Southern California - Day 4 - Big Bear Lake

Day 4 (Sept 23) - Big Bear Lake

Today we explored other areas of Big Bear Lake, including talking to the observatory.

We also went on a few other short hikes

Drove around the lake

Drove further into the mountains 

 (and even saw a bobcat near the skyline trail)

and then went to explore the Stanfield March Wildlife/Waterfowl Preserve

Southern California - Day 5 - Salton Sea

Day 5 (Sept 24) - Salton Sea

To break up the drive home today, we decided to make a detour and visit the Salton Sea.

While the view of the water was nice

The beaches were disgusting, with the sand filled with dead fish and beached boats.

From there, we took a detour to the International Banana Museum to get a snack

and observe the huge collection of banana-related stuff.

Fun in WI

We visited family in WI and had fun in New Glarus and the surrounding areas. 

We tried to stick dollars to the ceiling at Puempell's tavern.

We visited statues that used to creep me out as a kid.

These statues can be found just outside of Hollandale, at Nick Engelbert's Grandview.  

We also checked out the trolls in Mt. Horeb.

Miami (AZ)

 I drove through Miami today. It was sunny and warm but I couldn't find the beach.

Los Angeles Zoo

I went to Los Angeles for a work conference. Tonight we had a social event at the zoo. I couldn't resist playing on the giant snake