Exploring Southern California

We made our way down to Temecula for a quick cup of coffee at Kate's favorite coffee shop. Then it was off to San Diego's Wild Animal Park. Unlike the zoo, the Wild Animal Park is full of tropical animals that are endangered or are close to it. Most of the animals are from Africa.
I had this guy give his presidential pose.
There is plenty to see including a tram that guides you out into the "open" where the animals are able to roam with lots of space.
This bird is called the secretary bird. It did not like us and went nuts when we stared at it.


Giraffes seldom sit down in fear of predators taking advantage while resting.

We only got to see one lion.
Ostrich eggs= 22 chicken eggs.

Momma with her baby. Not even a month old! Dad got some great video of the baby face planting after a misstep. It was hilarious! I'll post it if I can.


After the Wild Animal Park we headed toward the ocean to grab some dinner and watch the sunset. We made a quick stop by Mission San Juan El Capistrano to view the old church used to convert Indians to christian around 1776. Below, the prickly pears were in bloom.

We arrived after the mission had closed for the day and could only see a small part through the gate.

Katie and Cheryl in front of one of the gardens.

We ended the evening with a Mexican food in Lauguna Beach and a rather smoggy and disappointing sunset.

Today we had the day off. The parents went to L.A. for a conference. I'm not sure if this conference really exists or if they really just needed some time away from Katie and I's craziness.