Spenceville Wildlife Area

One needs not to always travel afar to find small wonders for they may be within our own backyards if we look. This week, we did a short easy hike of about 5 miles to Fairy Falls along open roads and trails over rolling terrain within the Spenceville Wildlife Area. As described on their website, the Spenceville Wildlife Area, which varies from 200' to 1200' elevation, is comprised of 11,942 acres of blue oak and gray pine woodland characteristic of the Sierra Foothills. This wildlife area, which is bordered on the west by Beale Air Force Base and by privately owned ranches on the north, south, and east, contains numerous ponds, creeks, trails and riparian zones as well as an abundance of wildlife. The steepest parts of the hike was the terrain immediately around the falls should you want a more intimate view of the water. I’ve lived in the Sacramento all my life and this is my first trip to Fairy Falls. It’s well worth your time. The dam and overflow at the Camp Far West Reservoir is also worth a stop when the water is high. Click on the link below to view all the pictures in PICASA.

From Spenceville Wildlife Area

Wayward Bird

A wayward bird, of which I have not seen in the immediate vicinity of my home, but afar typically outside of the city in rural fields and most often amongst cattle, hence its given common name of “Cattle Egret”, has been roaming our neighborhood the pass week feeding off the green lawns of my neighbors. It can be seen stalking along intently eyeing the grass for large earthworms driven to the surface by the wet winter soil or simply perched on the roof ridge of surrounding homes. It’s probable that the abundance of large earthworms typically encountered in our lawns after watering or heavy rain, will keep it returning for a while. Click on the link below to view all the pictures in PICASA.

From Wayward Bird

Funhouse

The Madonna Inn is definitely a unique theme hotel and spa, and just gaudy enough to be fun. Located within walking distance of eclectic downtown SLO, I could imagine this being that “special place” where couples might return numerous times. Once there, there’s little reason to venture afar until check out. At the Inn, you’ll find gift shops, two great restaurants, a well known bakery, a colorful lounge and dance floor, a large jacuzzi, a fabulous designer swimming pool, work out equipment, spa treatments and outstanding service. In addition to all this, the decor of each room is colorfully done, outrageous at times and unique. Returning guest could experience a different room on each occasion for years; it’s part of the fun. The brightly colored decor extends through out the establishment with amble use of hot pink and lustrous reds. If this doesn’t stir the passion within, nothing will! Kay and I missed their Christmas decorations which we were told included 30 trees, but their Valentine’s Day decorations were over-the-top. Guess we’ll be back. My pictures do not show nearly enough, so check the Web. Click on the link below to view all the pictures in PICASA.

From Madonna Inn

Anza Borrego and More

As I’ve said to Kay, there’s more to Anza Borrego than first greets the eyes as you traverse the sinuous 11-mile descent along Montezuma Valley Road into the remote desert valley. Once there, you’ll discover a variety of restaurants and shops as well as other amenities essential for a positive experience. Two great places to eat are Jilberto’s and Kendal Cafe, great food and value. Long a haven for snowbirders from the harsh winters of North America, this area was not overlooked by industrious developers with pockets of homes, tennis courts, golf courses and resorts scattered around the valley, evident as we toured by vehicle and bike. Hidden in the desert terrain like an oasis are modern homes with designs right out of the pages of Architectural Digest. The luck of good weather during this trip thus far, ended during our first day in Anza Borrego with wind, cold and light sprinkles. Good time to check out the local shops and markets, and for a drive about; even managed a short hike within the state park. For me, as you would expect, the attractions of this region are the outdoor activities, be it biking, hiking or birding. There is also beauty here if one looks for it. Click on the link below to view all the pictures in PICASA.

From Anza Borrego and More