Ramona Hawk Watch: A Front-Row Seat to Southern California’s Raptor Migration

https://www.wildlife-research.org/hawkwatch

If you love wildlife, big skies, and birds of prey, the Ramona Grasslands Hawk Watch in San Diego East County offers a free, up-close way to experience some of North America’s most majestic raptors in winter. Set against the sweeping open landscapes of the Ramona Grasslands Preserve, this seasonal program draws both casual nature lovers and serious birders alike.

What Is Hawk Watch?

Upcoming 2026 Saturdays 10am to 12pm

January 3rd, 10,17, 24,31

February 7,14,21, 28

Ramona Grasslands Hawk Watch is a free weekly wildlife education event hosted by the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) most Saturdays in January and February at Begent Ranch in Ramona. While it shares its name with traditional migration “hawk watches,” this program is more than just counting birds — it’s a hands-on learning experience for all ages

Hawk Watch is an informative educational Biologist Talk and Q& with Falconry or ambassador raptors for you to see up close and personal. The seated program lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. After the presentation there is an option for additional roadside observations of wild raptors and other wildlife including bald eagle nest where you will drive your own car less than 2 miles on paved roads and come and go at your leisure.

Biologists and local expert volunteer observers will help you spot and identify birds and show them to you through our high-powered professional telescopes. In the event of rain, we will still have the educational program inside the barn, but the usual falconry flight displays will not occur in the barn. There is no hiking portion of Hawk Watch, but we recommend wearing sturdy shoes for uneven terrain and going on your own to the nearby Ramona Grassland Preserve hiking trail after the program. Hawk Watch is wheelchair accessible, and we recommend using one if walking on uneven terrain could be a safety hazard for you. We hope you can make it!

Explore Mount Helix Park: Best Viewpoint in San Diego

Mount Helix Park offers 360-degree views of San Diego, easy access, and stunning sunsets. Discover why this East County viewpoint is a local favorite.

https://www.mthelixpark.org

Mt. Helix Park is open to the public 365 days a year, but it follows seasonal daylight-based hours (gates are locked at night).

🕒 Park Hours

Summer (Daylight Saving Time): ~5:30 AM – 7:00 PM mt-helix-park
Winter: ~5:30 AM – 5:30 PM mt-helix-park
Always subject to change for special events, rentals, or closures.

Rising more than 1,300 feet above sea level, Mount Helix Park offers one of the most expansive viewpoints in East County San Diego. Located at the border of La Mesa and Spring Valley, the hilltop park provides panoramic views stretching from downtown San Diego to the Pacific Ocean and east toward the region’s rugged inland terrain.

Mount Helix itself got its name from the helix aspersa snail once found on the hill, a local naturalist curiosity at the time. At the summit sits a stone amphitheater that has served as a community gathering place for decades. The site is best known for its annual Easter sunrise service, along with concerts and civic events held throughout the year. A large cross, visible from miles away, stands near the amphitheater and remains a prominent—if sometimes controversial—feature of the park.

Mount Helix Park is easily accessible by car, with a short paved walkway leading from the parking area to the top. While the park does not offer extensive hiking trails, its accessibility and unobstructed views make it a popular destination for photographers, sightseers, and locals seeking a quiet overlook.

Clear days offer visibility across much of San Diego County, while sunset brings changing colors and city lights that make the park especially popular in the evening hours. Despite its modest size, Mount Helix Park continues to be one of East County’s most recognizable and frequently visited viewpoints.

The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Where the Holidays Meet the Harbor
Meta description: Celebrate the 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights—best viewing spots, photography tips, and why this waterfront tradition remains a holiday favorite.
Suggested categories: San Diego Events, Holiday Traditions, Coastal Photography
Suggested tags: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, San Diego Christmas, Holiday Lights San Diego, Waterfront Events, Night Photography

San Diego’s signature holiday tradition returns to the waterfront, transforming the bay into a moving festival of color, music, and maritime creativity.

A Holiday Tradition on the Water

For more than five decades, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has marked the start of the holiday season with a spectacle found nowhere else in Southern California. Now in its 55th year, the parade brings together dozens of privately owned boats—each decorated from bow to stern in synchronized lights and themed displays—that glide across the bay after sunset.

What makes this event special isn’t just the scale of the decorations, but the setting itself. With the downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, and working harbor as a backdrop, the parade captures the essence of San Diego: festive, coastal, and community‑driven.

How the Parade Works

Participating vessels line up along the bay and follow a designated route that allows spectators on both sides of the water to enjoy the show. Boats range from small sailboats to large yachts, all competing for top honors in categories such as best overall decoration, originality, and best use of lights.

The parade traditionally runs on two consecutive weekend nights, giving locals and visitors multiple chances to experience it. Each evening culminates with a slow, scenic procession that keeps the boats visible long enough for photos, cheers, and the occasional holiday sing‑along.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. There is no cost to view the parade.

2025 Parade Theme is Out of This World

The procession will start at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade route.

The APPROXIMATE arrival time of the parade at various locations are:

Shelter Island (start of parade) 5:30 p.m.
Harbor Island 5:45 – 6:15 p.m.
Seaport Village 6:20 – 6:45 p.m.
The Embarcadero 6:50 – 7:15 p.m.
The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park 7:20 – 7:30 p.m.
Ferry Landing on Coronado 7:40 p.m.

Best Places to Watch (and Photograph)

One of the parade’s strengths is accessibility. You don’t need a ticket to enjoy it—just a good vantage point.

Popular viewing locations include:

Seaport Village & the Embarcadero – Ideal for wide shots that include boats and skyline reflections.
Shelter Island – A favorite for photographers, offering unobstructed views and calmer crowds.
Coronado Ferry Landing – Perfect for capturing boats with Coronado lights in the background.
Cesar Chavez Park – A relaxed setting with room to move and frame different angles.

For photography, arrive early to claim a spot and plan to shoot through blue hour, when the remaining daylight blends with the glow of the lights on the water.

Local Residents Find Space to Grow at the Tijuana River Community Garden

The Tijuana River Community Garden, established 2002, has become one of the most active green spaces in the South Bay, offering residents a place to grow food, strengthen community ties, and cultivate a shared connection to the land. The site of the community garden lies in the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park (TRV), a region that historically hosted agricultural operations, including vegetable farms, dairies, and ranches. Over time, many farms in the valley experienced floods, soil disruption, or were abandoned.

The commercial success of large-scale agriculture in the valley was severely curtailed by flooding and, most critically, by the ongoing transboundary pollution issue. Beginning in the mid-20th century and accelerating rapidly due to Tijuana’s population growth and inadequate infrastructure, the Tijuana River became a major conduit for raw sewage, industrial waste, and sediment.

2025 brought renewed urgency around environmental issues in the surrounding valley. The region has been affected by a persistent sewage and pollution crisis — runoff and untreated wastewater from across the border entering the valley, leading to toxic contamination in water, soil, and air. As a result — and citing “health and safety of gardeners, farmers and staff,” and “increased flooding and related challenges in recent years” — Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCDGSDC), a non-profit/quasi-governmental organization tasked with environmental conservation projects locally announced it would end its lease and management of the garden in October 2025.

In November 2025, the county selected Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center (OGLC), a nonprofit based in National City, as the garden’s interim operator for up to one year. The appointment of Olivewood Gardens as interim operator provides continuity for now, but long-term viability depends on final negotiations, environmental remediation, and the ability to ensure safe operation.

Lindo Lake County Park: Lakeside’s Natural & Community Haven

Lindo Lake County Park is open from sunrise to sunset for public use. The park is approximately 55 acres in size and features a skate park, children’s playground, softball field, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and open spaces. There are roughly 1.5 miles of ADA-friendly, multi-use paths, including a popular loop trail around the lake that’s about 1.2 miles long — perfect for leisurely walks, jogging, or pushing a stroller.

With water basins, wetlands, and lakeside habitat, the park attracts a variety of waterfowl and birds — a draw for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas

Leashed dogs are welcome around the lake. Many locals use the loop trail for daily dog walks.

🐦 Bird-Watching Tips

Bring binoculars for the east basin — that’s where most waterfowl gather.
Look for:
- Great blue herons
- Snowy egrets
- Cormorants
- Mallards
- Canadian geese
- Red-winged blackbirds
Early morning is the best time for spotting and photography.

🐦 Pro Tip:

Stand quietly near the shallow inlets — birds often forage close to shore.

A Museum Built for Makers

https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com

Visit the Museum

Thursday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM
3190 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, California
Phone: 760-727-9492
Admission is Free (Donations gratefully accepted)

The Carlsbad Engineering Museum is a celebration of invention, curiosity, and the creative minds who push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a lifelong tinkerer, a parent looking for an engaging family outing, or simply someone who loves discovering hidden gems, this museum deserves a spot on your San Diego itinerary.

The museum does a fantastic job blending cutting-edge tech with historical context, helping visitors appreciate how far engineering has come—and how much farther it can go.

You’ll find exhibits covering a wide range of topics:
Robotics & Automation – Watch small-scale robots navigate mazes, respond to sensors, and demonstrate the fundamentals of programming.
Mechanical Engineering – Explore gears, pulleys, levers, and other simple machines with build-your-own mechanisms that kids and adults both love.
Electricity & Circuits – Snap together circuits, power lights and buzzers, or try your hand at wiring more complex components.
Aerospace & Flight – Learn the science behind lift and drag, and put your knowledge to the test in flight simulators or paper-airplane wind tunnels.
Engineering History – Discover early inventions that shaped modern technology, from vintage drafting tools to early computing devices.
The museum does a fantastic job blending cutting-edge tech with historical context, helping visitors appreciate how far engineering has come—and how much farther it can go.

Oasis Camel Dairy: Ramona’s Most Unexpected Adventure

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to meet a camel up close—right here in San Diego County—there’s a place where curiosity turns into delight. Tucked into the rolling hills of Ramona, Oasis Camel Dairy is one of Southern California’s quirkiest and most memorable rural attractions. Part farm, part sanctuary, and part hands-on learning experience, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after you’ve brushed the camel dust off your shoes.

A Day at Oasis Camel Dairy: A Unique Animal Adventure in Ramona, California

What Is Oasis Camel Dairy?

Oasis Camel Dairy is a small, charming farm known for its herd of dromedary camels, gentle giants with expressive faces and plenty of personality. The dairy also produces camel-milk skincare products, hosts open farm days, offers camel rides, and gives visitors a hands-on glimpse into the world of camel care.While camels might seem like animals you’d only meet on an overseas vacation, this Ramona farm makes the experience feel surprisingly personal, accessible, and welcoming.

The Experience: Meeting the Camels

The moment you arrive, you’ll notice how relaxed, open, and friendly the atmosphere is. The camels often gather along the fences, curious about new visitors. During open farm hours, you can:

Feed the camels (watch your fingers—they’re enthusiastic eaters!)Pet them and learn about their behavior and history Watch demonstrations on camel training and milking Ask questions—the staff genuinely loves sharing stories and tips

Kids tend to be mesmerized by how tall and gentle the camels are, while adults appreciate the peaceful vibe and wide-open scenery.

Try a Camel Ride

One of the highlights of visiting Oasis Camel Dairy is the chance to ride a camel. These are short, guided rides perfect for first-timers. You’ll mount from a raised platform, settle into the saddle, and enjoy a slow, smooth loop around the training area.It’s a fun mix of novelty and nostalgia—like riding a piece of history.

More Animals to See

Beyond camels, the farm is full of friendly faces:

Mini sheepSpotted sheepColorful birdsFarm dogsOccasional baby animals depending on the season

It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to wander slowly, snap photos, and enjoy the simplicity of farm life.

Don’t Skip the Gift Shop

The on-site shop is small but full of treasures. Oasis Camel Dairy is known for its camel milk skincare line, including:

Handcrafted soapsLotion barsCreams and balmsBath itemsEven camel-milk chocolate

Everything is made in small batches, making it great for souvenir shopping.

Why You’ll Love This Day Trip

Oasis Camel Dairy offers a refreshing break from the typical San Diego itinerary:

It’s unique—how often do you get to hang out with camels in California?It’s quiet and peaceful, surrounded by rural hills and open skyIt’s fun for all ages—kids, couples, families, solo travelersYou’ll leave with stories, pictures, and maybe a new favorite farm animal

If you’re exploring Ramona wineries or driving out toward Julian, this stop fits perfectly into a scenic day trip.

Travel Tips for Visiting
Check the schedule: Open farm days rotate monthly.Wear comfortable shoes: Paths are dirt and gravel.Bring water and sunscreen—Ramona gets warm.Arrive early for rides: They’re popular and sometimes limited.Expect a rustic setting: The charm is in its simplicity.

Checkout their website for events, open farm dates, fees and more

https://cameldairy.com/home

Final Thoughts

Oasis Camel Dairy is one of those rare places that surprises you in the best way. It manages to be educational, relaxing, and genuinely charming—all while giving you a chance to meet animals you’d never expect to find in Southern California. Whether you’re planning a family outing or searching for a unique travel story, this Ramona farm is well worth the trip.

King Tides at Imperial Beach

What Are King Tides, Anyway?

While “king tide” isn’t a strict scientific term, it’s widely used to describe exceptionally high spring tides. These happen when the moon and sun align in such a way that their combined gravity pulls the ocean to its highest highs.

In Southern California, including Imperial Beach, king tides happen a few times each year. According to local tide forecasts, high tides can reach around 7 feet, compared to the more typical 4–5 foot high tides.

2025 King Tide Outlook for Southern California

The California King Tides Project lists November 6, 2025 and December 6, 2025 as King Tide dates for some Southern California locations.
Additionally, December 4–5, 2025 and January 2–3, 2026 are major King Tide event dates.

Marigolds and Memories: Looking Ahead to Día de Muertos in Old Town San Diego

Forget spooky ghosts and goblins – Día de Muertos isn’t Halloween’s cousin. It’s a vibrant, heartfelt Mexican tradition celebrated primarily on November 1st and 2nd, dedicated to honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away. And there’s arguably no better place in San Diego to experience its magic than the historic heart of our city, Old Town.

What is Día de Muertos?

Rooted in ancient indigenous traditions blended with Catholic influences, Día de Muertos is a time when the veil between worlds is thought to thin, allowing the spirits of ancestors to return for a brief reunion. Far from being somber, it’s a joyful celebration of life and the continuity of family. It’s about sharing stories, favorite foods, music, and maintaining a connection with those who came before us.

Old Town Transformed: A Feast for the Senses (What to Expect This Fall!)

When late October rolls around, Old Town undergoes a stunning transformation. If you’re planning to visit this fall, here’s a glimpse of the unforgettable experiences that await:

A Sea of Marigolds & Memories (Ofrendas): Prepare to be moved by the countless ofrendas, or altars, that spring up throughout the neighborhood. Businesses, museums, historic homes, and community members create beautiful displays adorned with bright orange and yellow marigolds (cempazúchitl – the flower of the dead), flickering candles, photos of departed loved ones, sugar skulls (calaveras), and offerings of their favorite foods and drinks. You’ll find a large public ofrenda in the historic El Campo Santo Cemetery, where visitors are often invited to add their own mementos.
The Glow of Remembrance (Procession): The centerpiece for many is the candlelight procession, typically held on the evening of November 2nd. Starting near the Immaculate Conception Church on San Diego Avenue, hundreds gather, candles in hand, walking solemnly yet beautifully towards El Campo Santo Cemetery. Often accompanied by the poignant sounds of Mariachi music, it’s a powerful and unifying experience honoring those being remembered.
Music, Dance, and Art: The air fills with the festive sounds of live music, from traditional Mariachi bands to contemporary groups, often performing on stages like the one in Fiesta de Reyes. Dancers in colorful traditional costumes (Ballet Folklórico) bring energy and grace to the plazas. Don’t be surprised to see faces painted as elegant calaveras or Catrinas – face painting booths are a popular feature! You can also browse the Mercado de Arte, an open-air market featuring themed arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
Taste the Tradition: Many Old Town restaurants offer special menus featuring traditional Mexican dishes and festive Día de Muertos beverages. It’s a great time to try pan de muerto (bread of the dead) or savor authentic flavors.

Why Old Town is Special for Día de Muertos

Celebrating Día de Muertos in Old Town feels incredibly authentic. The historic adobes and streets, known as the birthplace of California, provide a poignant backdrop. The deep Mexican cultural roots of the community shine through, making it a truly immersive and respectful experience. It’s a community-wide effort, filled with participation from local businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Mark Your Calendars! Planning Ahead for November

While it’s still spring, keep these tips in mind if you plan to experience Día de Muertos in Old Town later this year:

When: The main days are November 1st and 2nd, but festivities often start earlier (sometimes kicking off October 1st in areas like Fiesta de Reyes) and run through the first weekend of November. The procession is usually November 2nd after sunset.
Getting There: Old Town gets very crowded during this popular celebration. Parking is extremely limited and challenging. Consider using public transportation (like the Trolley) or ride-sharing services. Plan ahead!
What to Expect: A vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere buzzing with activity. It’s celebratory but also respectful. Be prepared for crowds, especially on the main days.
Stay Informed: Specific event schedules, performance times, and activity locations can change year to year. Keep an eye on official websites like the Old Town San Diego Guide (oldtownsandiegoguide.com) or the Fiesta de Reyes website (fiestadereyes.com) as autumn approaches.

A Celebration of Life and Love

Día de Muertos in Old Town San Diego is more than just an event; it’s a beautiful expression of culture, remembrance, and the enduring bonds of family. It’s a chance to learn, to participate, and to witness a tradition that celebrates life by honoring death. Mark your calendars and prepare to be touched by the marigolds and memories this fall.

Have you experienced Día de Muertos in Old Town before? Share your favorite memory in the comments!

Soar Into October: Hawktober Returns in San Diego County

Every autumn, something special takes flight across San Diego County: Hawktober, the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual tribute to our local birds of prey. This year marks the seventh edition of the event — a month-long celebration dedicated to hawks, owls, falcons, and the many fascinating adaptations that make them apex aerial hunters.

What Is Hawktober?

Hawktober is a series of free educational workshops held in county parks, preserves, campgrounds, and nature centers. The goal? To bring wildlife education to local communities, connect people (young and old) with live animal ambassadors, and deepen appreciation for the roles raptors play in San Diego’s ecosystems.

See my Post on Hawktobere here https://socalexposure.com/2025/10/04/october-is-hawktober/

I attended the Saturday October 4th Event at the Tijuana River Valley Campground. The group was introduced to 4 raptor ambassadors

Ranger Danica introduced us to Ferris the Ferruginous Hawk Ambassador