San Diego, Torrey Pines, and a Trail
A friend invited me to share Passover Seder at their house in beautiful San Diego.
Of course, I brought myself, my appetite, and my Nikon.
So I graciously accepted her invitation, and after the evening sunset, when the Seder began, and dinner had been served, I was already contemplating my next sojourn for Travelin’ Local.
Although I’ve been to San Diego a couple of times, I haven’t explored the city that much. However, I soon found myself high upon the mountain bluffs of the Torrey Pines State Reserve, with its splendorous views of both the ocean and the city.
And what a find it was–starting at the bottom:
This picture is representative of the majestic and grandeur of the unblemished Pacific Ocean at Torrey Pines.
The Torrey Pines are trees that were planted over a hundred years ago and are prevalent and plentiful in this area—aptly named Torrey Pines.
The US Open Golf Tour also holds an annual world famous Golf Tournament.
As I stood on the trail on the right, overlooking the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean, I was anticipatory of what was coming next–but that still didn’t prepare me for the new sights yet to come my way.
As this path wound around the hill, nature had its way of reminding me of who’s boss:
La Jolla may be the Jewel of the World—literally—but Torrey Pines is a friend for life—every moment there was joyous and wondrous, and by the time I was finished with my visit, I snapped at least 200 pictures.
Again, my destination is foretold by the people standing on the platform above, but before we get to the peak, I thought that this was an interesting part of the area’s history and folklore:
“Dead Pines.” The tree skeletons are all that remains from a severe drought and bark beetle outbreak in the mid 1960’s.” Even in death, life begins anew.
Once I reached the vantage point, I took pictures in all different directions:
As it’s literally impossible to capture all of Torrey Pines in one story, I’ll share the rest with you later this week.
I encountered dolphins, wildflowers, the Salt Marsh, and as mentioned above, the Torrey Pine trees–the most restricted and rarest pines in North America.
Do you have plans for Easter Sunday? No matter what your celebration may be, every day is special and a holiday, with new and exciting places to go and see while Travelin’ Local.
Wishing all of you a Happy Holiday.
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Third picture is breath-taking.
I am crazy about sea.
Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com’s last blog post..Adopt 18/40/60 Rule And Stop Worrying About What They Think About You
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Torrey Pines must be a fantastic place to explore! The deadwood looks interesting and the views, phenomenal! I like all the colors on the cliff wall in the last picture. Looking forward to more about Torry Pines.
Diane C.’s last blog post..Skywatch Friday
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Thanks for the wonderful words and images of this fabulous area. I’m already looking forward to visiting again when I’m back next March.
I especially like the image of the dead pines with the beautiful flowers, stunning.
Have a great Easter.
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Lisa, I’ve surfed there. In fact, for many many years. You’ve captured, yet again, the essence of what I know to be Torrey Pines.
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[...] about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Lisa Newton has a wonderful article on her blog at Travelin’ Local. Also check out the parks web site at Torrey Pines State Natural [...]
The final picture is breath taking. My husband planned a trip for us to San Diego last week. I’m thinking this is a great start!
Tess The Bold Life’s last blog post..A Bold but Modest Millionaire
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You totally had better views on your trail than I did on mine! Ours will look prettier later in the year.
But wow! Your’s are breathtaking!! I wouldn’t wanna be the one walking up that hill in the sand. I just hate how sand moves while you’re trying to go forward and you feel like you take 5 steps to equal one normal forward moving step.
Lisa’s Chaos’s last blog post..Macro Monday Music
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@ Alik Levin Thank you. I loved the beach pictures, too. The views were out of this world.
@ Diane C. I think the on the cliff walls were do to all the flowers. Even though CA has a temperate climate, we still have a spring, so all the wild flowers are now in bloom, which cover the cliff side.
@ Kevin Your post was fantastic. I loved looking at all of your pictures.
@ Tess You won’t be disappointed. A little exercise, fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, it’s great.
@ Lisa’s Chaos I didn’t used to like the sand much either, but living close to the beach has me changing my tune. I’m still not a fan of walking barefoot, but on the hard, wet sand it really works. On this trail, the sand was more like dirt, so it wasn’t too difficult. Just think, “good exercise………….:)”
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Hi! Your photos are simply gorgeous. I really love the deadwood archway, it must have been stunning in person.
Tracy’s last blog post..My First Life Coaching Session
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Hi Lisa. These pictures are great! Thanks for sharing about your trip. I enjoy hearing stories of places travelled and seeing the pictures is an added bonus. Breathtaking.
Davina’s last blog post..What Have You Done for Your Blog Lately?
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@ Tracy Thank you. I really loved the deadwood, too. It was scattered all around the trail.
@ Davina I love sharing where I go with everyone. Plus, I love just visiting new places. Thanks………..:)
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This entry has completely whet my appetite for the ocean I miss so, so much. Thanks, Lisa!
Lara’s last blog post..Apple blossoms
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[...] shown it to you from afar, but not up close and [...]