Cactus Monday: Baja and Old World Succulent Gardens @ Wild Animal Park

Perhaps, for a lot of people visiting San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, the first thing that comes to mind is either the Lion's Camp

or the Journey into Africa tour aboard tour vehicles that were inspired by the legendary trains of Africa to get a glimpse of the diversity in Africa.

However,Wild Animal Park is more than just a more naturalistic animal exhibits and wildlife refuge, within the park are also several botanical gardens. One of these gardens is the Baja and Old World Succulent Gardens. 

Elephant, Barrel and Saguaro Cactus

The Baja and Old World Succulent Gardens present a wide variety of succulents, more than 200 species of succulents are represented in these two connecting gardens. The Baja Garden focuses on the desert plants found in the desert of Baja California, Mexico. The Baja Garden has more than 200 bojums,

Boojum Bending From Its Weight

which is the largest collection of boojums outside of their natural habitat in Baja, Mexico. Boojums can reach a height of up to 60 ft and can live up to about 250 years old. 

Birds Perched on Spiny Branches of Boojum

Boojum is a tree like succulent with a water-storing trunk with tiny leaves. They can reach heights of 50 to 60 ft and live up to 250 years old. Another towering cactus in this Succulent Garden is the Saguaro Cactus.

Saguaro Cactus

This amazing cactus is the state flower of Arizona. It has a creamy white 3-inch wide flowers with yellow centers that boom May and June. This cactus is a familiar sight in cartoons, movies, and paintings. 

Then, there are some other succulents that I do not know the name :(

( ? ) 

( ? )

Other succulents here are the agaves, aloe and yucca.

Aloe Vera

Aloe has long been used for medicinal purposes, such as purgatives, skin care, sunburn and burns. For skin remedy however, be sure always it is aloe vera and not one of the aloes that is toxic. 

Agave( on the left with tall flower spikes) Amidst Cacti and Yuccas

One of the best known uses of agave is the production of tequila, which is made from the fermented and distilled juices produced by agave just before it flowers. The agave blooms only once in its lifetime, between 7 and 20 years. After it flowers, the main plant then dies, but it produce shoots that will take over to maturity. Perhaps, knowing that it takes 7 to 20 years for agave to bloom and dies thereafter, we can understand why tequila can be expensive.

More Succulents

For more of Cactus Monday, please visit Teri's Painted Daisies. 

Boothbay Harbor Maine

Boothbay Harbor is a popular picturesque seaside tourist town in Maine. Boothbay Harbor is rich in history, and being the largest boat harbor North of Boston, there is just so much to see and do at Boothbay Harbor.

A visit to Boothbay Harbor Maine can include any of the following activities: boating, sailing, 

photo courtesy of Boothbay Harbor Maine

 fishing, hiking, golfing, playing tennis, exploring the peaceful and scenic coves, tidepooling in its rocky shores, or just simply be immersed with the richness of history and natural beauty of the region. There are numerous hiking trails with ocean views and Botanical Gardens for nature lovers. There are a wealth of sights to be discovered at Boothbay Harbor, the day rises with magnificent sunrise greeting the new day, and the day ends with amazing sunset colors, sunset colors that need to be seen to be believed, capturing hearts and taking away life's stresses. 

Though Boothbay Harbor Dining serves every taste and budget, but for sea food lovers, Boothbay Harbor is a paradise serving the freshest seafoods such as lobsters, mussels, clams, fish, definitely a place to enjoy not only fresh air, nature's beauty and salty seas, but also a place to enjoy succulent tasting seafoods.

photo courtesy of Boothbay Harbor Dining

 Boothbay Harbor has many bed and breakfast, inns, hotels with gorgeous waterfront view. 

spectacular view from Boothbay Harbor Hotel, photo courtesy of Boothbay Harbor Hotel

With Boothbay Harbor's inspiring natural beauty tucked in a scenic harbor that preserves history, it's no surprise for me why many artists are drawn to Boothbay Harbor. Definitely, a place not to be missed when you are visiting Maine and other places in the North East.

Oregon Caves National Monument

Oregon Caves National Monument was one of the many nature parks we visited on our last Klamath Circle of Parks trip. This park is between Crater Lake National Park and Redwood National Park. Oregon Caves is located in the Siskiyou Mountains, and aside from the marble cave, 

there are also four hiking trails through the ancient forest within the park.

The cave tour must be with a guide, the cave is huge that one can get lost here. The fee is $8.50 per person for the tour, however, since we have a National Park Pass, we did not have to pay for the tour. Being close to the many National Parks in the West, we usually just buy the annual pass which is only $80.00, just 4 visits to any National Parks, we already get our money back since most National Parks have $15- $25 entrance fee. Just in Oregon Caves National Monument alone, we would have to pay $34 for the tour if we did not have a National Park Pass. 

My problem with our guide however is we did not really stop for pictures, as a result, my pictures were taken in haste, and with very low light in the caves, it was a challenge to take pictures and not be left behind by the group. We did take stops, but that was to explain about the history and formation of the cave, and though he told us we can take pictures while he talks, but then, all of us in the group were too respectful to take our camera out, whenever he talked. We only took our camera when we had to resume from walking, and those who wanted to take pictures took a quick stop to shoot. It definitely was a challenge having too little time to shoot for pictures and to rush getting back to the group :(

The tour was described in their site as moderately strenuous, however, it actually was not really that moderately strenuous. It included climbing more than 500 stairs and a total climb of 230 ft. In some passageways, we had to duck down and squeeze through very narrow pathway. The tour lasted for 90 minutes. 

Tourists planning to visit the cave must not be wearing flip flops, open toed shoes, sandals, and other considered to be unsafe shoes, otherwise, they may not be allowed entry to the cave. It is for safety, since the trail is so slippery, there ware water inside the cave, and it is dark as well. The temperature in the cave is at 44 degrees Fahrenheit ( 6.7 degree Celsius) regardless of outside temperature, warm clothing is recommended. Like most caves, backpacks, large purses and tripods are not allowed because of low ceilings ( we had to dock down to pass several times ) and narrow passageways. 

According to natural history, the marble rocks of Oregon Caves were once a tropical reef that was pushed under the continental edge to a depth of 12 miles and then uplifted 4,000 ft above sea level. 

Oregon Caves National Monument's unique geology is composed primarily of bits and pieces of ocean crustal rocks. The park is well know for their botanical diversity. Being close to the Pacific Ocean, the region has very comfortable temperatures, both winter and summer. 

US Open, live from Direct TV :)

Daniela and Who?, Pacific Life Open, Indian Wells, CA

One of the events in Southern California that I always would not want to miss going to is the tennis event in Indian Wells, CA. I am a big tennis fan, I may not watch a lot of TV, but somehow, when it is tennis out there, I can take some time sitting in front of TV. And whenever there is a tournament here in Southern California, as long as I have free time, I do come to watch. 

Federer on Court

Federer signing Autograph for Fans

Nadal for Fans

Maria and Rafa @ Practice Court

And one of the exciting things the spring and summer offer is the series of Grand Slams. French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. One of my dreams is to be able to witness these tournaments someday live. However, because of their schedules, I kind of feel I may be able to see them only after I retire. All these Grand Slams conflict with my school calendar. So, I just take content at present with watching these Grand Slam Tournaments on TV. Thankfully, there is Direct TV. It is like watching live :), oh well, Direct Satellite TV is the closest I can get to right now to experience US Open. Moving from Connecticut to California, Direct TV has been a reliable partner. Direct TV in CA offers high definition sports packages so hard to resist! Plus, it allows me to record the tournaments if I can not watch them since the packages come with HD DVR! What I like about watching TV on high definition screen is that I can see the ball really so clearly, considering how fast the tennis ball flies on the air it is hard to follow it sometimes. I can feel the excitement more if I get to see and follow where the ball is going, it is like anticipating for what is to happen. Will it be out? Or Will it give the other player a winner shot?

Now that US Open starts August 31st at NYC, and can not leave San Diego because of classes, I will have to rely on US Open, live from NYC through TV screen. The shot below is not mine, I took it from our TV screen as Federer was delivering his speech after his loss to Nadal last French Open 2008.

Not Live from Paris, but Live from TV Screen

And yes, I am a big fan of Roger Federer, that's why I take pictures of him even on TV screen :) I always admire his humility whenever he gives his speech, whether winning or losing. 

Cactus Monday: Ocotillo and Beavertail Cactus

Ocotillo, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego County, CA

Ocotillo ( pronounced as oh-ko-tee-oh) is a unique desert plant of the Southwest and Northern Mexico. It is also known as coachwhip andvine cactus, but though it may often be referred in print as a cactus because of its other common name, it is actually really not a member of cactus family.

Dwarfed By Ocotillo

Ocotillo is a woody shrub which is usually 5 cm at the base and may grow to a height of 10 meters. 

A Woody Shrub

Notice that ocotillo branches heavily at the base, but above that, ocotillo seldom branches out further. The branches are pole like and the bright red flowers appear during spring and summer. 

Ocotillo Bright Red Flower

 The flowers of ocotillo are pollinated by hummingbirds and/or carpenter bees. Ocotillo loses its leaves in dry periods, and actually at other times of the year may simply look brown. However, just within 48 hours after a rain, the leaves re-appear! 

Towering Ocotillos

Ocotillo, Survivors of Heat and Drought

Ocotillos survive extreme heat and drought in the desert by losing its leaves so that it conserves moisture. Its stems are covered with a thick water resistant cuticle.

Ocotillo in Badlands

Ocotillo Surviving the Badlands

( you can click on the image to enlarge and see the ocotillo, which I encircled )

The presence of ocotillo in badlands suggest how much they can survive an area with extreme drought that other plants, even cactus, are not even seen in the badlands. 

Barrel Cactus, Brittlebush and Ocotillo

However, since this post is my entry for Cactus Monday, and ocotillo is not really a cactus despite being commonly referred to as a cactus, perhaps being seen only in the desert, I am adding here pictures of beavertail cactus blooms.

Beavertail Cactus in Bloom

Beavertail cactus has blooms of varying colors, the two most common I saw are yellow and magenta. 

The blooms usually are observed from March to June. Beveartail cactus is a smaller prickly pear cactus, you can find out more about prickly cactus and the busy bees in my June 17 post here. 

I will be leaving you with an interesting rock formation at Joshua Tree National Park, 

Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Just as interesting as the plants in the desert, so are the rocks which are weathered into various shapes in the forms.

For more of cactus Monday, please visit Teri's Painted Daisies.

Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail

Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail

( can you find the trail? or can you spot the two persons walking on the trail? )

Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail is one of the short hikes in Canyonlands National Park. The total hike is only 2 miles round trip to the 1st and 2nd overlook, but there is an 8 mile loop trail around the Upheaval Dome. 

For many years, the Upheaval Dome was thought to have been just an ordinary salt dome. However, later, due to stratigraphic and geophysical evidence, a new theory has evolved regarding the formation of this dome.

Upheaval Dome is 1.5 miles wide from rim to rim and is over 1/4 mile deep. Presently, there are two theories on the formation of Upheaval Dome, and these are: The Salt Dome Theory and the Impact Crater Theory.

For more information on these two theories, you can visit these sites: Canyonlands National Park, Upheaval Dome and   The Controversy over Upheaval Dome. 

Upheaval Dome contains colorful rock layers unlike any other at the park. This oddity has scientists debate whether this was the remnant of a meteorite impact or from the erosion of rock layers.

How to Plan For a Trip

Our kind of vacation is always an action trip, full of wonders to see and to experience, places are lined up in orderly manner so that we do not have to go back and forth. We usually don't stay in one single hotel the full length of vacation, since we feel like there are so many places to see, so little time, and while we are still young and have the energy, we have to make the most of our trip, and keep on going. However, we don't also just stop and go, take pictures here and there, for we believe that the beauty of our natural world is best seen at the backroads, thus we spend time hiking and exploring the places. If we like the place so much, we put it in our list as a place to go back to and stay for a week just hiking and exploring the area.

My major observation whenever I am exploring the trails and amazing beauty of the US Southwest, is that, there are probably more European than Americans. I have talked to some of them, and they always tell me it has been their dream to see the beauty of the National Parks of America. And whenever they explore the Grand Circle, which consists of 7 National Parks and many more National Monuments, State Parks and National Natural Landmark, there major city is Las Vegas, being at the heart of the Grand Circle. Flying to Las Vegas is more than just seeing the strip, considered as one of the civil engineering wonder of the modern world. Las Vegas City Break is more than just a city of gambling! Most European tourists would then explore the Grand Canyon National Park- Mesa Verde National Park- Arches National Park - Canyonlands National Park- Capitol Reef National Park- Bryce Canyon National Park- Zion National Park which forms a circle with Las Vegas as the starting and end point of the circle.

Some of the Parks at The Grand Circle, Southwest USA

Most of them would refer to Bryce Canyon National Park as their favorite park, and I am not sure if I disappoint them sometimes whenever they ask me which one is my favorite park, and I would reply, " They are all different! They all have their own unique beauty, all amazing to me. I really have no favorite, but the desert of the American Southwest I must say is my favorite vacation destination, its beauty blows my mind." 

Bryce Canyon National Park

( a popular choice for European tourists for their favorite park )

It is like I have practiced that reply already and I noticed whenever I say that, they kind of not really perk up with my reply, and would tell me back, " Yes, they are all beautiful and mind blowing, but I have to say I really like and love Bryce Canyon, this is the park where I took more than 500 pictures!" So, I would just smile back at them, and assure them that I love Bryce Canyon too, only that I don't really have a favorite park. 

Now, since I have a friend from UK and is planning for a trip here in US, and we too are planning for a trip to Europe, though it does not necessarily mean we have to take it this year or next year, but I have learned my lesson to plan for the trip ahead, really AHEAD!!! I do not want to end up staying in a hotel too far from the place I wanted to see, and waste my time traveling. Also, planning for a trip in advance allows me to study more what are the interesting places to see that may not be the talk of the town, but is a REAL NATURAL JEWEL.

In planning for both our trips ( my friend from UK to US, and me from US to UK and to somewhere else), since we have one thing in common, that is having to depart from UK, I am looking into cheap holidays first, something I can get the most out of my bucks.  Now, how do I make use of this holidays sites in planning for trips? Let me count my ways....

1. Departing from UK, I can choose several destination anywhere in the world to go next. Right now, though I have many places in mind to see in Europe after visiting UK, but I had to consider the time, and resources available. Same thing with my friend. Using the holidays page, we both can create or build our trip.

2. For Example, from UK, I would like to visit Spain. All I have to do is build a trip. Using the holidays page, I build my trip by typing in the departure airport from UK and my arrival place at Spain, let us say Majorca. I choose my dates, and then I have several choices for my flight, which gives the price, and the length of travel. These two are very important to know, since we do not want to spend a lot of time traveling, sometimes for a price difference of $10.00, we may have to choose the one that gives us less trouble, that has no connecting flights, and lesser  time.

3. After I got to choose my flight, I can now choose the hotels and resorts available at Majorca! The site gives many choices to choose from, depending on the needs of the traveler. The beautiful island of Majorca with its sparkling beaches has been a popular tourist destination. No wonder it's the island that has provided inspiration to Chopin's music! The site gives information about each resort, its proximity to nearby attractions and what are the things to do. It serves like a travel guide! One of the places not to miss in Majorca is the Abaco Bar, it is not just a bar, but its awe-inspiring 16th century church inspired decor and architecture, baroque in its forms, really is a sight to behold. 

 4. In addition, I can plan further in the same site. I can look and study if I needed to rent a car, or taking the train will be good enough. I can learn from their various city breaks in Spain such as Madrid City Break. I will learn about the attractions Madrid has to offer and get a glimpse of what my vacation would be like. Madrid is not only an architectural and cultural destination, this vibrant and inspiring city can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Though Madrid is famous for its museums such as The Prado, the Thyseen-bornemisza and the Reina Sofia, which houses works by Picasso and Dali, but in addition, Madrid is one of the greenest cities in Europe! This is not just a concrete and architectural city, one third of its area is covered in trees, with beautiful and inspiring soothing landscape.

These are usually the steps I make whenever I create or build a well ordered cheap holidays vacation. It has always been my goal to make a trip go smoothly, as the trip can be so stressful when we just jump in unprepared and no plans at all. We will end up paying so much but missing a lot of wonderful places and not enjoying most of the time.

When It's Good To Hike Not Alone

Olmstead Point, only 0.25 miles round trip, with only 100 ft change in elevation! How easy is that! A lot of people don't even walk the 0.25 miles here because the view at the parking lot is already very inspiring. 

view from parking lot of Olmstead Point, Yosemite National Park, CA

Actually, the parking lot may even have more interesting views, thus my husband and cousin at the time we were there did not even bother to take the short trail to Olmstead Point thinking there were already at Olmstead Point :)

Gnarled Tree @ Olmstead Point

However, the curious me knew I won't be able to sleep without seeing what is in there at Olmstead Point that I can see. I look at my hiking summary which states: easy 0.25 mile hike with only 100 ft elevation change! I asked my husband and cousin if they are interested going down at Olmstead Point, and they politely declined my invitation, enjoying enough the view at the parking lot already and were thinking of taking a longer hike instead. So, I told them, "I'll just go there, I won't be long, I'll just take quick pictures! Okay?" And they both agreed! Thinking that it was all too easy and short, I did not bring water for I told myself I just drank water and I would be back in less than 10 minutes for I will take really quick pictures so we can hike somewhere. I told myself I won't get lost since it is only 0.25 miles, and this is Yosemite National Park and there are several people, am sure, I will not be alone in the trail! So, I walked down, followed the few people ahead of me to Olmstead Point. 

Olmstead Point, Yosemite National Park, CA

I did not pay attention much to the trail since it is short anyway, and besides, there were several people ahead of me, and behind me. I will never be alone! I had no water, no compass, no backpack, no cellphone, no GPS, nothing except my CAMERA! When I reached Olmstead Point, I took a deep breath, take in the amazing scenery around me, and started taking pictures.

Tenaya Lake from Olmstead Point

Clouds Rest, Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon from Olmstead Point

Half Dome Up Close

When I was done taking pictures, I found out I was now left alone, the people that made me very confident were now gone. Well, I spent more time than I thought taking pictures. I was still so relaxed, and happy! For after all, this is Yosemite National Park, soon, there will be people! A minute had passed, but none came! I told myself I won't shout, for I am not lost, I am still at Olmstead Point! I will now take the trail back to the parking lot!

But the problem was, there was no trail! For I was on top of huge and massive granite landscape. I inspected the area, and looked for trail below the rock that I can take! I found one, and it has rock cairns! So, it must be it, why they put rock cairns there in the first place? I went down the rock, I was confident, for I knew, though I went down from parking lot, but after a while of going down, I had to climb up a very little bit to reach Olmstead Point! I followed the trail, but it was all going down! I told myself I could not be going down that long, for I should go up! For the parking lot is at higher elevation than Olmstead Point. I looked around, which one now? Now, I found myself alone in a trail, and am sure it is not the trail back to the parking lot! And this is Yosemite National Park, a huge park, and I am at an undefined trail I did not know where it would led me to, so I shouted, "hello! anybody hear me?" Afraid of getting lost.

No response! It's just trees around me. I could not remember I passed a trail filled with trees. I kept quiet, and in the quietness, I felt my head started to throb, throbbing so bad! My heart was at peace, but my head was giving me really bad headache! my MIGRAINE!! I looked up, tears were flowing, not from the fear of being lost, but from the unbearable throbbing pain in my head. I looked up,

despite the pain, I managed to see the long standing tree on top of the rock, so I told myself, if that tree found its way up there, I should be able to find my way back to the parking lot as well. I wiped my tears, prayed, and told myself, " you have not gone far down yet, and this is high elevation at more than 8000 ft, where Oxygen in the atmosphere is lesser than at sea level, therefore, don't walk too fast, don't rush finding your way, otherwise, your migraine will go really bad from lack of Oxygen, just calm down, breathe longer when you walk, you will find your way!"

To calm myself, I took pictures, I did not really know what I was taking pictures, all I know, I had to find a way to calm myself. I walked back where I came from, I realized I had gone down far more than I thought as I had to continually climb. Now, I could not even find the cairns ( since they are on top of me), all I know, I am surrounded with rocks. I managed to climb up the rock to a more level surface where I could get vantage point, and which I suspect is Olmstead Point! I knew it was Olmstead Point! I was happy! I found my way back! But I still have to get back to the parking lot! This time, I waited longer, until someone would get at Olmstead Point, I'll see where they came from, then, I will take their trail for am sure they came from parking lot. Finally, several people were approaching the point, I prayed and thanked God for sending me people to guide me back to the parking lot. I followed their trail, back to the parking lot. My head was still throbbing so bad, but I had to act I am okay, for I did not want my husband and cousin to worry about my greatest mistake that I just did! I sat, and took another picture of a gnarled tree, a lot of gnarled trees in the area because of the rocky surface.

When I reached our car, I saw my cousin still taking pictures nearby, while my husband was already checking whatever in his cell phone! He asked me, "Where have you been? We looked for you at Olmstead Point, we were down there, stayed there for a while, but did not see you!" I told him, "I went down the canyon, not really that much further down, just wanted to see what Tenaya Canyon is like....someday...I'll go back there....at Clouds Rest....I was close yet still far, so I know I had to turn around for I did not want to make you two worry. It is pretty down there!" And my husband replied, "yes, maybe, someday...."

I kept quiet, for I knew, I did not tell the whole story, I did not tell that I went down because I got lost, not because I wanted to. 

Sometimes, when we do not know and are not familiar with the trail we are taking, regardless of the number (whether it is easy or not), we still have to be careful, and never underestimate a trail! Having someone in an unfamiliar territory always help! How many times have a hiker been found dead in the middle of wilderness for being lost and already lacking water and foods to survive? Many times. Though it is great to enjoy nature alone and experience its peacefulness and inspiring beauty, but when we are in the middle of wilderness, we can not always underestimate a trail and tell ourselves we would never get lost. If we are in unfamiliar territory in wilderness, it is best to have somebody with us, if no one, even if you plan to just stray away for a short time, always bring COMPASS and GPS to find your way back, and yes, water too! That was a mistake I did once, and I know, I will never do again!