The Santa Rosa Plateau...

Today Robbin and I finally visited the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve. It's only 4 miles from our home, but in the 12 years we've lived here we haven't visited :)

It's over 9,000 acres. In late spring (after we get some solid rain) several large "vernal" pools form. A unique shrimp, found only in this area, hatches during this time. Perhaps we'll go back and watch the action!

The trails are well maintained, and there are many of them, so seasoned hikers can spend all day (from sunup to sundown) and still not see it all. After Santa Rosa we took the back roads to Temecula, then south to Fallbrook for lunch and shopping. With weather in the 80's, it was a beautiful day indeed.

We Visit The 23rd Avocado Festival...

Lots of food and sun today at the 23rd Annual Avocado Festival in downtown Fallbrook.

I went down to Carrie and Kelly's ranch early so we could get there before the big crowds arrived. As you can see, even getting to this event early means it is elbow-to-elbow down Main Street!

In the photo above, three of the Avocado Princesses stopped by to say hello to Chloe, who was thrilled to see some real nobility!

After a couple of hours sight-seeing, and getting all kinds of free samples, we went back to Carrie & Kelly's to have lemonade (fresh from their lemon tree) and some treats. Robbin and Kayla joined us later for a nice lunch.

Food, sun, princesses... and more food!

Now, doesn't that sound like a perfect day?

(Click on pictures for a larger view)