Daley Ranch

So on Saturday, my family and I were heading to the mall. When we got at the lot, I felt like I did not want to go inside the mall. We were just going to end up spending anyway. So then I thought maybe it will be nice if we check out Daley Ranch instead. Never been there before. It turned out to be this long trail, where you can go up the mountain, then down...it seemed endless. We got all the way to the top, then decided to go downward. Part of the trail was muddy. Nice walk nonetheless. Watch out for illegal trails as posted on a flyer. Some people created these illegal trails, that are unstable and just not safe to go through. We were about to go down the mountain, but my husband swore he saw a cayote. Found out there is also a lake around there, and a campground. Maybe next time we'll go camping. I have been wanting to take my daughter camping.

My daughter May May



Found these beautiful flowers on the side of the trail.



Panoramic view... facing south

Friday...back at the Quail Garden

So on Friday it was a gloomy day. At @ 10am...I decided to go back to the garden by myself. I felt safe enough to go there alone since it's gated...not so much like being on a mountain trail where you might not see anyone within a mile...and I'm holding a tripod. I spent two hours there, and I actually think as of now some of my best pictures of the plants and flowers at the quail were taken that day. Here are some of my favorites.


Red...they look like bells hanging.


I love how this flower stand. The name is otay rose. Lovely leaves.




These are coastal sun flowers.

Same day - Different time @ the Quail

Anyway, when I got home...I checked on Ryan to see how he liked his images. Some of our pictures of the plants had shadows of leaves on them. So, Ryan and I decided to go back at the Quail. Anytime you go to the Quail...Keep your receipt! Just show it to the attendant, and you don't have to pay again. As long as you come back on the same day. The weather was warm so we did not mind going back outside. Got there at @ 5pm and had an hour to shoot.



I love how the white turned out on these flowers. I found that white flowers are paticularly hard to take pictures of especially when it's really bright outside.



This is a native cactus...how do you differentiate a native cactus plant from a non native? Ok I don't know too.



Yeah, I played around a little bit with this image on photoshop. I just thought the leaves look like they are about to fly.
These plants live mostly on the coastal sage scrub habitat.

First time at Quail Garden

Last Wednesday, my friends and I went to Quail Garden to photograph the plants. Too bad the garden opens at 9 am because by the time we got there the light was bright. But we managed to take shots of plants and flowers on shaded areas. I was pleased that there were a lot of selection of plants to choice from. Here are some pictures that I like!!!


This one is called Ramona Lilac. I wish the focus was a little bit better, but I think the composition is good.



I'm still trying to figure out the name of this one.



This one is called lemonadeberry. I thought it has a delicious name.



I think this one is called manzanita!

At @ noon the sun was directly above us, and decided to go home.

more images

On Saturday, my family and I spent the whole day outdoor. It was a warm and beautiful day. A good day to feel the warmth of the sun, since it seems like it has been raining a lot lately. I took the camera I borrowed with me to get some pictures of plants. First stop we went to a park/trail near our school...forgot what is called.


While we were there, we came across a lady. A butterfly landed on her hand, and she said "it must be her lucky day." This butterfly just came flying, and decided her hand was good place to land on.


Second stop, Balboa Park. We went to Morley field for their California Native Plants demonstration area, but there was not that many plants there. However, I was able to take this beautiful shot of a bee...buzzing around the flowers.



There was also an area around Balboa Park where they have cactuses...I was able to take shot of other plants. Now all I have to do is make sure these plants are actually California native:)

Overall, it was a very nice day. We also got to go check out what was at the Ordover Gallery. Then, before we headed back up North...we ate at Phil's BBQ. Anytime you're close to Point Loma, you have to go to Phil's. They have the best BBQ pork ribs...you just have to be patient, because most of the time ...the line is long.

Rincon

Last time we went to Indian Rock we got lost. I'm happy this time we did not, and actually arrived early. It was not as cold as the other time. I was glad to be outside, and excited to use the canon 30D that I borrowed from school. Here are some pictures that I have taken with it. I'm still getting use to this camera, so I'm hoping next time I'll have more good pictures to share.

The pictures were taken in Rincon Reservation. We were led by some of the members of the Luiseno tribe as they showed us the ruin that the 2007 fire left behind. Standing from the site we could still somewhat smell the smell of smoke from the fire. They have mentioned that they are concern of the air quality of the surrounding area. It has not been that long since the three big wildfires happened here in San Diego. A lot of people lost their homes, and from here I could see the many trees that were burnt because of it. I wonder how long before new growth begins? How do we replace the native plants that used to grew in this place. The lady said they do have some restoration plan, though many times they feel limited with their resources.

The trip was informative and fun. At the end we were also served donuts, water, and coffee. Last time at the Indian Rock, they had pizza and drinks for us also. It made me felt so welcomed. I'm starting to wonder if all native americans are all like this. It's so nice to be around them.

Trip at Indian Rock

It was a cold day when we went to see the Indian Rock. We should have brought a blanket, but that's alright we got to eat pizza at the end. Other than that I was surprise to see that big rock in the middle of a residential area. Too bad somebody tag on it.