"Who Was That Masked Man?"

 A few weeks ago Moth and I decided to take a day off each week just for ourselves and explore some of the places nearby that we have always been too busy to visit.  So last week on a beautiful afternoon we set off to explore the Leo Carrillo Ranch -- about 30 minutes away.  Armed with bottles of water, a book for Moth and binoculars and camera for me, we set off.

If you're old enough to remember The Cisco Kid, you've dated yourself! Although we have lived in Carlsbad 36 years we have never been to the Cisco Kid's Ranch.  It it less than 30 minutes away. Last week we finally made it to what is actually known as "The Leo Carrillo Ranch." Carrillo played the part of the Cisco Kid

This was the first thing we saw.  But not to worry, we hardy, stalwart, converted Californians weren't worried a bit.  We didn't intend to go far on the trails even though the ranch is 25 acres.  Though hardy and stalwart, we actually like our comfort and that's what we were looking for -- somewhere quiet and beautiful, one of us to read and the other to watch birds.  I'd better tell you now, we didn't see any rattle snakes.  Since living in California all these years, we have had one or two in our back yard, but not recently.  I always make a lot of noise with my feet before doing much watering in the back yard.  They really aren't there just waiting to bite you.  So if  you make a lot of noise chances are they will slither away -- and chances are there weren't any there in the first place.  Many, many houses have been built behind and around us since we saw the last one -- oops -- I just remembered we did have a couple of baby ones not too many years ago.

 

The grounds around the ranch house were absolutely beautiful.  I will post a couple of shots for today and some more probably on Monday.  This is what we know as typical southwestern house and grounds only very well kept up.  But I have to tell you that any green grass you see is artificial turf!!  We are in a drought time in a desert climate so though we were a little disillusioned, it really only makes sense because we need all our water.  In addition you really have to go up and touch it to make sure that it is certainly artificial.

 

I think this is part of the caretaker's house.  We didn't really note the historical influence because we just wanted somewhere pleasant to sit and enjoy all the beauty around us. Remember I can do only very limited walking.

 

I thought this pottery was a nice contrast to the succulents on either side of it.  The plants were a deep mahogany red and shone like someone had polished them.  Beautiful!

 

About 50 yards away was the patio with three beautiful wooden tables and chairs (made out of wood from Thailand, it said on the back).  It was very comfortable and there we made camp for a couple of hours.  We chose the table in the shade because it was such a beautiful day.  We brought our own water and I just happened to have a couple of chocolate cookies in my bag.  I can't imagine how they got there!  Now we know how nice it is we will bring a flask of hot tea like all good Britishers do on a picnic!  There is nowhere to buy anything, it's strictly for viewing enjoyment and we were very careful not to leave a trace.  There is a picnic area not too far away under some eucalyptus trees, but that's mainly for families.  It has swings -- and maybe -- snakes???

 

 This was our view from the patio.  Notice the arch by the bouganvillea.*

 It was a perfect afternoon.  I saw a flock of cedar waxwings which we don't get in our neighborhood, some bush tits, tree sparrows and song sparrows.

*I have some really good shots of this, but Blogger is not cooperating!!!  Does anyone else have problems with blogger freezing up  -- especially when accessing other blogs through the dashboard?

I will post some more tomorrow when perhaps blogger will behave itself.