When we were deciding what we wanted to do or see around San Diego, I was the only one interested in a whale watching tour. So, I was prepared to go by myself.
Natalie kindly decided to come along so I wouldn’t have to be alone.
It was a beautiful day, but there had been a “winter storm” the day before and it was rough sailing once we left the harbor. Natalie was beginning to regret her choice, until…
Our guide spotted a group of five gray whales (just after mentioning that they tend to travel alone)! We never saw them jump magnificently out of the water, but it was wonderful to watch them as they slowly migrated south. They have a pattern to their swimming, making it easy to observe these amazing creatures.
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, we were treated to a bonus sighting of a mola mola, or sun fish. Natalie can now tell you all about the parasites that live on the sun fish and the barnacles and lice that live on the grey whales. She also likes to tell how the gray whales have come back from near extinction, twice! We had a great morning; I was really glad she joined me.
We moved a little north, toward our exit of California, to Menifee, CA. These were our neighbors for the rest of the week and unfortunately we were downwind.
Our campsite neighbors were a family from Florida. Their daughter, Alli, made quick friends with Natalie and both of them enjoyed having a new playmate.
Emily got word that Alli’s grandfather was a pilot and she had to meet him. They enjoyed talking about airplanes and flying. His advice to Emily: study math and stay healthy!
Our last stop in California was Joshua Tree National Park. We came better prepared, finally, for a nice campfire under the bright stars.
This national park boasts a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas fault. The fault line runs right in front of the ridge of hills in the middle of the valley. There was a noticeable gap in some places.
And impressive rock formations that are great for climbing and scampering about.
The rocks are the result of lava pushing up from under the ground and then erosion, resulting in their unique rectangular shapes.
Another rewarding view:
These rocks were coarse, making for great traction and easy climbing. It was a lot of fun!
I simply love the National Parks. I am proud that our country has done so much to preserve these amazing landscapes. The rangers we have met are happy, helpful people. I am so appreciative for the time they take to encourage the girls and answer our questions.
And of course, the Joshua Trees. Their name is fabled to have come from the Mormons, thinking the tree looked like the biblical Joshua with his arms outstretched in prayer.
We have enjoyed “living” in California, but it is time to move on…on to Arizona!