Tag Archives: ground squirrel pictures

The South Bay Freeway and Mary Augustine Bridge

Out & About

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

A few days ago I was exploring South County, along our only toll road, State Highway 125:

South Bay Freeway map

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Known as the South Bay Freeway, there are not too many exits and entrances, it’s illegal to stop on the freeway shoulder, and the police do, well, police the freeway…. Makes it difficult to go exploring. However, I did find one spot where I parked the car and went exploring on foot, eventually finding the Mary Augustine Bridge:

Mary Augustine Bridge

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Mary Augustine Bridge, South Bay Freeway, San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Mary helped found the Bonita chapter of Equestian Trails, Inc., in 1969, and in 1975 helped found the Bonita Valley Horsemen. Mary worked tirelessly on various trails projects throughout San Diego County, but mostly in the Bonita Valley.

Chula Vista Golf CourseBonita’s first large trails project was the current trail around the Chula Vista Golf Course and was a major project that Mary helped move along. Today it is used heavily by walkers, joggers, runners, bikers, and horse riders.

In the late 1970s, Mary headed the Sweetwater Trail project from the east side of Sweetwater Summit Park east towards Jamul. It was dedicated on July 17, 1980. Other major trails that Mary helped create include those through Bonita Downs, Bonita Woods Park, Bonita Ridge, and Ranchito Robinwood.

The Mary Augustine Bridge was dedicated in 2007. Here is a view of the South Bay Freeway from the bridge.

South Bay Freeway from Mary Augustine Bridge

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

I found a few places to sit….

South Bay Freeway in San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

South Bay Freeway in San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

…and watch the wildlife:

Black Phoebe, South Bay Freeway, San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Ground squirrel, South Bay Freeway, San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Rabbit, South Bay Freeway, San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Surprisingly, I saw no horses and only one person, a jogger:

Jogger at Mary Augustine Bridge, South Bay Freeway, San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

I tried to find a map with the exact location of the Mary Augustine Bridge but was unsuccessful. You’ll just have to go explore the South Bay Freeway like I did!

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

I'm Zoey the Cool Cat, and I approve this post

Looking for real estate services in San Diego County?
I can highly recommend
James Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award, DRE #01458572

If you’re looking for a home inspector,
I recommend Russel Ray — that’s me!Real Estate Solutions

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Squirrel at Chollas Lake Park in San Diego

Today’s walk at Chollas Lake Park

Out & About

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Today I took some bread and the other half and went for a walk at Chollas Lake Park, an extremely nice park that I discovered last November 11. Some pictures of the park wildlife for your enjoyment.

Canada goose lost in San Diego:

Canada goose in San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

This goose had wings that look like they were broken, facing outward:

Goose

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Some of the friendlier geese were nibbling at my hand even though I had given all my bread to the squirrels.

Goose

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Goose

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Goose

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Goose

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

This little Muscovy Duck was chasing all the little children. I’m not sure who was having more fun, the duck or the children.

Muscovey duck

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

There was a guy and gal throwing bread in the air and watching the gulls swoop in to catch it. I got a great video which I’ll post tomorrow with my South Bay Power Plant implosion video.

Flying gulls

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

I saw more American Coots per square inch of water than I’d ever seen before. Reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. There are two mallards in the picture, too, a male and a female. Can you find them?

American coots

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Remember those squirrels I mentioned? Friendliest and cutest little fellas in all the world.

Squirrel at Chollas Lake Park in San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Squirrel at Chollas Lake Park in San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Squirrel at Chollas Lake Park in San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

Squirrel at Chollas Lake Park in San Diego

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

I found one goose that had clawed feet, something I’ve never seen before. After finding this bird, suddenly I was looking at the feet of all the geese and ducks. (Hmmm. Foot fetish?) This was the only bird with clawed, webbed feet.

Goose feet with claws

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

The Queen of the House was not impressed.

Zoey the Cool Cat

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos

I'm Zoey the Cool Cat, and I approve this post

Looking for real estate services in San Diego County?
I can highly recommend
James Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award, DRE #01458572

If you’re looking for a home inspector,
I recommend Russel Ray — that’s me!Real Estate Solutions

Pictures copyright 2012 Russel Ray Photos