Sunday February 7, 2010
Malibu, California
Sunshine and Bright Blue Skies
Rains stopped and Sunday turned into a beautiful day. I made a resolution this year to do a minimum one hour hike once a week. But because of the rains, I knew most of the trails will be very muddy. So today, instead of a trail, I decided to walk to the Point Dume Natural Reserve which is very close to where I live. Before Japan, I would drive to the reserve (1-3 minute drive), park and walk around. But after living in Japan without a car and walking everywhere, I decided to walk to the reserve. It was a nice walk except for the short walk along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) with cars zooming by me.
Rainy season in SoCal is a dangerous season because of the mudslides and flooding. But it also turns the mountains from a barren brown to a bright green dotted with colorful wild flowers. While walking to the reserve, I noticed beautiful native flowers in full bloom lining the roads.
Not sure what the name of this plant is but I found it interesting and pretty.
Again, don't know the name of this tree, but it is all over Malibu. The flower is bright red/orange and beautiful. I am going to have to find my botanical book and do some research.
Another interesting native plant.
Birds of Paradise: I know this plant and they thrive in Malibu.
About 20 minutes later, I arrived at the reserve. During low tide, there is a trail that starts at Westward Beach, takes you through the reserve, back down to the beach and through Paradise Cove. I've never done it but plan on doing it after the rainy season. It is supposed to be one of the most beautiful trails in Southern California. Today though I wanted to just enjoy the reserve.
The entrance to the Pt. Dume Natural Reserve: It is located in probably Malibu's most expensive real estate area.
After a few minutes walk into the reserve, the fields became alive with bright yellow wild flowers. I also just noticed a spot in the upper left corner of the photos. I wonder if the lens is dirty although I've cleaned it twice before taking photos. Hmm, might have to go to a camera store to get my Sony Alpha checked out and cleaned.
Wildflowers of the reserve.
Of course, since it is SoCal there are cacti also.
The view of the ocean from the reserve is beautiful. Everyone thinks Malibu faces West but actually, most of it faces South. There is a beach called Westward Beach which faces West but most every other beach faces South.
Looking southward toward the ocean
View of Westward Beach from the reserve.
Point Dume was named by the English explorer George Vancouver in the late 1700s.
Pt. Dume – so beautiful.
I spent about 2 hours walking around Point Dume and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to do the trail from Westward Beach to Paradise Cove. Stay tuned!