We went to the dahlia show at the Botanic Gardens today (more about dahlias in a subsequent post). After we came out of the exhibit hall, we took our usual route through the gardens.
The first stop along the route is usually the Japanese Garden where a pond and waterfall set a tranquil mood. Several beautiful Garabaldi and Koi populate the serene waters of the pond.
This Koi was one of the most beautiful and exotic fish in the crystal clear pond today. Click on the image to enlarge.
These pretty Morro Bay ground squirrels are little beggars. They’re bold and crawl over to you and sit up, expecting you to treat them to a morsel. This one was panhandling next to the famous Morro Rock when we drove out to get a closer look. There were dozens of them, all boldly approaching each visitor who got out of their cars.
Bear has encountered more new stuff over the past year than in her entire 11 years. She had her first encounter with snow in Flagstaff and at the Grand Canyon last December and last week with the sand on the beach near Morro Rock. She did really well with both, but watch out for the cockleburrs – she pulled a couple out from in between her toes after the first walk out there.
When we went to pick up the RV today, we had to wait a bit while they got the rig ready for us. It was rather warm today and Bear was ventilating doggie-style. It’s a good thing we got her hair trimmed for summer, or she might have been even warmer.
We’ll start posting vacation pictures tomorrow. We’re in a campground near Buellton tonight. The real sightseeing starts tomorrow.
We took Bear to the vet today. The vet diagnosed her with skin allergies and seborrhea. The recommendation – give her a summer trim and medicated bath.
She looks like an entirely different dog. Images below: Winter Bear in the snow and Summer Bear on our driveway just after getting home from the groomer. Click to enlarge.
Verna and I went to the South Coast Botanic Gardens today. As we entered the Japanese Garden by the koi pond, we encountered a pair of Ruby Meadowhawk dragonflies (sympetrum rubicundulum) flitting about the area. One lighted on a lily by the pond and posed for this image. Click to enlarge.
