Birthday Fun

On Monday, we drove east just past Escondido to hike a stretch of the San Dieguito River Trail, also known as the Coast to Crest Trail.  It starts on the coast and stretches 55 miles inland to the top of Volcan Mountain.

We "discovered" an old dump down the hill from the trail and had fun pulling up old bottles, bikes, lawnmowers, etc.

 This would have been a classic!

 We stopped for lunch on this rock, one of the few shady spots on this 88 degree day.

 

Can you spot the large animal in this tree?  Gail did, while we sat on the rock eating lunch.  In the upper middle is a Great Horned Owl, about 30 feet away.  As we became more interested in it, the owl got nervous, puffing up, widening its eyes, and rocking back and forth. We promptly left so as not to upset it further.

 This is the view up the San Pasqual Valley.

This succulent growing off a rock face was the size of a dinner plate.

We thought this would be a wonderful backyard feature.

 Gail also spotted this Red-shouldered Hawk that was missing its left eye.  It appeared to be healthy otherwise.

An unlucky chair!

Under the shade of some oaks was this squash that looked like a personal watermelon.

 This vine had climbed the tree, dangling two more.  Are they wild?

 Typical San Diego trail signs.

Well, it was sure nice stopping in at the Stone Brewery on the way home.  We had the "Stinky Cheese Platter" and house made hummus.  The day was also made even more special by calls from close family members - thanks!