San Diego NWR

Rod had a friend who works at San Diego NWR, so one day we bummed around with him on the refuge while he checked up on some endangered California Thornmint, a tiny, rare plant.  After meeting at his office, we followed him up into the hills, parked and hiked through coastal scrub, sage and chaparral habitats.  We surveyed four locations total, and were soaking wet by the end of the day.  Apparently, according to Guy, "Sunny San Diego" is a misnomer, as near the coast it's usually cloudy and gray.  This day it was misty and dewey and we were WET!  While hiking, Charley and I sat a spell so I could feed her while they hiked up to the last spot.  Suddenly a Sheriff's helicopter appeared, flying low, and it zeroed in on our cars, way below, and hovered over them for quite a while.  John radioed their law enforcement officer to tell him to call it in and tell them who we were.  Border patrol is very prevalent around here.

We left at 2 and went back "home" to shower and get cleaned up.  While Rod showered Charley and I hit the pool - she was not a fan.  It's been a while since she's seen a pool!  That was short lived.  Then we drove to Ocean Beach, where John and his wife Sue Ellen live.  We had some time before meeting them for supper, so we took Charley to the public beach and let her play.  Other than seeing the Mediterranean, this was her only other time to see the ocean.  

Detour - a baby AND a dog!!!

 She was a little unsure of the surf, running from it when the waves lapped near her feet.  We then met John and Sue Ellen, and walked downtown to a sushi restaurant.  Great times, great conversation, great food, great evening!