cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
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Lake Cachuma Morning Walk
Between Santa Barbara and Solvang is a man-made reservoir/lake called Cachuma. It's BIG by my standards, with 200 Million cubic meters of water and 3000+ acres of surface area. 
The earthen dam was built in 1953.
Zoom on the cormorants!
Turkey buzzards circling, looking for a meal. We drove slowly in the remote corner of the campsite and came face to face with one, sitting on a post.
He was faster than I was, and left only this image
Squirrel, relieved that the vulture was gone.
Warning signs provided by a young victim who did this as a class project (Girl Scout/Boy Scout, whatever)
Everything in bloom!
We walked all the way down to the lake from our Above-the-dam parking spot.
Poison oak was indeed everywhere!
Water's edge was nice.
Are we in the Bayou? I think not but maybe this is a Native American construction? The lake is on the Chumash Indian property.
A beautiful quail
Snoopy but safe lizard
Deadly thistle / nettles would really penalize an incautious move.
Speaking of those, I stepped into a squirrel hole while watching one run into the bushes, and ended up on the ground. Thank God it was relatively soft dirt and I only had a few aches later.
Can you see him?
I guess they aren't bothered by the poison oak.
Thanks for walking with us.
Cazalea
Lake Cachuma Morning Walk
Between Santa Barbara and Solvang is a man-made reservoir/lake called Cachuma. It's BIG by my standards, with 200 Million cubic meters of water and 3000+ acres of surface area. The earthen dam was built in 1953. Zoom on the cormorants! Turkey buzzards cir...
Hope you’re OK?
And recovered from the fall - that’s a high risk you’re taking for our enjoyment 😊 Really cool shots and I believe I spotted the squirrel 🐿️