After the movie night paid for by our boss a few of us spent the night in Redlands. It was so nice not to have to drive back up so late at night. We kind of hung out in Redlands for the day and then started to make plans for Sunday. Lots of people have been going in and out of being sick so we wanted to keep it low key so we would be well enough to work on Tuesday. But no need to worry about me, I’ve been healthy and kick’n through it all thanks to my vitamins. (Thanks Grandma! :) )
On Sunday morning we woke up and got on the internet to search for something to do. We just wanted to get off the mountain and out of the snow for a while. We ended up finding this Whale Festival at Dana Point that was happening for two weekends to celebrate the migration of the gray whales along the coast. Although we didn’t actually see any whales we still had a fun time and learned a thing or two.
The drive down the mountain was so pretty! Here are a few photos from our short stop for a photo opp. It had snowed about 2 inches which blanketed the trees so beautifully.
This one is for Dad. Can you tell what kind of tree it is by its branch structure? Hmmm… Quiz time! I’m not the expert but I’m pretty sure it’s a Douglas Fir. Am I right?
When we got into Dana Point and found the festival we were a little disappointed. It appeared that there were just booths and kiddy rides on the side of the road. But we found out there were other event held around the town. So we walked around to find the most interesting ones. The walk was beautiful along the port. There were so many boats, you would have loved it Dad!
Our first stop was the sand sculpture competition. I haven’t been to our Aquatenia personally but have seen photos and I think these guys could learn a thing or two from the Minnesotans. :) Take a look at the pictures and you be the judge.
They added color by using jello powder which is cool for the effect but then were do you think that jello runs off into???
This is a pirate face from Pirates of the Caribbean.
This one is my personal favorite because they used the different colored sand to be artistic.
This is a picture of the pier. It was a beautiful walk along the water.
After that we went to the Oceanianic Institute . It was basically a marine life museum, kind of like underwater World but not as big. It was neat to learn about the animals that live here on the coast and get a better perspective of what some of our students grew up with. When they come up to the mountains it’s so much different for them in terms of plant and animal life.
In the museum we got touch some starfish and sting rays. We got to look at a ton of different fresh water fish and things.
Here’s Jana having fun in one of the interactive tanks. :)
Included in our museum ticket we were allowed to go on this ship. We had fun taking some silly pictures. Enjoy them :)
This is us in front of the ship. Alan, Jana, Ange, Kelly, Drew, and me.
We got the brilliant idea to see if Jana and Drew could fit inside of the trash can. Sure enough they fit! :) It was pretty funny!
This is Alan trying to be tough to turn the tiny wheel.
Jana got to ring the bell nice and loud on the hour. It was funny.
This is me directing and steering the ship. Anyone worried? :) Good thing it was lock in at the harbor otherwise we might be in trouble.
This is Ange sailing the ocean blue and discovering new lands! Okay, not quite but it's fun to pretend. :)
Or last stop was to go to check out the jetty. It was so pretty! The waves were so cool! I stood there and just soaked in the fact that only a few hours ago I was in the snowy mountains and now I’m here standing on rocks by the waves. What a cool state and I’m so lucky to experience it all!
This is my favorite picture and my new background to my computer. Every time I look at it I notice a new rock!
This is another pretty picture. The coast is so gorgeous!
This is another pretty picture. The coast is so gorgeous!
There are more posts to come. I'm no where near up to date but in due time... blogs to come are about my weekend in Malibu and last week when I was Fudge with Jessica. I can't wait to post pictures and write about it. Now all I have to do is find the time. :) Miss you Minnesota!
Were you asking about the evergreen that was covered with snow and looked like it had no needles? OR The ones along the road? Anyway, Douglas Fir (although it scientifically is not in the fir family) has short needles, that can not be rolled in your fingertips similar to the Balsam fir we get at Christmas time. Remember, long needle evergreens are generally in the pine family.
ReplyDeletewhy did they go in the trash can? Gross!
ReplyDeleteSharon...... Where did you write your reply to my answer?
ReplyDelete