Chris' Adventures in Southern California

Sky Dance

2012-01-28T21:45:00.001-08:00

Jupiter, moon, and Venus dance on a Saturday night.

Sunset Santee

2012-01-25T17:56:00.001-08:00

Sunrise January 11

2012-01-11T07:22:00.001-08:00

Flag Flying

2011-12-29T16:28:00.001-08:00

These colors do not run.

Fire Road bites

2011-12-29T16:27:00.001-08:00

This is going to leave a mark.

2nd Time in one day

2011-12-29T16:26:00.001-08:00

At Cowles for the second time in one day.

Tired feet

2011-12-29T16:25:00.001-08:00

Big Rock / Cowles / Pyles Peak is a 7.5ile round trip.

Near Pyles Peak

2011-12-29T16:24:00.001-08:00

Communication Tower

2011-12-29T16:23:00.001-08:00

... and fork to Pyles Peak.

Downtown San Diego

2011-12-29T16:22:00.001-08:00

From the top at Cowles.

Frosty

2011-12-29T16:21:00.001-08:00

Frost on the trail!

Big Rock trail to Cowles

2011-12-29T16:20:00.001-08:00

Starting out.

Reflections

2011-12-28T14:37:00.001-08:00

Sky reflection in lake 5.

Santee Lakes

2011-12-28T14:35:00.001-08:00

A nice flatland winter walk.

Venus and moon dance

2011-12-27T18:47:00.001-08:00

Taken through the KECR antennas.

Jack and I finish hiking ...

2011-12-27T18:46:00.001-08:00

... at least for today!!

Towards Oceanside

2011-12-27T18:45:00.001-08:00

Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Vista, and Oceanside in a nearly
clear view northwest.

Iron Mountain

2011-12-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

Black Mountain as viewed from Iron Mountain Trail.

Venus and Crescent Moon

2011-12-26T17:26:00.001-08:00

Monday December 26.

Yule Log

2011-12-25T11:36:00.001-08:00

Nothing keeps you warm like a Yule Log fire. A yearly event on KTLA-TV.

Mesa Road trail

2011-12-25T11:33:00.001-08:00

Mesa Road from the Barker Road fire road on east side of Cowles.

Looking North

2011-12-25T11:31:00.001-08:00

Woodson, Iron Mountain and a clear Southern California sky.

East Side of Cowles

2011-12-25T11:30:00.001-08:00

Off shore islands in easy view! Christmas hike.

Lemons

2011-12-24T11:34:00.001-08:00

The 2012 crop is getting ready!

Hanging with the Claus!

2011-12-24T11:33:00.001-08:00

Faster than Light!

2011-12-20T19:16:00.001-08:00

Buddy's Christmas Wish

2011-12-20T18:14:00.001-08:00

Buddy got to see Santa before the journey to the Rainbow Bridge. He is with the Bark Brothers, pawfect photo. Buddy's wish was to be pain free.

Santa Paws let me join in while Buddy was telling him it was OK. Buddy Bark Bark is not in pain any longer.

Pawfect!

Not cold!

2011-12-20T07:43:00.001-08:00

Jack Rylee isn't cold at all.

Buddy Romping and Playing

2011-12-18T05:23:00.001-08:00

Here's Buddy enjoying the Kansas prairie from 2010. Miss you Buddy.
You are missed.

Buddy Bark Bark is running

2011-12-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

Today, I had to take Buddy Bark Bark (officially Buddy Bo Jangles) to the vet and send him on the way to the Rainbow Bridge. After three years and three months and a few days, Buddy remained every bit of his name until it was time to say, "Run Buddy Run! You can see again and life's adventure continues at the 'Bridge! Now GO!"

It is hard to describe the emotion I feel even after 90-minutes of his departure. Buddy Bark Bark, as he was known to family and friends, was a rescue dog from Fresno County that found me and moved to the San Diego area.

His time with me was always fun, and well traveled. Buddy made it to Colorado three times, Kansas twice, and really enjoyed long rides.

I continued to be amazed on how that dog enjoyed riding in the front seat of the truck on the highways and country roads in San Diego and across the country. Buddy loved long rides, short rides, and doggies rides up the carport. He just loved being with me.

He was always looking for me, it seemed. Last summer, Buddy and I (along with new addition Jack Rylee) had arrived in Florence, Colorado, to visit my sister. In the fun of arrival and the like, Buddy went to look for me -- and got outside the house and continued to look for me across a busy highway. In all, he was about a mile from my sisters house when the local police called me.

They delivered Buddy Bark Bark with lights flashing! No worse for the adventure, he was ready again.

As a rescue dog, he ended up rescuing me, continuing the example set by Elvis. Buddy made sure I was taken out for walks at least twice a day around the block. He didn't want to leave a mess in the house, he wanted to be a good boy and go outside. Plus, he convinced me, walking is good.

As the toll of years got to him and he couldn't move much anymore, Buddy started to suggest that another addition was needed for us. After an extensive search, Jack Rylee was welcomed to the fold, and Buddy approved -- even if Jack was a "long-tailed one".

Buddy took Jack and I on initial walks and then relented his position to become "senior advisor" and the lead for the "Bark Brothers". Along with Tim's pug, Harley, the Bark Brothers ruled the house.

Buddy advised Jack to continue the walks and away we went. Jack and I have conquered several high hills and mountains in San Diego, all with the approval of Buddy. He told me that in doing so, I was helping Jack to fit in his role as the Bark Brother in training.

The trip to Colorado was the last big adventure for Buddy in the truck. He didn't mind one bit to be in the back seat so my son could join us. Once back in San Diego County, Buddy told Jack and I to just continue to walk and tell him about the adventures.

Boy, we did. He was excited on new peak adventures, and Jack told Buddy about the cat in the back that was mocking him! It got Buddy out in the yard looking for him.

However, at an estimated age of 13-years old, Buddy's time near. A persistent skin rash turned in to daily itching. No matter what was tried biologically, or orally, the condition would not go away. Buddy remained determined to beat it; but in the end, it was part of the problem in his health. Buddy Bark Bark had the dignity to do his dog duties outside, but in the last days, that even became troublesome for him.

Finally, with long eyes, he sadly told me, "it's time". Time to journey down to the Rainbow Bridge to find Elvis, and other dogs who await their master's return. Today, I had the task of taking him to the vet for one last check over to make sure something simple was his woes. Alas, it was not and the decision was made to make his pain easier.

His time on earth was grand in the three years I had him. From a rescue farm in Fresno County, to living with me, Buddy was as his name implied: a buddy who ended up continuing the rescue of his owner, just like Elvis before him.

Three years and three months is not a long time, but as with the rescue before him, I could not have made it without him. He had the opportunity to pass on important information to Jack Rylee, and loved his role as senior advisor. Buddy Bark Bark will be missed and not forgotten.

Run Buddy Run! Now see what you have been missing and continue your journey at the Rainbow Bridge. I hope to see you -- but excuse me if it is a little while longer. Jack Rylee has the instructions you gave him, and will continue to take good care of me. You remain a pawfect dog.

One Peak, One Weekend; Three Days, Three Trails

2011-12-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

I hit Cowles Mountain in San Diego three times in three days on three different trails. One of the best areas in San Diego with a wide range of trails.

Here are the trails I did over a three day stretch.

Sunday, December 11 About 4.6 miles

Saturday, December 10 About 3.2 miles

Friday, December 9 About 3.1 miles

Total: about 11.9 miles! w00+!

West Santee

2011-12-11T18:18:00.001-08:00

Heading Up

2011-12-11T18:17:00.001-08:00

Big Rock trail to Fire Road.

Cowles from Big Rock

2011-12-11T18:14:00.001-08:00

Cowles trail from Big Rock Park.

More Cowles Bells

2011-12-10T15:36:00.001-08:00

December 10th and visibility is fantastic.

Santa visits Coffee Corner

2011-12-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

Jack Frost Visits

2011-12-04T10:34:00.001-08:00

Antenna Farm

2011-12-03T14:42:00.001-08:00

KPBS KNSD KUSI, tv channels. Plus KPBS-FM/HD and KSIQ (booster).

Rocking Moss

2011-12-03T14:40:00.001-08:00

Mount San Miguel

2011-12-03T14:39:00.001-08:00

Looking south towards Chula Vista. Otay Lake.

Buddy Bark Bark

2011-12-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

Sleeping in before another day of doing dog things.

Day Begins

2011-11-26T06:13:00.001-08:00

6:09 on Saturday, November 26. w00+!

Lakeside/Santee

2011-11-18T22:07:00.001-08:00

Sun Rays

2011-11-18T22:06:00.001-08:00

Jack and I Conquer Cowles

2011-11-18T22:05:00.001-08:00

Friday afternoon, November 18.

Palms and sun

2011-11-16T06:49:00.001-08:00

Near Lakeside.

Sunset near Winslow

2011-11-06T03:17:00.001-08:00

Rock Formation

2011-11-06T03:15:00.001-08:00

In Arizona

Welcome to Arizona

2011-11-06T03:14:00.001-08:00

Holes in Clouds

2011-11-06T03:13:00.001-08:00

Western New Mexìco.

This divides us

2011-11-06T03:11:00.000-08:00

Gladstone

2011-11-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Eastern New Mexico

2011-11-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

New Mexico line

2011-11-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Witness Post

2011-11-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico

2011-11-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Marker

2011-11-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Tri-state

2011-11-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Head West

2011-11-05T05:54:00.001-07:00

Southwest Kansas

Arrowhead

2011-11-04T21:04:00.001-07:00

Wild Turkey

2011-11-04T21:03:00.001-07:00

Water

2011-11-04T21:02:00.001-07:00

Steffan Creek has never ran dry.

Stefan Creek

2011-11-04T21:01:00.001-07:00

Creek Crossing

2011-11-04T21:00:00.001-07:00

Sunset Kansas

2011-11-01T16:29:00.001-07:00

Fall

2011-11-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yellow leaves signify fall in Dodge City, Kansas.

Power Plant

2011-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Coal fired.

Flagstaff

2011-10-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

Creatures

2011-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

I17 North

2011-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sunrise Arizona

2011-10-27T06:31:00.001-07:00

Imperial Valley

2011-10-27T06:30:00.001-07:00

Remembering Brother Ed

2011-10-26T21:53:00.001-07:00

My family lost brother Ed today (right). He is survived by Michael,
Nancy (pictured), and Ann.

Cowles Mountain Mission Trails Park

2011-10-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cowles Mountain, in Mission Trails Park, is the highest point in the City of San Diego. The trail from the Golfcrest side -- often referred to as "the tourist route" is very short, very steep, and very busy! Depending where you park on Golfcrest, you can make it a three mile trek. In the almost-1.5 mile trip up, you'll gain over 800 feet. The panoramic views of San Diego, Santee, El Cajon, and points beyond is one of the jewels of hiking in the area.

The key to this is: allow two hours, bring plenty of water, and stop to enjoy the view unfolding below you. My dog Jack Rylee really enjoys this jaunt as well.

Iron Mountain Poway

2011-10-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Iron Mountain located in the City of Poway, is one of my favorite "to do" each week. It is about 5.5 miles, and the rewards are worth it. Obviously, the exercise is great; the eye candy at the top is inspiring. Vista views of Poway, Lakeside, Santee, Lemon Grove, San Diego to the west and south are great. To the north, Escondido, San Marcos, Oceanside, plus Orange County are wonderful. On clear days the Catalina Islands and the Coronado Islands (in Mexico) are great. There are two picnic tables at the top, plus a telescope to check things out.

Allow three hours. Pack plenty of water and a snack. Dog friendly; but remember to bring them water and a snack too! A pawfect time will be had by all.

Looking west

2011-10-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

Cowles shadow on the Bank of Fog.

Sunday Sunrise

2011-10-23T09:42:00.001-07:00

That's how the sun was on Cowles this morning!

Trail Head

2011-10-21T18:50:00.001-07:00

Iron Mountain trail head.

Iron Mountain Sign

2011-10-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Towards Ramona

2011-10-21T18:13:00.001-07:00

Top of Iron Mountain

2011-10-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Jack and I on top

2011-10-20T20:51:00.001-07:00

Oct. 20, Jack and I on top at about 5:30 p.m.

Fog rolls in

2011-10-20T20:50:00.001-07:00

Cowles has no sun but El Cajon does!!

Cowles Mountain at sunset

2011-10-18T20:50:00.003-07:00

Sunset

2011-10-18T20:50:00.001-07:00

Back on top

2011-10-18T20:49:00.001-07:00

After being gone a week from Cowles, back on top of the mountain.

Nearing Sunset

2011-10-18T20:47:00.001-07:00

On Cowles at sunset, Oct. 18, 2011.

Creature Feature

2011-10-16T09:42:00.001-07:00

Tarantula spider on duty near the top of Iron Mountain.

Fog Bank and Iron Mountain Shawdow

2011-10-16T09:41:00.001-07:00

Sunrise Mount Woodson

2011-10-16T09:40:00.001-07:00

Iron Mountain sunrise

2011-10-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

Beautiful sunrise.

Nearly to San Jose

2011-10-10T20:48:00.002-07:00

Rain Clouds

2011-10-10T20:48:00.001-07:00

Rain on my trip into Gilroy.

Farm from north

2011-10-10T20:47:00.001-07:00

Antenna Farm

2011-10-10T20:46:00.001-07:00

Main Gate

2011-10-10T20:45:00.001-07:00

VOA's main gate.

Underground cable

2011-10-10T20:44:00.002-07:00

Danger!!

2011-10-10T20:44:00.001-07:00

Antennas

2011-10-10T20:43:00.001-07:00

No silenced, these antennas were ab important part of VOA.

VOA Delano

2011-10-10T20:42:00.001-07:00

Front Gate