It was a gorgeous day in La Jolla, CA, and the California Sea Lions were basking in the sun and experiencing the relative safety of the picturesque beach and ecological reserve at La Jolla Cove.
Whale Watching
Went whale watching yesterday morning off the coast of Dana Point, but didn’t see any whales. We did, however, come across a huge pod of bottlenose dolphins (probably 100+) that seemed to enjoy showing off.
First Hike of the Season
This brave red-tailed hawk greeted me early this hazy morning as I began my first local hike of the season. The really hot temps are gone and I’m ready to spend a lot more time outdoors.
Bighorn Sheep Spotting
We saw a herd of Peninsular Bighorn Sheep off in the distance while hiking in Indian Canyons today—sorry for the shaky video. The lambs are so adorable!
Mule Deer Sightings at Big Morongo
We spent a peaceful morning exploring the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and were lucky enough to spot a small group of mule deer moving quietly through the brush. The air was cool, the trails shaded by cottonwoods and mesquite, and birdsong echoed through the canyon like a gentle soundtrack. It’s always a treat to see wildlife up close, especially these graceful desert dwellers with their oversized ears and calm, watchful presence. The preserve never disappoints — it’s a little oasis of life and quiet beauty in the heart of the desert.
Chicago Wildlife
A family of Raccoons live in the rocks near the Lake. They’re fun to watch.
Adventures in Costa Rica
Our week in Costa Rica included zip-lining through a tropical rainforest, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, and encountering wildlife I’d never seen before—like howler monkeys, coatimundis, sloths, and poison dart frogs. We flew into San José and chartered a small plane to Quepos, in Puntarenas Province, to reach Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforests and pristine beaches are among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
Kampas Life 