December 7, 2004 - Celebrate the Winter Solstice Under the Stars, Among the Dunes
It's a shame we don't make a bigger fuss over celebrating the Winter Solstice. It really is a meaningful holiday - the shortest day of the year. Just think of it, after Winter Solstice, days get progressively longer, and nights shorter.
More light. Less darkness. Now that's something to celebrate! Especially for a sunlight lover like myself.
Now, you don't have to get naked, paint yourself blue, and dance around an oak tree like the ancient Druids. The Dunes Center has a better idea. They're holding their 6th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration at Rancho Guadulupe Dunes Preserve.
This is a family event (no naked Druids!) where you can view wildlife through night vision glasses and stargaze with telescopes. You can enjoy a bonfire, hot chocolate, music and storytelling.
The Dunes Center is located along the Central California coast - between Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara, in the small town of Guadalupe.
The cost is $15 for adults, and children are free. Reservations are required. Contact the Dunes Center at 1055 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe, CA 93434. Phone: (805) 343-2455
December 13, 2004 - Whale Watching Season Begins Along the California Coast
Every winter, the gray whales begin their annual migration from the waters around Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California. Come spring, they'll return to the Alaskan waters with their newborn calves. You'll find plenty of opportunities to see them in action from now through April.
During the winter months, whale watching tours and special events are held all along the California coast. But there are a few select locations that are outstanding at this time of year:
Monterey
The Monterey Bay Area boasts an abundance of wildlife, and is one of the world's prime spots for whale-watching excursions. A variety of whale species frequent the nutrient rich waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, so you may get the chance to see humpbacks, blues and orcas, in addition to the more common gray whales. You'll also find sea lions, sea otters, dolphins and birds.
If you prefer to stay on land, whales can often be spotted from onshore. And, of course, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-see. Stroking a bat-ray is a real hoot! (They feel like wet mushrooms.)
Ventura and Oxnard
Starting in early January, you can catch a whale-watching excursion from Ventura or Oxnard to view whales in the Santa Barbara channel. The trips are offered by Island Packers and last about 3.5 hours. This area is teeming with sea life, so you're bound to see something delightful, perhaps some playful dolphins or lazy sea lions.
This is a lovely section of California coastline, with sandy beaches and a well-developed waterfront. A great place for a little winter R&R.
San Diego
Several different whale-watching cruises operate out of San Diego. Or, if you prefer to stay on dry land, head to Cabrillo National Monument, where the Park Service offers special programs during whale-watching season.
San Diego is a lovely city, with near perfect weather and gorgeous beaches. If you just can't get enough of the wildlife, give Sea World a visit.
Click here for more information about whales along the California coast.
Click here for more places to watch whales from shore.
Click here for more places to take a whale-watching excursion.
December 16, 2004 - The Return of the Elephant Seals
It's that time of year, when elephant seals return to California beaches to make new elephant seals. And the place to see them is at Ano Nuevo State Reserve, fifty-five miles south of San Francisco.
The Reserve is a major gathering place for these very large seals year-round, but at this time of year they're out in force. Imagine, if you will, a herd of some 5400 animals, including 1700 pups. It's a spectacle, to be sure.
In order to protect the animals, access to the reserve is limited to guided walks during the breeding season. The walks are held daily through March 31, 2005 (except December 25 and January 22). They last 2.5 hours and take you on a 3 mile moderately strenuous hike over rolling sand dunes.
These walks are popular, and reservations are recommended. You can call toll-free to reserve at 1-800-444-4445.
Tickets are $5 per person, with children 3 and under free. The entrance fee to the Reserve is $6 per car. The walks are held rain or shine, and visitors should be prepared for cold, windy, rainy weather. Umbrellas are not permitted on the walks.
Equal Access Walks for those who are disabled are also available, on weekends only.
Ano Nuevo State Reserve is located on California Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, about 1.5 hours south of San Francisco.
Click here for more information on Ano Nuevo, with links to photos and the very informative official state park web site.
December 21, 2004 - Santa Barbara Hang Gliding and Paragliding Festival
Paragliding and Hang gliding enthusiasts can celebrate News Years day flying high in Santa Barbara. Weather permitting, participants will fly from La Cumbre Peak to Elings Park, where there will be more flying demonstrations.
Paragliding and hang gliding have been popular in this area for more than 28 years, and Santa Barbara is an excellent spot to learn the sport... or to just watch.
The festivities start at noon and end at dusk. Elings Park is located at the corner of Las Positas Road and Cliff Drive. It's a very unusual park, in that it's operated by a non-profit foundation. The Festival will be raffling off items to raise money for the Elings Park Foundation.
Click here for more information about the Santa Barbara Hang Gliding and Paragliding Festival.
Click here for more information about Elings Park.
