allowed me to snap this photo!
Trout! Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications
All in all a wonderful time at Lake Poway!
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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
#202-204, Barracks 16, 2nd floor above Women’s Museum
Hope to see you at this engaging, non-traditional, interactive (and hopefully fun) journey “Capturing your Creativity with Haiku”- for the fun and health of it.
Bring your open mind, active imagination, sense of humor, zest for life, quest for fun while learning and willingness to participate. Satisfaction? Poetically guaranteed!
We will chat about Haiku as a Japanese poetry form with ease of use, explore the benefits and value of Haiku as a cathartic, therapeutic, stress management tool and actively participate in several creative Haiku opportunities and challenges!
My Mom, (who recently turned 80 years “young”), always said…”Nothing in life is free”. Well, Mom, you were “almost” completely right!
For my birthday this year I did something really out of the ordinary: I traveled solo to and from the beautiful Mediterranean picturesque Santa Catalina Island, population just over 3000 (I will be referring to it as Catalina Island ) on my “free” round trip boat ride, courtesy of Catalina Express http://catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.html and enjoyed a few other free or discounted goodies thrown in!
You’re probably thinking…”Huh?”…”You’re kidding..” or “What a risk” or “How idiotic”, right?
Nope! Best trip ever! I am still smiling inside!
Although I’m originally from New Jersey, I’ve lived in several cities, states and a few countries. California is especially dear to me because overall, I’ve lived here a total of 18 years. Despite so many years here, I was yet to experience a trip to Catalina.
So, this past April, on my birthday, my husband would be working, my daughter was in school and I didn’t want to “obligate” friend(s) to pay for the round trip boat ride. Plus, and this was a big bonus: I absolutely love photography, and I’d be able to snap away where, what and when I wanted! So….
I drove bright and early from San Diego to Long Beach, grabbed some breakfast, checked in with proof of my actual birthday, received and donned that cool “It’s my birthday” ribbon and boarded the boat! I sat outside and bundled up for the ride!
Aboard the boat to Catalina!
Oh…I did take some children’s strength medicine for potential motion “challenges” which turned out to be a real plus! Did I say a real plus???? Yep, some queasiness hit me a tiny bit, but I survived!
I’m happy to share some photos and tidbits from my trip.
We left the harbor and suddenly it was extremely windy !
Leaving the Long Beach Harbor
We passed by the Queen Mary on the way to Catalina, another place I’d like to visit sometime soon!
Passing by The Queen Mary Docked in Long Beach
Also saw the “China Shipping Line” En Route!
Passing by Cargo Ship
Aha! Our first view of Catalina Island in the distance!
First sight of Catalina Island!
How cool is this? A parasailer welcoming us!
Another “first glance” of Catalina Island
A view of the beautiful Catalina Island Casino!
The Famous Catalina Island Casino
The beautiful Carnival Cruise was in port! Passengers took smaller boats to get onto the island.
When I arrived Avalon was very busy with many cruise passengers for the day. Then at around 4 p.m., they all left, and Avalon felt like a ghost town!
Look! A Carnival Cruise in Port!
Another colorful view of Catalina Island!
Catalina Harbor
Once we happily “disembarked”I was eager to explore Avalon on Catalina Island. What a delightful way to spend the day! I decided not to rent a golf cart (the golf carts are all over the place, since they only allow so many cars on the island and there is a 14 year wait for a car permit)! and strolled at my own pace. Here’s a look at some of the shops and tourist spots I snapped. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Several T-Shirts and souveneirs to glance at and buy!
Loved this stone. A bit pricey though!
Here’s more info on Larimar
Couldn’t resist snapping a pic at this flower!
Mermaid in Catalina!
Variety of cards and things!
Beautiful artistic pieces
Bikes ready to explore the island!
Small pier with restaurant, shops etc.
After wandering a bit, I decided to enjoy a delicious lunch and a Margarita at Maggies Blue Rose. I was having such a great time, that I thought…why not stay overnight??? I knew it was completely out of the ordinary for me…but nonetheless decided to do a quick search of hotels but also asked my server what she recommended. Serendipitously, I decided to stay upstairs from Maggies at the Hotel Vista Del Mar. They also had some fun birthday freebies, including a bottle of wine or champagne (I chose the bottle of wine and brought it home), and a celebratory balloon ! I bought a few essentials for staying overnight and relaxed for the rest of my solo journey! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar
Hotel Vista Del Mar SignFish Tank at Hotel Vista Del Mar
The Hotel Vista Del Mar has a great fish tank in the lobby filled with colorful fish and coral decor ! It was very relaxing to peek at the tank while relaxing on the lobby which overlooks the water.
Once I checked into the hotel, I decided to take the very interesting Catalina Scenic Tour. The bus driver a.k.a. narrator was terrific spokeperson for the Avalon and island of Catalina.
Here are some of the sights from that trip:
Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
View from Avalon Tour Bus
View of Wrigley Mansion from Avalon Tour Bus
View from Avalon Tour Bus
Zip LIning View from Avalon Tour Bus
Harbor View from Avalon Tour Bus
Another harbor View from Avalon Tour Bus
View from Avalon Tour Bus
View from Avalon Tour Bus
Campground: View from Avalon Tour Bus
Glimpse at a local street: View from Avalon Tour Bus
After the bus tour, I strolled around Avalon some more. I thoroughly enjoyed a great dinner at Steve’s Steakhouse!
Of course, I then had to sample some ice cream and candy from this place!
Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Lloyd’s of Avalon Candy Store
Lloyd’s of Avalon Candy Store
Sampling some delicious ice cream at Lloyd’s of Avalon Candy Store
I noticed the beautiful tiled fountain on Crescent Street, which is made of clay from Catalina Island.
The tiled fountain at Crescent Street, Avalon
Afterwards, I decided to walk towards the famous Catalina Casino and these are the sights seen on my way! Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Gulls overlooking the harbor
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Catalina Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino, Such Awesome Colors!
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino: Catalina Yacht Club
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino
Strolling along Avalon Towards the Casino: Those famous orange fish
That was it for my day in Catalina. Then it was time to get some rest at the hotel! They had some cool DVD’s that I borrowed. I didn’t drink the wine, brought the bottle home, but enjoyed looking at that balloon! Had a great night’s sleep too!
Time to get some rest at the hotel!
The next morning I decided to venture out a bit more to the casino area, the Museum and then and Descanso Beach Club. Feel free to click on each picture for a larger view!
Outside the Museum
On the way to Descanso Beach
On the way to Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach
More at Descanso Beach
More at Descanso Beach
On the way to Descanso Beach
Casino
Casino
Casino
Casino
It was soon time to say goodbye to Catalina Island! Here are some photos from my final minutes of solo joy!
Avalon Veterans Memorial ParkCatalina Veterans Memorial ParkGoodbye Catalina Island!!!
Even though I could have traveled free roundtrip, on the way back to Long Beach, I decided to take advantage of the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express for $15 and go back in style!
We were served a drink and a snack, and had very comfy seats!
All aboard inside the Catalina Express Commodore Lounge!
We arrived back in Long Beach and I happily drove back to San Diego! This was a quick, fun, safe getaway and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Avalon on Catalina Island!
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And now to finish with a Haiku:
Overnight in Catalina Island
1.
Traveling alone
Seeing sights, snapping photos
I embraced it all!
2.
A gorgeous island
So perfect for sightseeing
And relaxing too
3.
Yes I will be back
I will bring my family
We shall all have fun!
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