At the Zoo, not with Eli(phant), but 'cutie-pie' Ellie Lael

I can touch, hey Gaga?

Who has more joy?

1-2-3 heave, ho!

During our ‘holiday’ in San Diego, we are ‘resting’ as we prepare for the next leg of Hike-About. We hope we survive more ‘legs’ than a centipede has—it is a wonderful adventuring concept. Meanwhile, we are enjoying our cute granddaughter immensely. Off we went, heading to the San Diego Zoo. Ellie made it a most enjoyable experience.
Some of the highlights of a zoo with a near-two year old are:

Can we have a playdate, Gaga?

The petting area, where one is able to touch and stroke the goats, is a good starting point. It sets the tone for the rest of the visit. If Ellie could talk, we think she might list her highlights as follows:

Struggling to open the faucet, after leaving the kiddies’ area, was a challenge she would not relinquish until she succeeded. Thereafter, she wanted not only clean hands but…wrists, arms, sleeves and the rest of her body. A faucet with a challenging opening mechanism is a great toy. Perhaps the paper towel dispenser was the day’s highlight. Until you observe a toddler, one does not realize how difficult and complicated it can be to get a full sheet of paper. The good news is that after 10 minutes and three rolls of paper, Ellie’s hands were reasonable dry. More importantly, she was stimulated and amusing.
Following the water jet-streams

A highlight of the Zoo

We’re at a zoo, let’s get with the spirit of things—animals anyone? The water fountain and the periodic jet sprays proved a close second to the paper dispenser. “More wawa, Gaga.” Loosely translated, “Granny, please can we watch those jet-streams of water for the rest of the day.”
‘How about something to eat?’ We asked. Natalie had thoughtfully packed food for the outing. After looking into the contents of her bag, we wondered if Ellie might be staying with us for a week. Our editor assured us that Mom was just being cautious. There’s no truth in the rumor that food supplies are low in San Diego.
Snack time

What about the birds and monkeys? Good idea we thought. After all, this is a zoo. A quick run through the area and we returned for the climax of the outing—those jet-streams of water again. Selecting tree-bark and some soil to play with seemed to be interesting, too. By now, Ellie was tiring but still smiling and talking while the grandparents were wondering if hiking was in fact easier. All in all, the grandparents had a great time and returned Ellie with very clean hands. Who needs animals at a zoo? What a concept.
Tagged--got you!

Bridging the generations

The grass can be green at home, too

The Editor is home--back on the Rocks

Two weeks in San Diego and we’re doing fine although the pace is slowing. We set out on Thursday afternoon, after a full day’s work for a change, heading east. Approximately 20 miles from the ocean are some very attractive mountains, covered with rocks and greenery. Good rainfall and even snow (at altitude) in the area has worked wonders for the plant life. Iron Mountain has sentimental value for us, especially for the partner with iron in the body. Six days before the hip-replacement, we hiked to the top and wondered why we were undertaking the procedure. We knew exactly why. However, sometimes we like to ask these questions so that we can think about it and of course, have something to say.
Romona Dam nestled in rugged mountains

Three months post-procedure, we again hiked the three miles to the peak and felt particularly good about the result. Whereas the emotional feeling has passed, we enjoyed being out on a winter’s day in San Diego where the temperature probably reached 70 degrees. The locals are born to suffer without enjoying the four seasons weather pattern we hear so much about from the East Coasters.
A grimace at Iron Mountain
Ellie taking Papa for a walk

The hike is terrific for a young family because it has a gentle slope but is still 6 miles return—San Diegans tend to be a little ‘laid back’ on the trails. We could get into a lot of trouble for that but will take our chances. What’s the worst that could happen? Our editor with the twinkle in the eye replied, “Perhaps ask us to leave town.”
New concept--hitching a ride back down

“And where we would go from there?” we wanted to know. “At least twenty destinations,” she answered, “and that’s just from the ‘top of my head’. “Only twenty,” we replied, “Haven’t you been paying attention.”