March Walkahike (3-2)

From a less heralded summit northeast of San Luis Obispo, you will find triumphant views of the peaks and valleys surrounding this gem on the Central Coast. The hike from Reservoir Canyon to this 1,715-foot crown is not for the meek. The 5.35-mile round trip hike ascends 1,350 feet, and over 800 of those feet come in the final grueling mile. The effort is rewarded with an exceptional 360-degree panorama from the top, and there are other points of interest along the way to spur you on, like a waterfall and a puzzling collection of scrap metal sculptures.
The hike begins from a trailhead in the 520-acre Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve, located just off the 101 Freeway at the base of Cuesta Grade. The main trail continues straight in line with the road to the parking area, while another veers to the right. Take the trail to the right for a two-minute detour to a charming 30-foot waterfall. Reservoir Creek Falls cascades down a slope of black rock into a shallow oak-shaded pool. A single-track climbs up the left side of the falls, cutting through the forest to rejoin the main trail leaving the parking lot.

a very pretty mushroom popping up

Cuesta Grade in the background

It was an awesome hike, it took us 2 hrs to go up and about that much to come down...it felt good, but oh are we sore today, 2 days later, we heard later as we were at the car, we missed seeing the 'The in-ground bench at the summit" I guess we needed to turn left and go up a little knoll...but we weren't turning back.

February Walkahike (2-16)

Harmony Headlands State Park features a two-mile long Headlands Trail that departs from the parking lot and provides breathtaking ocean views west to the marine terrace grasslands.  Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, artists and bird watchers will all find this walk a rewarding and memorable experience.

 We have been taking hikes on Saturdays, are enjoying Dad's day off together...Loving it !!!

and of course this is heart hill, from on our way home.

Rose Parade 2013

We left on Sunday morning, and took our time going to LA, we went from Santa Barbara on a back road to Ojai...I think that's how you spell it, anyway then on Monday, we drove around  Beverly Hills, never been there, so we will do that again when we can take more time.

On Monday evening we of course drove down Colorado Blvd. looking at all the people camped out, it is so much fun

then on Tuesday we arrived at 7am, to walk down Orange Grove street, where all the floats are stationed before the parade starts, so you can walk down and see the floats and get real close to them, this our 2nd time, and we are planning for the next one.

My favorite float !!

these two people were actually on the very top of a float, and they were getting married up there, when they came in front of the judges stand

and I heard later, that a soldier was reunited with his family as this float went by...WOW

then we drove into Solvang, but being it was New Year's, alot of the shops were closed, but it was nice to just walk around and stretch

then we stopped at this place, dad had heard about it thru work, and so we tried it...it was delicious, we split a Filet Mignon dinner with baked potato, salad, beans, garlic bread and sherbet...WOW, what a way to end a full weekend.

Sheep

 On my way to clean the vacation rental on Friday the 28th of December...so I followed them for a few...so fun to watch !

the dog on the right is a puppy, looked like he was in training

the puppy looks tired

this sheep broke his leg so the shepherd moved it to the side of the road, and tied its back legs to his good front leg, and then I guess the BIG boss, went back with his truck to pick it up