In the Neighborhood

I went for a walk around the neighborhood today.

Here's a portion of the community of San Carlos where I live. Mountains in the background from left to right are: Kwaay Paay (1194 ft.), Pyles Peak (1379 ft.) and only part of Cowles Mountain (goes up to 1591 ft.). Don't expect these mountains to be snow-covered at any time, though.

Mission Gorge Road runs between Kwaay Paay and Pyles Peak.

MTRP Trail Guides: Class of 2009

We finally graduated this morning! I'm on the first row on the left. The course instructors are in the back row.

Oak Grove Loop Trail

I had to go on one more required class hike yesterday morning. The form was easy to fill out as we hiked around the Oak Grove Loop Trail at MTRP.

Here is the California Thrasher with its distinctive, curved bill. It's perched in a Laurel Sumac tree.

This Scrub Jay was unusually quiet at this time in the morning.

A Lepidopteran was just emerging from the grass. The wings are almost ready for flight.

This tiny spider was signalling us with its forelegs. Its movements reminded me of a Jumping Spider. It even signalled a biker as he passed by.

Succulents & Cacti

The garden in the front of the house was set up to resemble an underwater reef. Inspiration was taken from the succulent gardens found at the Del Mar Racing Track. I have yet to add any papier mache fish as decorations, though.

This plant (Euphoria flanaganii or Medusa Head) looks like a giant sea star when it grows larger, but I wasn't aware of the little yellow blossoms.

Home Depot was carrying this odd one in their Cacti & Succulent section.

Here I am fooling around with Picasa's Focal B&W Effect.

Focus on the Center

Spring Arrives Earlier in San Diego

This Cymbidium orchid finally bloomed after about 4 or 5 years. It was thrown into a pot and forgotten under some giant philodendron leaves and hibiscus bushes. Actually, the pot wandered around the outside of the house for several years until it was finally thrown under the bushes this year. I think a handful of compost landed in it, too.

But, no, these plants do not "thrive on neglect" like my big pot of Epiphyllum.

If this isn't a sign of the early arrival of Spring, I don't know what is.