Kayaking at the Salton Sea

With the snows melting and the temperatures warming up, we were ready to head to the desert to kayak last weekend.  Sounds impossible, doesn't it? We are used to paddling in the ocean or marsh so it was a strange idea to us as well.

From Idyllwild, we traveled down the scenic Palms to Pines Highway through mountains sacred to the Cahuilla Native Americans.

Through the desert, we passed farms of Date Palm trees and gift shops selling all different kinds of delicious dates. It seemed like we were in the Middle East rather than southern California at this point.

Finally, we arrived at our destination - The Salton Sea

We unloaded and paddled this beautiful lake until we found a perfect spot for a picnic.

 

Our picnic spot was obviously a bird picnic spot as well by the cleanly devoured fish bones.

The Salton Sea is a major stopping place for millions of migrating birds that travel the Pacific Flyway, a migratory path from Canada to South America. Huge North American populations of birds such as the White Pelican and Eared Grebe depend on this fish filled lake during the winter. Four hundred species of birds have been recorded at this location second only to the Texas Gulf.

The future of the Salton Sea is challenged by complicated issues. Hopefully, this unique place will flourish in the future not only for the enjoyment of visitors but for the birds and other life that depends on it. For more information, go to saltonsea.ca.gov

 

 

Snowy Days Return and End with a Rumble

Two days before the snow began to fall, the clouds started moving in.

So did the snow plows! It was amazing to see one after another climb up the mountain road anticipating a big storm. They parked on the side of the road ready for action.

Hiking into town while the snow is falling is magical. Mostly, it is a quiet time.

However, when the earth rumbles, it's time to jump out of the way! As we learned today (Mar 11), it could be a snowplow coming down the road or it could be an earthquake!

This is a view from a nearby lake.

This is a nearby creek, home to an endangered frog - Mountain Yellow-legged Frog

And finally, this is the Mountain Quail who couldn't figure out how to get into our backyard with all of the other quail. The snow had filled up the gap under the fence. It kept cooing to its pals. The others flew over the fence. I opened the gate for this one.

Part II: Soaking in the Sun with Sea Lions

Close to Torrey Pines State Reserve is La Jolla Cove - Home to these gregarious sea lions!

Sea Lions prefer to hang out together. It becomes apparent when you start watching them.

They are noisy with each other but they seem pretty forgiving when they are trying to                                                                        squeeze in beside each other.

They seem quite content when they all have their space on the rock to soak in the sun!

                               Watching these Sea lions will definitely put a smile on your face!

                                                              La Jolla Cove, San Diego

Part I: Seeing the Ocean from Torrey Pines

When you have grown up swimming in the marsh and hanging out at the beach, there are times you need to get to the beach to smell the salt air and walk barefoot along the surf.

Fortunately, the coast is only a 2 hour drive from Idyllwild. Torrey Pines State Reserve has                                                trails along the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.

Along the trail leading down to the beach, if you look closely, you will see the Rock Troll
                                                            of Torrey Pines.

There are warning signs along the beach cliffs since occasionally the Rock Troll drops some                                                                                    rocks!

For our friends who like to surf kayak, the beaches along the coast have lots of big waves.

Although it's great to discover "new" west coast birds, it's equally great to see familiar birds
                               that live on both coasts. This is a Willet.

Torrey Pines State Reserve, a great place to visit. Just remember to stay away                        
                                               from the falling rocks by the cliffs!