Sunday Feb 20th-Pismo Beach

WOW!  I love Pismo Beach.... the beach on the Pacific coast is very different from the East coast.  Took a 4 hour drive south to Pismo beach today.  Got up at 4:30 am, still on Jersey time..Huge rocks and cliffs everywhere.  We went to the first butterfly sanctuary today.  Since it is warming up, the Monarchs have started to leave the area.  We still did see many, but not as many as there were a couple of weeks ago.  The guides say that by next week, most of the monarchs will have left to start their spring journey once again.  So peaceful, so beautiful.  That was not a disappointment.  We walked along the beach as well, and since it was about 65 degrees and sunny, it was WONDERFUL!  There are so many wonderful teachers on this trip from all over Canada and the US.  Brian and Eric, our Monarch Network leaders, have done a terrific job setting up our tour.  Do you know why CA is called the "Golden" state?  Because of the gold rush?  Nope... it is because the hills turn a beautiful golden color in the spring and summer due to the lack of rain.  Strawberries are grown year round and can be seen growing in many areas on our way out to Pismo today.  Instead of scarecrow, guess what they use to keep the birds away???  Mylar slivers, like balloons.... (did I spell that right, mylar??)  There are silver slivers shining all over the fields where crops are growing.... these keep the birds away.... very interesting.... didn't know that.  

After visiting the Pismo sanctuary, we checked into the Best Western Cliff Lodge.  Yup, cliff is in the name.  That is because we are on a cliff, overlooking the ocean!!!  It is so beautiful.  We walked down some very long and narrow steps to get to the beach.  On the beach here there are caves and huge rock formations.  It was a lot of fun exploring the caves and talking to all the people from all over.  So many interesting conversations and instant connections. 

So far I feel like I am in a dream, can't believe how lucky I am to be able to spend this time with such wonderful people and at the same time learn so much!!! 

Early rise tomorrow.... on to Monterey I think..... will be exploring tidal pools to see the wildlife first hand.... sure hope the water is not freezing!!!!!  Getting my camera all charged up...

Still trying to upload pics to this blog......