#nipomo dunes

[miamaimania]

"Nipomo Dunes" by Mario Kroes - Sand kisses shadows in sweeping monotones as ripples dance across the dune's surface.

[rabbitcruiser]

(California) Western Monarch Day 

California Western Monarch Day, known informally as Western Monarch Day, was established by the California State Legislature in 2004. The day celebrates the annual migration of the Western monarch butterfly during the winter months—from about October through March—to California's central coast, the only major overwintering spot in the world for the butterflies. The holiday was established with the understanding that it would positively impact tourism and educational programs. Indeed, many visitors come to the area during the migration, boosting tourism at a time of the year when it is otherwise sluggish.

Events are held around the state of California on the day or on a nearby date. In past years, an event has been held at the Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, California; a "citizen science butterfly count" led by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been held at the nearby Limestone Canyon, and the largest celebration in the state has been held at the Pismo Beach State Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach. One of the most popular destinations for butterflies in the state, and one of the largest butterfly colonies in North America, Pismo Beach regularly has over 20,000 monarch butterflies clustering in its tall eucalyptus trees.

In addition to Pismo Beach, monarch butterfly groves can also be found in Nipomo, Los Osos, and Morro Bay. In Nipomo, at the Monarch Dunes Butterfly Habitat, up to 60,000 monarchs visit each winter, and make their homes in a grove of blue gum eucalyptus trees. There are two groves in Los Osos: Monarch Grove Natural Area and Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. Monarch Grove Natural Area is made up of 18 acres and is located at the end of Monarch Lane. Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is made up of 24 acres and is located on the Morro Bay estuary. It has been managed by the Morro Coast Audubon Society since 1989. In nearby Morro Bay, Morro Bay Golf Course Monarch Butterfly Grove can be found at the center of Morro Bay Golf Course. Monarchs sometimes come to the grove of eucalyptus trees by as early as August and cluster themselves low on the branches.

As monarchs can't survive cold northern climates, they migrate to warmer climates, sometimes traveling a distance of over 1,000 miles. One of the only insects that migrate, they do so twice a year—like birds do—traveling to a warmer climate and then back again. Western monarchs live west of the Rockies. During the summer months, they can be found in canyons or near rivers in the West, Southwest, and inland in states from California all the way up to British Columbia. A few can be found on the coastal Pacific Northwest as well. Numbering in the tens of thousands, they migrate west and south, mainly nesting in California's central coast. Eastern monarchs, which far outnumber their Western counterparts, live east of the Rockies and migrate south to the high mountains of central Mexico. Monarchs can also be found in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, and on some islands in the Caribbean; those butterflies do not migrate.

Monarchs start as caterpillars. They subsist only on milkweed, a plant that produces glycoside toxins. The caterpillars are immune to the toxins, but predators are not, and are deterred from feasting on the caterpillars because the toxins get stored up in the caterpillars' bodies and make them taste bad. The caterpillars grow and molt for two weeks, form a chrysalis in which they complete metamorphosis, and turn into butterflies. As butterflies, the toxins are still in their systems, still protecting them.

Most adult butterflies only live for a few weeks. During that time, they subsist on nectar from many kinds of plants, search for mates, and look for milkweed on which to lay their eggs. The last generation of monarchs hatch in late summer, and they may live as long as eight months. They don't reach sexual maturity right away and instead make the fall migration. Despite never making the journey before, they know exactly where to go. They remain inactive during the coldest months, but around March, they become sexually mature and then mate. They die soon afterward, and their offspring finish the migration back north.

Between the 1990s and the end of the 2010s, the monarch population declined by about 90 percent, largely on account of habitat fragmentation and loss. Both urban development and intensive agriculture took a toll on habitats. In addition, herbicides killed the milkweed and nectar plants the butterflies feed off of, and insecticides killed the monarchs themselves. Lastly, climate change altered weather patterns and the timing of migration. Because of the drop in monarch numbers, it seems all the more pressing to have a holiday dedicated to them and to the beauty and the mystery of their yearly migration.

How to Observe California Western Monarch Day

Many events are held on or around the date and can be attended if you are able to travel to California. You could check to see if an event is being held at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, where in past years butterfly experts have educated and answered questions, and native plants have been available to plant. You could see if the Irvine Ranch Conservancy is hosting a "citizen science butterfly count" at Limestone Canyon. The best place to go for an event is Pismo Beach State Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach (the event may be held on a nearby Saturday). At this event, there are butterfly talks and educational booths for adults, and art activities for children. The biggest part of it, of course, are the thousands of monarchs that can be seen hanging in clusters from eucalyptus and pine trees. The grove usually opens in October and stays open throughout the month of February, and docents can be found giving daily talks. You could also visit other butterfly groves today, such as the Monarch Dunes Butterfly Grove in Nipomo, the Monarch Grove Natural Area or Sweet Springs Nature Preserve in Los Osos, or the butterfly grove in the Morro Bay Golf Course. If you can't travel to California, there are still ways you can celebrate. You could take part in the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife program, and plant a habitat garden with milkweed and nectar plants for returning monarchs to enjoy. Planting locally native species of plants is the best. Look over some regional guides so you know what to plant in the area you live. You could take part in Butterfly Heroes, another program of the National Wildlife Federation, which is designed to help kids and families raise awareness about declining populations, and to help them to get involved in helping monarchs and other butterflies. The National Wildlife Federation is working to save and restore monarch habitats, and more could be learned about it. You could also learn about the number of Western monarchs in California with Western Monarch Count, encourage your mayor to take the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, or could watch a documentary about monarch migration.

Source

[davidternst]

Sands of Oblivion

“Sands of Oblivion” (2007) buries a bright idea in a banal B-movie. The ingenious plot twists allows this “Egyptian curse” story to filmed on location in California without ever having to pretend otherwise.

The “Sci-Fi Channel original” cribs most of its plot points from Stephen Sommers’ “The Mummy” (1999). The one ray of inspiration is its link to what was once a real-life legend, “The lost city of Cecil B. DeMille”. The great director would release his silent film epic, “The 10 Commandments” in 1923. Thirty-three years later, he remade his own movie, starring Charlton Heston as Moses. The second version was filmed on location in Egypt and at Mount Sinai itself. However, for his first version of the Exodus, DeMille traveled just 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) northwest of Beverly Hills. There he found the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, an 18-mile-long strip of land (20,000 acres) that receives more annual rainfall, but on a clear day can pass for the Saharan Desert. Nowadays it is a national wildlife refuge, home to more than 120 species of rare plants and animals.

DeMille had built on site “the City of the Pharaohs”, which at the time was the largest and most expensive movie set in Hollywood history. The “Egyptian temple”, for example, measure roughly 120 feet in height and 720 feet in width, and was flanked by 21 plaster sphinxes thought to weigh a few hundred pounds each. In addition to the set, which blended ancient Egyptian symbols with 1920s Art Deco style, DeMille also created "Camp DeMille", a tent city with street signs and a 24-hour canteen for 3,500 actors and crew members.

After filming was complete, DeMille decided that he did not want to pay for hauling out the elaborate set. But he had signed a contractor with the Union Sugar Company, which owned the land then, to leave no trace of the production after he left. But that only applied to the surface of the soil, so DeMille had everything buried beneath the sand. For decades, no one knew exactly where this burial site was. But in the early 1980s, a pair of amateur archeologists claimed to have found it, and spent the next 30 years raising money for the excavation. The project was finally completed in 2017, 10 years after “Sands of Oblivion”. Their efforts are chronicled in a 2016 documentary “The Lost City of Cecil B. DeMille”.There is an exhibit on the recovery at the Dunes Center museum in Guadalupe, California.

Now, the premise of “Sands of Oblivion” is that DeMille took a trip to Cairo, Egypt, and purchased on the black market authentic Egyptian relics to adorn his “City of the Pharaohs”. One relic bore an authentic curse and the real reason DeMille buried the set was to save the world from the ancient being released by the curse. This all is explained for the viewer in flashbacks which bring the contemporary “action” to a grinding halt, but really are the most interesting part of the movie. Cecil B. DeMille is portrayed by Dan Castellaneta, whose other claim to fame is being the voice of Homer Simpson (Doh!). He gives the best acting performance, really convincing the viewer that this must be what the larger-than-life director was like. The vengeful Egyptian deity is accidentally set free once more, and it is up to a bookish but beautiful archeologist and a former soldier to stop “the power of the 10 plagues” from being unleashed on the modern world.

Which is a repetition of the 1999 movie’s error. The 10 Plagues are from the Bible, not ancient Egyptian mythology. Each plague was intended to demonstrate the power of the God of Israel over the forces of nature worshipped by the Egyptians. Each plague challenged the Egyptian gods associated with the natural elements and aspects of life they governed. Through the 10 Plagues, the Lord showed that it was an easy matter for Him to change all the blessings of the country into curses.

The Nile was the primary source of fertility and life in Egypt. Changing the water of the Nile to blood (Exodus 7:14-24) was a direct strike against Osiris, Egypt’s god of fertility and agriculture. This miracle also challenged other Nile-related gods: Khnum (source of the Nile), Hapi (flooding), and Sopdet (fertility through floodwaters), as well as Nu, Naunet, Tefnut, Nehet-Weret, and the fish-goddess Hatmehit. The plague of frogs (Exodus 8:1-15) mocked Heket, the frog-headed goddess of fertility and water. The plague of lice from the dust of the earth (Exodus 8:16-19): Geb, the god of the earth. The plague of flies (Exodus 8:20-32): pestilence and decay, instead of regeneration and life provided by the god Khepri. Death of livestock (Exodus 9:1-7): Hathor, the cow-headed goddess of livestock, and Apis, bull-headed god of livestock. Boils and sores (Exodus 9:8-12) : Sunu, Sekhmet and Isis, deities associated with medicine and healing. Hail and fire from the sky (Exodus 9:13-35) : the goddess of the sky, Nut. Neither Nut nor Set, god of storms, could defend the Egyptians against the devastation delivered by the true God. Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20): Both Set and Osiris, linked to vegetation and agriculture, were both shown to be powerless as locusts consumed the crops of Egypt. Darkness at midday (Exodus 10:21-29): Ra, the sun god. Death of the firstborn, including the son of Pharaoh (Exodus 11:1-10;12:29-30) : the living god-king of Egypt himself. Pharaoh was believed to be the incarnation of Osiris and his son, the incarnation of the god Horus. In fact, all the plagues challenged not only the power of the gods, but the authority of Pharaoh.

The “finger of God” in the 10 Plagues overwhelms the magic of Pharaoh’s sorcerors (Exodus 8:19). But the Israelites not only are spared the worst of the plagues, they gain their liberty from slavery in Egypt through God’s mercy, their sins forgiven through the sacrifice of a lamb at the institution of the Passover (Exodus 12:1-28; 31-51). For New Testament believers, Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, has become our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:8) and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea from slavery to freedom a sign of cross from death to eternal life through the water of baptism.

[pismolighthousesuites]

Pismo Beach Golf & Leisure: The Coastal Escape You Deserve

If you're craving the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and rejuvenating relaxation, look no further than Pismo Beach golf paired with serene spa experiences. Nestled on California's iconic Central Coast, Pismo Lighthouse Suites offers the ideal base for travelers looking to tee off in the morning and wind down in the evening—all just steps from the ocean.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, a casual weekend player, or simply in search of a relaxing getaway with some fresh coastal air, Pismo Beach delivers the best of both worlds. Here’s how to create your dream leisure itinerary—complete with top-rated golf courses near Pismo Beach and indulgent spas in Pismo Beach CA.

The Allure of Golf in Pismo Beach

Let’s start with what brings so many to the area—Pismo Beach golf. With year-round sunshine, ocean breezes, and scenic backdrops, golfing on the Central Coast isn’t just a pastime—it’s a full sensory experience.

Several golf courses near Pismo Beach cater to every level of golfer, offering breathtaking fairways surrounded by rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and lush landscapes. Whether you’re practicing your short game or ready to tackle a full 18 holes, you’ll find a course that matches your pace and preference.

Here are a few of the top options:

1. Pismo Beach Golf Course (Short Course)

Located just minutes from the hotel, this walkable 9-hole course is a great option for a quick morning game or family-friendly round. It’s easygoing, scenic, and a great warm-up for more competitive courses nearby.

2. Cypress Ridge Golf Course

Just a short drive from Pismo, this 18-hole championship course in Arroyo Grande is a favorite for its mature cypress-lined fairways and challenging layout. The course blends natural beauty with expert design—a must-play for those seeking a memorable round.

3. Monarch Dunes Golf Club

Offering both an 18-hole championship course and a par-3 challenge course, Monarch Dunes in Nipomo gives you a taste of world-class golf near Pismo Beach. With coastal breezes and links-style design, it’s a scenic experience from start to finish.

From the Greens to the Spa

After a satisfying morning on the course, there’s nothing like sinking into tranquility. For those who dream of a "tee and be pampered" vacation, you’ll be glad to know that spas in Pismo Beach CA are just as abundant and inviting as the golf courses.

From beachfront massage studios to full-service wellness centers, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and reset.

Top Spa Options Near Pismo Lighthouse Suites:

Sandcastle Spa & Salon: A serene seaside retreat offering massages, facials, and body treatments just steps from the beach.

The Cliffs Spa: Set atop oceanfront bluffs, this spa offers luxurious treatments with panoramic views of the Pacific.

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa: A bit further north, this wellness hub includes fitness amenities and full spa services in a peaceful garden setting.

Treat yourself to a post-golf massage, facial, or body wrap. It’s the ultimate golf in spa combo that elevates any Pismo Beach getaway.

Leisure at Pismo Lighthouse Suites

Of course, when you're not on the green or indulging in spa bliss, Pismo Lighthouse Suites makes it easy to enjoy downtime with style. Our all-suite oceanfront hotel is designed for travelers who appreciate both adventure and relaxation.

You’ll enjoy:

Spacious two-room suites with ocean or pool views

A Play Deck featuring life-size chess, ping pong, and more

Oceanview hot tub and heated pool

Complimentary breakfast to fuel your mornings

Direct access to the beach

And if you're traveling with family or friends, there’s plenty of room to unwind after a day of Pismo Beach golf or a long soak at one of the local spas.

It’s Time to Tee Off & Chill Out

Imagine this: You wake up to the sound of crashing waves, sip your morning coffee on a private balcony, then head out to play a scenic round of golf. After the game, you return for a massage and watch the sunset from a bluffside hot tub. This isn’t a dream—it’s a reality waiting for you in Pismo Beach.

Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a guys’ golf getaway, or a self-care weekend, the pairing of golf courses near Pismo Beach and relaxing spas in Pismo Beach CA offers something for everyone.

At Pismo Lighthouse Suites, we make it easy to find that perfect balance. From tee time to me time, your Central Coast escape starts here.

Book Your Coastal Leisure Escape Today

Ready to plan your stay? Check availability and secure your suite at Pismo Lighthouse Suites today. Explore the best of Pismo Beach golf, unwind with spa days, and make every moment of your trip unforgettable.

👉 Your relaxing, revitalizing, and fun-filled coastal getaway is only a reservation away.

[americasgreatoutdoors]

Propelled by relentless ocean waves and strong onshore winds, small grains of sand accumulated to form the impressive dunes of Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge in California. Stretching inland from the Pacific Ocean, the migrating dunes are home to a unique ecosystem of plants and animals, like the northern elephant seal, the western snowy plover and the California red-legged frog. Two remote hiking areas offer visitors a chance to explore this dynamic landscape in peace and solitude. Photo by Ian Shive, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

[insidewarp]

https://blog.mariokroes.com/post/144667099539/nipomo-dunes-by-mario-kroes

[anthropocenesketchbook]

My final sketching stop on my trip south was Oso Flaco Lake, also in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex. It was later afternoon and the swallows were very active catching their evening meal. #osoflaco #osoflacolake #guadalupenipomodunes #naturesketching https://www.instagram.com/p/BxGWyOzgS8t/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t86wd1e6ct96

[oceanbreezehomes-blog]

664 Barberry Way Nipomo CA 93444 | Blacklake Golf Course Home for Sale

Embrace the best golf lifestyle in this property near the Blacklake Golf Course

Exceptional community amenities, a stunning park-like backyard, and a genuine sense of tranquility are just a few of the attractive advantages on offer at this updated Blacklake property which offers a relaxed and serene lifestyle in an idyllic golf community setting.

Nestled on a tranquil location, this 1,970 square feet Nipomo home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

The owner has adored not only the home but also the close-knit community and its many activities; however, the time has arrived to move and she is ready to sell.

Enjoy the well-lighted interior of this spacious Nipomo CA golf home

Beautifully maintained, the interior features a neutral color palette which provides a visually pleasing backdrop to everyday living. 

The home unfolds into your choice of three living areas, with the living room extending to the right of the foyer, and the formal dining room, kitchen, and family room extending to the left side. 

Plantation shutters grace the windows, giving you better control of privacy while allowing plenty of fresh air and natural light inside the house. An inviting gas fireplace in the living room offers warmth and comfort.

The owner loves to cook and entertain, hence the large kitchen and formal dining room. If you love to entertain, you’ll truly appreciate this dining room that can comfortably seat 12.

The huge eat-in kitchen is perfect if you also enjoy cooking and baking. This kitchen has newer appliances so you won’t have to worry about repairs or replacement for a few years. Large cabinets provide plenty of storage space for your kitchen appliances.

Along with the tile countertop, there’s also a good-sized island for additional counter and storage space. A breakfast nook is set by the side of the large windows, providing you a view of the lush backyard as you enjoy your meals.

Having a family room ensures there’s plenty of space to entertain and unwind. The glass sliders conveniently open to the patio, a natural indoor to outdoor transition.

Three bedrooms provide privacy with the master bedroom serving as the ultimate retreat. This spacious room guarantees that you wake to peaceful views with large windows revealing a portion of the well-maintained garden.

An ensuite with upgraded shower and countertops add to the appeal of this master bedroom. Cabinets were also added during the upgrade to ensure you have more storage space.

This golf home also has an office space so you can conveniently work on your business.

Complete relaxation and serenity are yours in this golf home’s stunning backyard

A perfect outdoor oasis is waiting for you in this home in Nipomo.

Outdoors, there's plenty of space to relax and unwind. The outdoor patio with trellis has a park-like feel with its plants and flowers. Set it up with an outdoor barbecue grill, and you have a fun outdoor living space where you can also entertain.

Completing this Blacklake Nipomo home package is a 3-car garage with a section for a golf cart

Look forward to an amenity-filled lifestyle in the Blacklake Golf Community

If you love well-maintained homes and you enjoy joining social activities, you'll enjoy living in the Blacklake golf community.

This community is well-known for exceptional amenities, beautiful landscape, Blacklake golf course, and proximity to conveniences. Living in this community means being able to play a 27-hole course whenever you like. All you need to do is drive your golf card to the first tee and you're set to play.

As a resident, you have easy access to the clubhouse, bar and grill, pro shop, and RV storage spaces.

There are several retail stores and restaurants in Downtown Nipomo, eight minutes away. For more choices, you can head to  Santa Maria, 16 minutes away.

This community is only two miles to Monarch Dunes Golf Club, seven miles to Highway 101,  and 12.5 miles to Pismo Beach.

Experience golf lifestyle at its finest in this pristine home in Nipomo, priced at ONLY $625,000.

For more information about this home or other homes for sale in the Blacklake golf community,  visit http://www.OceanBreezeRealEstate.com

Call me, Margaret Morris, at 805-709-8535 to schedule a private showing of this gorgeous home.

[lowbarproductions]

On my way to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes #ilovecalifornia #californiabeauty https://www.instagram.com/p/CqJ7CCjLO3b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sunmarketing]

Monarch Beach and Paso Robles Wineries

In this episode: FAQ is: Need services for handicapped? Where can you go for information?

  Today’s Destination is: Monarch Dunes and Paso Robles Wineries, CA

Today’s Mistake- Trusting the first person you ask for directions

Travel Advice:  Visit your local zoo or park and get some outdoor fun. 

FAQ: Need services for handicapped? Where can you go for information?

  Answer: We talk about ability-travel here often, so listen if you want to know more.

I have a friend named Kathryn who is traveling the world now, when she can, and doesn’t let her handicaps keep her from going. She works full time as a teacher, and travels weekends and holidays. She went on a summer trip to Australia and New Zealand and we spoke while she was there.

  She says there are plenty of services available to those with a lack of ability, and to seek help when you need it. The best advice is to try to stick to a morning routine, as much as possible. 

  Here’s a few companies that specialize in travel for those situations. 

  Arrange Accessible accommodations by contacting your hotel and requesting a special room.

Arrange assistance while flying and try to get special accommodations.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

  Make sure travel insurance includes medical, because medical is not covered by most plans when you are out of the country. 

Enroll in the Smart Travelers enrollment Program (STEP)

  https://step.state.gov/step/

Here’s a few companies that specialize in travel for those situations. 

Mobile International USA

Curb Free with Cory Lee

Flying Wheels Travel

Accessible Journeys

Open Doors Organization helps people with travel challenges.

https://opendoorsnfp.org/

  https://www.cntraveler.com/story/tour-companies-dedicated-to-travelers-with-disabilities

Today’s destination: Monarch Dunes and Paso Robles Wineries, CA

  Monarch is a butterfly that was well-known in this farming area of Nipomo, CA. and inspired a development of 1200 homes surrounded by beautiful beaches and farming agriculture. 

  Many people travel to Nipomo for the golf experience. There’s a community of homes, built by Shea Homes that could double for a land-based cruise ship, except it’s not. It’s a community that pops out of nowhere of single family homes. The activities are resort-like and the atmosphere is healthy-looking adults in their 60’s and 70’s. These baby boomers are living large and have their desserts. Many drive Tesla’s. Many have 3 car garages. Some are on the golf course and others on the vineyard, facing the ocean. The breeze is nice here, but the blowing sand gets old fast. There is a ton of sand to sweep. The clubhouse has a pool and spa, plus there’s a shed for throwing pottery and Bocce Ball courts by the pickleball courts. It’s open to the public.

  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32785-d624263-Reviews-Monarch_Dunes_Golf_Club-Nipomo_San_Luis_Obispo_County_California.html

  You’ll also find some great wine tasting in Paso Robles. less than an hour from Nipomo. The region got its reputation of being a wine destination in the 1960’s, starting with the soil scientist from San Luis Obisbo, and Jack Niven was the soil and fruit expert known in this region.

  https://www.goldmedalwineclub.com/winery/niven-family-wine-estates-san-luis-obispo-county

  In Paso Robles it is known by winemakers that the same fruit can taste different even when grown as little as 2 miles away. Patience is key in wine growing here as well as in other wine regions. 

  I visited this July 4 weekend 2022 and stayed in the resort-like area with friends. They played pickleball. And I went to the swimming pool and spa. We planned wine tasting and other cultural adventures. One of those was at the Baileyana winery, on a warm July afternoon, looking over the vineyards from a tent outside in the parking area, surrounded by grassy areas and a building that held the wines. We had a couple of hours tasting and eating our picnic lunch. We arranged this ahead of time and it was easy to find the location and parking.

Our wine expert was Martha, who attended UCSB and has been here for nearly ten years. Baileyana is owned by the Wine Exchange now, who also own Bread Butter in Napa and Chronic in Paso Robles.

  https://www.wxbrands.com/

  Do visit a winery and tour a vineyard. Bring a picnic lunch and buy a bottle at the winery.

Don’t forget to make a reservation. Golfing, wine tasting or a meal. You may need to reserve in advance, so plan ahead if you can.

Today’s Mistake- Trusting the first person you ask for directions

  I get lost a lot. I ask for directions most of the time. This week, I got lost in a casino. I was unable to find where I was going. I found an employee and asked for help. They sent me in the wrong direction, so I got lost again. The next person gave the right directions, and I found my way to my destination. Don’t always trust the directions until you find it’s correct.

  Today’s Travel Advice-Visit your local zoo or park and get some outdoors fun. 

  Get outdoors. Leave the devices behind and spend time with the animals, tree life and make a friend. What is your favorite Zoo? My favorite is the World Famous San Diego Zoo. They are now part of the Wildlife Alliance.

Check out this Dr Travelbest episode!

[rabbitcruiser]

(California) Western Monarch Day 

California Western Monarch Day, known informally as Western Monarch Day, was established by the California State Legislature in 2004. The day celebrates the annual migration of the Western monarch butterfly during the winter months—from about October through March—to California's central coast, the only major overwintering spot in the world for the butterflies. The holiday was established with the understanding that it would positively impact tourism and educational programs. Indeed, many visitors come to the area during the migration, boosting tourism at a time of the year when it is otherwise sluggish.

Events are held around the state of California on the day or on a nearby date. In past years, an event has been held at the Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, California; a "citizen science butterfly count" led by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been held at the nearby Limestone Canyon, and the largest celebration in the state has been held at the Pismo Beach State Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach. One of the most popular destinations for butterflies in the state, and one of the largest butterfly colonies in North America, Pismo Beach regularly has over 20,000 monarch butterflies clustering in its tall eucalyptus trees.

In addition to Pismo Beach, monarch butterfly groves can also be found in Nipomo, Los Osos, and Morro Bay. In Nipomo, at the Monarch Dunes Butterfly Habitat, up to 60,000 monarchs visit each winter, and make their homes in a grove of blue gum eucalyptus trees. There are two groves in Los Osos: Monarch Grove Natural Area and Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. Monarch Grove Natural Area is made up of 18 acres and is located at the end of Monarch Lane. Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is made up of 24 acres and is located on the Morro Bay estuary. It has been managed by the Morro Coast Audubon Society since 1989. In nearby Morro Bay, Morro Bay Golf Course Monarch Butterfly Grove can be found at the center of Morro Bay Golf Course. Monarchs sometimes come to the grove of eucalyptus trees by as early as August and cluster themselves low on the branches.

As monarchs can't survive cold northern climates, they migrate to warmer climates, sometimes traveling a distance of over 1,000 miles. One of the only insects that migrate, they do so twice a year—like birds do—traveling to a warmer climate and then back again. Western monarchs live west of the Rockies. During the summer months, they can be found in canyons or near rivers in the West, Southwest, and inland in states from California all the way up to British Columbia. A few can be found on the coastal Pacific Northwest as well. Numbering in the tens of thousands, they migrate west and south, mainly nesting in California's central coast. Eastern monarchs, which far outnumber their Western counterparts, live east of the Rockies and migrate south to the high mountains of central Mexico. Monarchs can also be found in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, and on some islands in the Caribbean; those butterflies do not migrate.

Monarchs start as caterpillars. They subsist only on milkweed, a plant that produces glycoside toxins. The caterpillars are immune to the toxins, but predators are not, and are deterred from feasting on the caterpillars because the toxins get stored up in the caterpillars' bodies and make them taste bad. The caterpillars grow and molt for two weeks, form a chrysalis in which they complete metamorphosis, and turn into butterflies. As butterflies, the toxins are still in their systems, still protecting them.

Most adult butterflies only live for a few weeks. During that time, they subsist on nectar from many kinds of plants, search for mates, and look for milkweed on which to lay their eggs. The last generation of monarchs hatch in late summer, and they may live as long as eight months. They don't reach sexual maturity right away and instead make the fall migration. Despite never making the journey before, they know exactly where to go. They remain inactive during the coldest months, but around March, they become sexually mature and then mate. They die soon afterward, and their offspring finish the migration back north.

Between the 1990s and the end of the 2010s, the monarch population declined by about 90 percent, largely on account of habitat fragmentation and loss. Both urban development and intensive agriculture took a toll on habitats. In addition, herbicides killed the milkweed and nectar plants the butterflies feed off of, and insecticides killed the monarchs themselves. Lastly, climate change altered weather patterns and the timing of migration. Because of the drop in monarch numbers, it seems all the more pressing to have a holiday dedicated to them and to the beauty and the mystery of their yearly migration.

How to Observe California Western Monarch Day

Many events are held on or around the date and can be attended if you are able to travel to California. You could check to see if an event is being held at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, where in past years butterfly experts have educated and answered questions, and native plants have been available to plant. You could see if the Irvine Ranch Conservancy is hosting a "citizen science butterfly count" at Limestone Canyon. The best place to go for an event is Pismo Beach State Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach (the event may be held on a nearby Saturday). At this event, there are butterfly talks and educational booths for adults, and art activities for children. The biggest part of it, of course, are the thousands of monarchs that can be seen hanging in clusters from eucalyptus and pine trees. The grove usually opens in October and stays open throughout the month of February, and docents can be found giving daily talks. You could also visit other butterfly groves today, such as the Monarch Dunes Butterfly Grove in Nipomo, the Monarch Grove Natural Area or Sweet Springs Nature Preserve in Los Osos, or the butterfly grove in the Morro Bay Golf Course. If you can't travel to California, there are still ways you can celebrate. You could take part in the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife program, and plant a habitat garden with milkweed and nectar plants for returning monarchs to enjoy. Planting locally native species of plants is the best. Look over some regional guides so you know what to plant in the area you live. You could take part in Butterfly Heroes, another program of the National Wildlife Federation, which is designed to help kids and families raise awareness about declining populations, and to help them to get involved in helping monarchs and other butterflies. The National Wildlife Federation is working to save and restore monarch habitats, and more could be learned about it. You could also learn about the number of Western monarchs in California with Western Monarch Count, encourage your mayor to take the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, or could watch a documentary about monarch migration.

Source

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Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Preserve

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Sphinx head discovered in California desert

Archaeologists digging in the sand dunes of Santa Barbara County, California discovered a 300-pound sphinx head. Notably, the artifact does not date back to ancient times but is only 95-years-old. The sphinx is actually a prop from pioneering filmmaker Cecile DeMille's 1923 movie The Ten Commandments. It was part of the so-called "Lost City of DeMille," a massive Egyptian set made for the movie. From the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center:

https://boingboing.net/2017/12/06/sphinx-head-discovered-in-cali.html

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Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, California - by Ian Shive

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Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

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