orange county

Yesterday Kona and I ventured out to the Back Bay in Newport Beach. The weather was perfect in the morning with just enough cloud cover to keep it cool, and plenty of new scents for Kona to investigate.

We shared the road with joggers, walkers, and cyclists. Luckily, there are three lanes for each activity, so we didn’t bump into anybody. Next visit, to avoid the crowds, we’ll arrive earlier in the morning or come during the week.

Unfortunately, I forgot dog treats, so getting Kona to look at me is going to take some doing. Kona’s rule: no treats, no lookie into camera.

The Back Bay is officially the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve, and is a home for thousands of birds, many endangered. We saw some ducks, but strongly advised Kona against chasing them out of the water.

There were many little wild flowers. I especially loved these white ones.

Beautiful homes overlook the bluffs. This would be a perfect place to observe wildlife while the sun is rising or setting.

We headed back to the car just as the sun started to shine through the clouds.

Overall, I’d say this was a very successful new adventure. I wouldn’t hesitate to make a return visit.

Cheers to a fabulous Sunday evening, friends!

~ Woofs and wags, Lori & Kona

We woke up to bright sunshine this morning, instead of the usual June gloom. I decided it was a perfect day to hike the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Kona agreed.

Kona seemed to enjoyed exploring new scents from the multitude of critters that pass through this reserve, and like clockwork, sneaks away from me to get a quick roll on a dead bird when my back is turned. Dead birds = stinky puppy.

There is usually a wide variety of birds hanging out next to the water’s edge, ranging from beautiful cranes to predatory hawks and vultures.

The wetlands have a unique beauty. I love the huge, rusty old oil pumps seesawing slowly, groaning and squeaking. Growing up in Huntington Beach, these were always a part of the urban scenery.