Because we'll likely never get to Africa ~ August 26th

Seeing as yesterday we had explored the creatures God made on the fifth day of creation, it was time to learn more about the ones he created on the sixth day! We drove north and inland of San Diego to Escondido, home of the San Diego Safari Park. This supposedly 45 minute drive was unfortunately longer due to some map reading confusion on my part, but we did see some lovely orchards just the same... (Funny how I-5 and I-15 look so similar when you are needing to have updated glasses... that will be my next purchase soon!) With it being a Monday morning, and school locally back in session, this place was not crowded at all which added to the relaxing feel of being on "safari". This "reserve" is where the animals connected with the San Diego Zoo are also cared for, with a big emphasis on education also.

 Bring on the park photographer~

 Let's get this day started!

 There were many opportunities to see animals up close and learn more about them.

 These flamingos are not as pink as those at SeaWorld, but their home is nicer!

 Exploring the lagoon.

 Big brother teaches mei-mei.(little sister.)

 Colour everywhere...

 Still easy-going about hanging out with the family. :)

 Nora likes bamboo because pandas do!

 Off to meet our relatives~



 I would not want to get on a gorilla's bad side, look at their average torso size!

 Watching the apes was a highlight of the park.

 After we finished our vacation, we just had to watch "The Rise of the Planet of the Apes!"

 Who needs a quarter?

We chanced upon a bird show, where we encountered eagles, falcons, owls and many exotic birds swooping above our heads to perch at the back of the amphitheater, or scurrying past the guide.

 Best not leave that glove at home...

Do not stand up!

 Another cool job to have~ 

 A rare view of an owl in the daylight~

 This prehistoric looking bird demonstrated how it hacks up
slithering snakes with it's sharp beak...

 A view of the park ~ we did not go up in the hot air balloon or do any
 of the other specialized safari trips. There was enough to see already.

 Nice to see a larger space for the "King of the Beasts".

 Going out for safari to see the animals up close... The heat was stifling,
as you can see by how we're all withering away to various degrees.

 I guess this hot location is why the African animals thrive
so well here. Makes for grumpy kids, though!

 The café where we broke down to buy food and drinks for lunch. We were
totally hot by now, and too far from the parking lot to fetch our cooler.

 It is wonderful to see so many animal species together as they might be in the African plains.

Rhinos bring fond memories of my brother to me, as Rob once gave
 me a plush Rhino ~ it may have been a graduation gift. :)

 Giraffes are awesome!

 That sunburn just emphasizes that I am from the Great White North!

 Easier to see these elephants than the ones hanging out in their large enclosure.

 Not their best angle!

 Nice to meet some cute bats for a change. :)

 We both have our moments of driving each other batty!

Resting in the petting zoo area was really a sweet time, especially as ours were the only children in there at first. Multiples brushes were available for the kids to choose from to groom the goats. Nora wanted to try out all the brushes at first ~ such a girl!

 Nora gets down to his level.

More tolerant than Rosie!

 Nora the nurturer.

 How cute is this! Although the boys did not want their pictures taken for some reason.

I had thought to call it a day, but Scott really wanted to circle back and watch the "Cheetah Run". We parted ways for awhile, so that Nora and I could avoid the heat and take advantage of the carousel, which we had promised her she could ride before we went home. (And I was hoping to peruse the gift shops in peace, yet even one child still doesn't equate with "peace" in that department!)

 With no crowds, Nora was able to ride the carousel all by herself!

 Please don't try this in real life!

Meanwhile, Scott and the boys waited for the cheetah to run...

 

 The cheetah's companion dog leads the way in the race first to show that it's safe.
Cesar Millan writes about this unique pairing here.

This demo is to show the quick accelerating power of the cheetah ~ pretty difficult to get on camera. 

 This event was over a minute after it started ~ the cat is that fast.

The reason I was trying to leave by 4 pm was so that we could stop by the Miramar Speed Circuit on our way "home". It was one of the attractions available with the Go pass, and I wanted to take full advantage of "free" admissions no matter how tired we were! :) It was somewhat difficult to find, as we drove around an industrial park. The building had zero signage, except for advertising a bakery. It seemed sketchy, but sure enough, it was an entire raceway inside. I stayed in the van to read while Nora napped, happy to see the boys suddenly re-energized.

 Someone is excited enough to finally consent to a photo.

 I knew these guys would like my detour plan...

 Part of the package, a complimentary helmet hood. :)

 This "thumbs-up" pose is classic in our family...

 ...reminding me of Charles in 2003 in Courtney, BC.

 For just 10 minutes of bliss, the guys had a lot to brag about as well as
insult one another's skills later. I had no regrets about reading in the van. :)

Well, all of our packed lunch items did not come to waste after all. (My insistence that we take the cooler as carry-on baggage was finally justified!) We pulled in for a lovely evening picnic at Torrey Pines State Reserve, located between La Jolla and Del Mar, as it was highlighted as one of those places you should visit.

  

 Thomas, this should make you think twice about showing your food!

 Seeing a photo like this reminds me of...

... a decade ago when they didn't eat so much! (Sorry, I'm feeling nostalgic today~)

After eating, we drove up to the cliff area, noting the sign that the parking lot would be gated shut at 7:30 pm. That gave us an hour to hike down the trails and back... which we discovered was easier said than done.

 That would be an endangered Torrey pine!

 The boys took off quickly.

 Hope Charles makes it back here someday without us!

 A jogger offers his service as photographer.

 Easy to see why this was made a park.

 A place to dream of for next time.

 Thomas takes a turn. He at least looks like he knows what he's doing. 

 Wilted together, always together. :)

Things became less pleasant on the way back up the hill, as we had to race against time. About then, Nora was starting to have a meltdown about walking. I was a bad mother, as I took off on Nora and Scott to race barefoot up the sandy trail. I just wanted to soak up the beauty, as well as get to the car in time. :) I did snap the occasional progress of the sunset as I ran. Sand between the toes is such a lovely feeling...

 All in all, a lovely day of new experiences and exploration.
 Hope the family is up for such a day tomorrow... :)