Sunday, March 26, 2017

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

by Stacey Kuhns


Even Features a Paved Trail to Accommodate Wheelchairs!


Mission Trails Regional Park is 7,220 acres of adventure and discovery for the entire family. It is located at 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail in San Diego, CA, 92119. This park represents a San Diego prior to the landing of Cabrillo in San Diego Bay in 1542. It is one of the largest urban parks in San Diego and now is the best time to visit. There are handicap accessible areas and even a long, gorgeous paved trail to accommodate wheelchairs! No one needs to miss out on this amazing park.

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


My boyfriend, my service dog Henson, and I, have been to the park on several occasions and each one is a different experience depending on the time of year. My boyfriend hikes there regularly, but due to my disabilities, I am unable to do the climbs he does there.

No matter, I am able to enjoy miles of trails throughout the park. We visited there about 4 months ago. It was a good hike, but the landscape was mostly brush and all the stream beds were dry. We visited there last weekend and it was like another world! I was amazed and had the most wonderful day. It was still hot (so bring plenty of water if you go), but it was lush, flowers were blooming everywhere, and the streams were flowing quite well. Gorgeous.

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


We started at the East Fortuna Staging Area. There are mostly flat, easy trails until you get towards the hills. You can choose a variety of trails to take and can spend a few hours hiking or hike all day. We mostly had the place to ourselves (got there around 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning). We spent hours there just walking around, enjoying the greenery, resting in the shade when needed, and Henson loved playing in the streams (on leash at all times). There are marsh areas with water birds (courtesy of the recent rains). We did run into a few areas, unexpected, where we had to cross over water to continue on the trail (again, courtesy of the rains), so you may want to wear boots just for that reason. I was in tennis shoes and did fine, but needed help crossing some areas just because of my disabilities.

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


The grasses were so long and beautiful. It just felt like our own slice of paradise. We saw more flowers here and more of a variety than we did in Anza Borrego the weekend before. (Click Here for That Story)

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


The most popular area is the Old Mission Dam. There is a small parking lot very close to the dam. The history is fascinating; love this area. Old Mission Dam. History: When the population of San Diego de Alcala Mission grew during the late 18th century, so did its demand for water. The Spanish colonists solved the water shortage problem by building what is likely the first major colonial irrigation-engineering project on the Pacific Coast.

Known today as Old Mission Dam or Padre Dam, this National Historic Landmark collected water near the head of Mission Gorge on the San Diego River, and its five-mile-long aqueduct provided the mission with water for American Indians and Spanish colonists. Though damaged by floods, earthquakes, and human activity, the dam's stonewall continues to hold water. This impressive colonial ruin is a public site that visitors can enjoy within San Diego’s Mission Trails Regional Park.

The mission community started work on the dam after the drought in 1803 and completed construction of the larger irrigation system by 1817. When the laborers finished, the dam was 220 feet long, 12 feet high, and 13 feet thick. The laborers used cobblestones, bricks, and cement for the dam wall, and they laid tiles on the bed of the long aqueduct to keep water from seeping into the sandy ground. The aqueduct, which ran from the dam to the mission, was two feet wide and five miles long.

The community used the water to support its people, agriculture, and herds of cattle and sheep. After the secularization of the California missions in the 1830s, which followed Mexican independence, the dam fell into disrepair. By 1867, the dam and aqueduct were in ruins. In the 1870s, residents of the mission valley restored the dam. The historic dam still disrupts the flow of water in the San Diego River. There is fishing allowed here and there were families with their kids fishing.

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


The dam area is always a bit more crowded but there is shade to relax in, you can sit on the walls and just watch the water, or there are picnic tables for a snack or lunch break.

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


Further down the trail from the dam is a bridge and then a number of trails to explore.

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


Water was flowing quite swiftly under the bridge which was amazing to see. Lovely areas to walk along the water (but they are not trails so you do have to move some tree branches out of the way and step over uneven rocks and things to get there). I was able to do it with help so it is not that difficult.

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


After spending most of the day hiking around, we decided to drive the Father Junipero Serra Trail through the park. There are many, many more trails to hike along this trail and this is where the paved area is for wheelchairs, bikes, strollers, etc. It is also accessible from the dam trail area. The drive is so beautiful, we did it twice!

There are many flowers growing along the rocks and you can see patches of flowers all the way up the hills and mountains. There is also a stream that runs alongside the paved area, but there is very little parking and just a few pullouts (also, there is a warning of rock slides if taking a chance of parking on the sides of the road).


Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips

Mission Trails - Worth Multiple Trips


Mission Trails Regional Park is worth a visit, or a few visits. And best of all, it is free! If you get down there, spend the day, and want to take a lunch break, there is not much in the area. There is a large convenience store (appears to be independently owned). Inside the store is a Subway, open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. A great place to pick up items to take into the park for a picnic. The store and Subway are located at 7757 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, 92071. Very friendly, good service, and clean.

I hope you visit the park and let me know your thoughts about your visit. I personally prefer this time of the year as opposed to summer when it is too hot and things are dry, but my boyfriend loves the summers there.

Enjoy exploring San Diego!


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry

Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry


Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry
This Wedding Set comes in a really nice gift box which includes a gift bag, gift card, and of course, your stunning three piece, 3 CT Created White Sapphire Wedding Set. Oma can tell you if you want a ring that sparkles and draws attention, this set by Jeulia is the one.

Now one of the things that annoys me about big rings is that it usually snags everything all the time. Oma has been wearing this ring for a week now. It is super comfortable, sparkles and most importantly does not catch on things.

In case you are wondering what a ‘Created White Sapphire’ is:

Stones that are created in a lab and are chemically, physically and optically identical to those mined underground. However, they have fewer flaws, a lighter carbon footprint and cost less, too! (I.E.- CZ is 8 on hardness, this created sapphire is 9 [next to a diamond 10]).

The Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set is made of 925 sterling silver and will not turn your finger green.

Since the set includes three separate rings, you have the alternative to mix and match the trio for you own favorite style.

Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry

Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry

Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry

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Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry

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Jeulia 3PC 3.0 CT Radiant Cut Created White Sapphire Wedding Set #JeuliaJewelry


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on November 1, 1776. It celebrated 240 years on November 1, 2016! 


When somebody hit the power pole down the street from my friend Veronika’s place of business, she took the opportunity to take a mental health day since they had no power in the office. She took her bike to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano… teasing me with the photos below. 


Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day


Mission San Juan Capistrano was named after an Italian saint. St. Giovanni da Capistrano (John of Capistrano in English) was born in 1386. Through most of his early adult years, he lived a secular life outside the church. He attended law school, and became a magistrate, and then a governor over Perugia in 1416. Only a few years after becoming governor war broke out in his land. He was assigned as an ambassador of peace to Malatesta, but when he arrived, they threw him in prison. While he spent time in prison, he began to think more about spiritual matters.

Eventually, he decided to give up all material things, and surrender his life to serving God by joining the Franciscan Order. Upon taking the vows of service, John spent time learning theology and the art of preaching. After receiving his priesthood, he traveled all over Italy, Germany, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Russia preaching forgiveness and penance. On his journeys, he preached to great crowds.

It was said that when John entered a town to preach all business stopped. The people of the community dropped all that they were doing to hear him speak. Catholic administers also highly valued John’s passion and energy in reforming the church. He was sent all over Europe by the Pope and other important leaders to continue positive changes.

While in Frankfurt, Germany in 1454, he was asked to give advice about the crusade against the Turks. Not only did he provided insight into the upcoming battle, he joined it! John accompanied the famous Hunyady throughout the campaign: he was present at the battle of Belgrade, and led the left wing of the Christian army against the Turks. Soon after battling the Turks, John caught the deadly bubonic plague and died on October 23, 1456. John was beatified in 1694, and canonized as a saint in 1724.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is known worldwide for the Cliff Swallows return each year. Father John O’Sullivan started the legend and celebration of the Cliff Swallows in the early 20th century. Cliff Swallows migrate from South America to North America in the spring and summer for breeding. Although San Juan’s legend claims these migrating birds return promptly on March 19th it is silly to assume this true. Cliff Swallows are wild animals and migrate according to weather patterns; therefore, do not always return the exact day each year.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

By Stacey Kuhns


Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Ed Miner and I decided we were going to drive to the desert to see the amazing blooms everyone was talking about. We left Henson (Service Dog) at his favorite place (day care) at 7 a.m. and took off for Anza Borrego.


Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom



 Would we ever do it again? Hell no! The drive is pretty, especially since everything is so green now. We got to Borrego and stopped on the side of the road to check out some flowers. They were pretty but definitely not the massive bloom everyone was talking about. 

When we got to the intersection to turn into the Visitor's Center, we knew this was probably a mistake. They had all their rangers out on the roads trying to control the crowds and answer questions. We were allowed to drive up to the Visitor's Center, since I am disabled, so Ed could drop me off but the rangers were pretty mean and would not let him turn into the parking lot. They said it was full. So, he dropped me off and went to go park (over a quarter of a mile away). I was pissed because when I walked into the parking lot, there was plenty of parking and Handicapped parking spots available. 

I called Ed and told him to turn around but he said there was no way he could as it was a nightmare with all the cars. I sat in the shade at the center and listened to a volunteer talk about where the best blooms were (3 times through the talk before Ed was able to get back to find me). It was very very hot (I do not do sun and heat well at all). 

We decided to go right to one of the areas they recommended seeing so we had to hoof it back to the car. It was a very long way for me and I was having a difficult time. When we got back to the car, the line of traffic on the road leading to the Visitor's Center was insane. Luckily, we were heading in a different direction. We made it to the place they recommended (Henderson Canyon Road). We were pretty underwhelmed. (You have to either stay in the desert or know the exact time to get there to see the best bloom. Otherwise, within a few days, the heat and caterpillars have decimated the flowers). 

It was pretty, don't get me wrong, but no variety of color (other than yellow and white) and it was sparse. If you take a picture looking out over the desert, it looks beautiful, but if you look down, it is pretty sparse. Anyway, we stayed for a bit. Glad I packed water, sandwiches and apples because the few restaurants and food cart places were jammed.