An interesting site in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon is the aquaculture operation of Carlsbad Aquafarm. This enterprise raises Mediterranean Blue Mussels, Pacific Oysters, and Ogo. Their website says that their products can be found at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and local restaurants. Apparently the local brown pelicans are appreciative of their efforts.
Links: Carlsbad Aquafarm
In a previous post I featured the “old” Point Loma Lighthouse and now am highlighting the “new” one. Built down at sea level to better avoid the fog and low clouds, this lighthouse began operation on March 23, 1891. What a gorgeous combination of green grass, palm trees, beautiful ocean and white buildings.
Links: history previous related post
The “old” Point Loma lighthouse was active from November 15, 1855 until March 23, 1891 (36 years), warning ships entering San Diego Bay. However, its location high atop Point Loma resulted in its beam often being obscured by fog and clouds such that a “new” lighthouse was built down at sea level. The old lighthouse has been restored and offers great displays including a five-foot tall 3rd order Fresnel lens, the best available at that time.
Links: NPS
Bill Pavlacka, aka “The Sandcastle Man”, hard at work on one of his creations at the Hotel del Coronado, in San Diego.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is located in Oceano/Pismo Beach and provides 1,500 acres of beautiful sand dunes and beach area for roaming about in your OHV, dirt bike, dune buggy, 4×4, etc. Camping is allowed on the beach south of Post 2 and in the open dune area.
Links: Oceano SVRA previous related post
The Self-Realization Fellowship Center in Encinitas (known locally as “Swamis”) has a meditation garden that is open to the public. This beautiful area boasts a multitude of trees, shrubs, and succulents along with several koi ponds including the one above. Benches are spread throughout, inviting one to sit quietly under a canopy of leaves or on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Links: Self-Realization Fellowship
The “Cardiff Kook” is a sculpture of a surfer by Hemet sculptor Matthew Antichevich that was installed in 2007 and is officially named “Magic Carpet Ride”. Located just outside of the San Elijo State Beach campground, the statue is “dressed” in widely varying garb that changes from day to day or week to week. It’s always fun to drive by and see what he is wearing that day!
Link: 5 years of pics
The Nature Center is within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and is operated by park staff and volunteers with County of San Diego Parks and Recreation. The 5,600 sq. ft. building is made from recycled materials and uses solar energy, natural light, and ventilation. Opened in 2009, it is Platinum-Certified by U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
Links: San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy
The Original Dog Beach in Ocean Beach (at the end of I8 at the mouth of the San Diego River) was one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. It’s so much fun to watch all kinds of dogs frolic freely in the ocean and on the sand.
Links: Original Dog Beach other dog friendly beaches/parks in San Diego
This pic shows the town of Santa Barbara spread up the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains that rise to a height of 4,864 feet.
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