'Tis the Season

We're in the middle of December and it was nearly 80 degrees today. Even so, I spent the morning up at Snow Valley helping out with plans for their "Ski with a Naturalist" programs. While that kind of sounds like naked skiing, it is actually a guided nature walk on skis. I was invited up to help scout out the journey and identify some of the natural history that could be included in the program. Since I don't ski, this was a ski lift to the top and a hike back down the mountain.

Last weekend we hosted the annual Messick Family Reunion at our house. It was a great success, with more uncharacteristic weather for December. Even so, the backyard fire ring was a favorite destination during the party.

With just two weeks until Christmas, I'm running out of time to vacuum out the Yosemite dirt from La Rana before we start packing up for the bluffs at San Elijo. This is my favorite beach destination: full hookup, gourmet food cooked by somebody else, and the cool little town of Solano Beach nearby.