A mostly remote National Park the canyon drive is one of the few places to easy see some of this amazing land. King's Canyon NP is between Sequoia and Yosemite. This is a short walk down a steep hill to the river near Knapp's Cabin. The river is waaaay over normal. In fact people were warned not too even try to wade in any portion. Stellar country.
Birds of the Air... /
Remarkable diversity in the bird kingdom. Still seeing new species. This is a Cactus Wren in Organ Pipe National Monument.
Under the Sea! /
The submarine ride is still at Disneyland. A "slow-loader" it was taken out at Disneyworld. It is quite well done. Through a porthole window.
Sunset at Leo Cabrillo State Park /
We stayed here two days. Very nice. It was cold the night this was taken. There were a few surfers but they were too far away south of where we were.
Big Thunder Mountain /
At Disneyland it is a more elaborate ride than at Disneyworld. Really enjoyed the clever scenery.
Two More /
Whale tail and the namesake hump.
Humpback /
Crossing the bay on the way to Santa Cruz we saw a huge pod of dolphin, maybe 2 or 300 hundred and out of the midst of them rose this Humpback Whale. So cool to see.
Happy 46th Anniversary /
Not everyone is willing to undertake the effort CJH makes to have us function well on these trips. Planning, food, navigation and more is always her area and it pays off so much while on the road. So blessed to have shared 46 years of married life, two excellent sons, special daughters-in-law and fabulous grandkids. Now we are seeing a small portion of the beautiful country together. We should be at Yosemite today with dinner at the lodge.
Smells Great /
The only significant trees on Santa Cruz Island are these Eucalyptus trees. They are huge and fragrant. The pack-in small campground is located under the trees.
Lunch? /
Having a mussel for lunch. This star fish has begun the 4 hour process to pull a small opening in the shell and then will eat scrub the shell completely clean.
Living in Cars Land /
Perfect.
On the Cliff Trail /
Once again at Santa Cruz at Channel Islands NP.
Scorpion Canyon /
Not the nicest sounding of names but what a neat place. Channel Islands National Park is a gem. A string of five islands in Santa Monica Bay off-shore from Ventura, CA. You get there via a boat that takes 1.5 hours to the closest island. We only had 2 hours on the island because of high winds we had to go on the later boat and did not get to stay all day. I also missed the Island Scrub Jay that is found no other place in the world but it was about a 2 hour hike one way! No time. Very beautiful place. Would love to return and explore more islands for longer times.
I Built Several Models of this Car /
Two or three static models and at least two slot cars. He was my favorite driver and this the most elegant of F-1 racers. He was the only American to win in F-1 with his own car he built and as the driver of the same car. He won in 1967 the most dangerous year.
Nice Neighborhood /
This is the old lighthouse at Point Loma near San Diego, California. To the east a few of the city, to the west, the Pacific. Nice place.
Flowers @ Leo Cabrillo /
Leo was the side kick of the Cisco Kid. You are officially old if you watched that show!. We stayed two nights in a state park he was instrumental is securing. These flowers are along a hillside trail.
Orderly /
I am always struck by the beauty and orderliness of these military cemeteries. This one on the Pacific Ocean on Point Loma a couple of miles from the Cabrillo Monument is especially beautiful. The breeze off the ocean kept it a perfect temperature. And the contrast between what these men and women were asked to do can't be more stark to the clean lines and order of this place and the chaos of the world they had to engage. Thanks is always inadequate.
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT
Pacific Surveillance /
Just off the high ridge at Point Loma - the Cabrillo National Monument - the sky is patrolled by this squadron of highly-trained amphibious assault force. (Aided by the Naval base nearby.)
Sunset Looking East! /
The mountains and the lack of clouds did not leave much of a sunset toward the Western sky, so you look East as the sun lowers and you get neat color. These are the Ajo Mountains and are a part of the Organ Pipe National Monument. It is on the extreme Southern boarder in Arizona. It is hot - and unique. Glad to have visited, glad I don't live here.
Pyrrhuloxia /
Sure, you try and pronounce it. Great new bird found in the Organ Pipe National Monument. Lots more on that hike later.
