Cliff Walk at La Jolla
"Strictly Come Flying"
The coastal Torrey Pine
We are indulging in a little rest and relaxation after our long journey and doing what Californians do by enjoying the sunshine and the beach culture. One one the most delightful treats is taking breakfast overlooking the sea followed by a cliff walk along this beautiful coast. And a little shopping therapy!
This is just below where we had breakfast. It doesn't get a lot better!
One of the most enduring memories of the diverse wildlife on this coast will be the Pelicans that are found along the whole coast. I just love the way that they fly is such tight formation, hovering just above the waters edge. They are developmentally primitive birds that need to dry their plumage in a similar way to out Cormorants in the UK.
Pelicans and Cormorants at La Jolla
On one of our walks on the cliff edge, we came across what must be one of the coolest Bridge Clubs in the world.
This one is for Jacqui's Bridge Group
The Torrey pine is a rare species of pine tree, which used
to be common on this part of the coast. The pine is unique in that it has
adapted to the dry, sandy and rocky soils found on this area of the coast.
These small gnarled stunted trees have been under threat for the last 100 years
from human encroachment and their use for firewood. An extraordinary man called
Guy Fleming (1885-1960) started in 1919 to campaign to save the trees north of
La Jolla, which had become the only surviving grove on the mainland of the USA.
A sign at the State Park states “Guy Fleming is to Torrey Pines what John Muir
was to the High Sierras”. Fleming’s work eventually lead to the establishment of the
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve where a trail bears Flemings name. he went
on to head the State Parks Department in California and establish many other
parks and protect crucial rare habitats.
He once said, ““This will be your park. Its object will be
to teach the conservation of all of nature’s works, to use them and enjoy them
in such a way that all of the people for all of the time may know of their
beauty and usefulness”
Guy Fleming (1885-1960)
These rare trees have managed to survive in this arid environment
On one of the trails overlooking the sea
The colours seen in the eroded soft Sandstone along the coast
Jacqui and I walked a number of trails at the park. We have
hiked in 4 State parks across the length of the West Coast in very different
habitats and climates. From temperate rain forests to arid pine groves. It’s
only on trips such as this that one can appreciate the range and importance of
climate, the environment and the diversity that exists in our world. We had our first swim in the Pacific Ocean.
Walking along coast
The San Diego Museum of Contemporary Arts hosts a branch I
La Jolla. Their recent exhibition is called “Behold America”. It uses 20th
and 21st century works by American Artists from the their collection
to analyse how Americans see their own country, their people and their culture.
Great exhibition in one of the galleries bathed in a fantastic white light. You
can see what Hockney saw in California now.
Deanna Thompson 2011
Sorry not a great photo but she paints deserted homesteads. These are emotive images for Americans. Its a huge picture with massive impact.
Mark Dion 1999-2000
He contrasts the destruction of nature against the tradition of American landscape painting
Sam Durant: Southern Hospitality 2010
Nancy Rubins: Pleasure Point 2006
Finally I was fascinated by this church. Interested to hear what you thing of the strange gothic experience.
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