Bits and Pieces of Brown and Blue

This morning we started off walking in a park we'd never explored before. Not far from our house, but just off the road enough that it doesn't catch your attention OR offer much in the way of parking or amenities. Unless you are a dove. Or five.

They seemed to be everywhere, coo-ing and to-ing and fro-ing from branch to branch,

and from tree to tree.

Looking for lizards, finding none, but I did spot some ant lion traps. If you are not familiar with these creatures, they build a little inverted cone in the sand, bury themselves at the bottom, and wait for an ant to slide down the steep slope into their mouth. A bit like a land-version of the sea anemone.

Looks nasty, doesn't it?

The hillside was covered with tall brush, very dry, with lots of dry weeds and stickers that infest your socks. We stayed clear of the tall grass.

But couldn't escape the doves.

Some tennis courts and ball fields

that's the majority of the park. The rest included a level stretch of grass where many Lycra-clad ladies were stretching, a fire station,

and a buried water reservoir surrounded by a fence.

OK, going back to the car we also came across this nice patch of succulents.

Packing up the camera, we simply rolled down the hill about a mile and stopped at the water -- San Diego Bay. The flowers were more plentiful,

more attractive,

and colorful.

My wife did some book shopping at a free Little Library (as they are called). This would have been a SUPER setting for a WristScan on books and diver watches (but I found it too late).

I somehow took a 5-6 random shots in all directions which baffled me when I got home, until I realized that in every shot I had actually captured a yellow butterfly or two. I had just taken them at random hoping for one hit.

Two here!

We were at the edge of the civilian / military boundary. It's not recommended to swim near or climb on that fence.

Especially since the Harbor Patrol and Customs & Border Office is across the water, looking directly at it.

So we stayed on the beach and watched a dozen or so Monday morning beachgoers, paddlers, sailors and the lot.

and dogs.

Today is the first day kids are back in school. First day in a loooong time. Maybe she's college age now, or just thinking "I'm NOT going back".

A giant sailing vessel came our way, filled with sightseers getting a comprehensive tour of this Shelter Island inlet along with the rest of the harbor. Most of the tours don't come in this close to shore.

This America is a replica of the original America's Cup winner from the 1850's. It was launched in 1995. Notice the high-tech cockpit display in front of the enormous wheel.

Here's another view, in action.

I've been on this boat and I can assure you it doesn't really need those sails (there are two Volvos powering it when necessary). But it's certainly fun to sail on her because she's a fast, massive ride!

Anyway, with America gone and the beach empty, I braved the water (expecting it to be quite warm).

It wasn't that warm.

I didn't plan to go all the way in, because today's watch is not exactly a diver...

Thanks for joining us today, and please wipe the sand off your feet.

Cazalea

TimeOut

Bits and Pieces of Brown and Blue

Bits and Pieces of Brown and Blue

hi Cazalea, thanks for letting us travel virtually to your beautiful area

I have read the original was destroyed in 1945