Wind Wolves Preserve near Bakersfield, CA

About two and a half hours south from Fresno there is a Wind Wolves Preserve famous to be "the west coast's largest non-profit preserve". Indeed, at 93,000 acres, it stretches out miles and miles away from where you started. The rolling hills are green at this time of the year and appear to have a smooth cover of grass and wild flowers.

Given this is one of the wettest years in California, I expected to see more wildflowers, but only a few areas had plentiful spots of white, blue and yellow plants.

We took a long hike along the dried out river on the way back. Surprisingly, there was really no water even with the amount of rain we got this year. Sheep, however, did not mind.

On this hot winter day (did I say hot and winter in the same sentence? Yes! We are in California!) there was lots of sunshine, and my sunblock from last year just did not do the trick as I realized having come home.

Back to the trail... We started out on the Tule Elk Trail that has a pretty significant elevation in the beginning, but the flattens out and leads to the valley.

At about a 4.25 mile mark, we transitioned to the El Camino Viejo Mountain Bike Trail for a short period of time, and then merged into the San Emigdio Canyon Trail completing the 8.5 mile loop. It was a moderate hike for me because of the initial elevation gain, length and heat.

Here is the map of the Wind Wolves Preserve in case you decide to check it out.

Visit to Sherman Gardens and Library

On my way to San Diego, I decided to stop by Sherman Gardens and Library. It seemed like a nice place about 2 hours away from San Diego, and with a beautiful area to have lunch. Indeed, it did not disappoint.

On March 3rd, the weather was truly outstanding! Eighty three degrees Fahrenheit and sunny - who can argue with that?! I only stayed for half an hour there since I had an appointment for a massage in San Diego. There is plenty of street parking and even a private lot right in the back of the Gardens. Knowing I would not exceed the 1 hour parking rule, I parked on the street.

The entry fee is $5, and you can visit the library during the weekdays. Although I did not go inside the library, I did check out their antique journal collection:

Located right beside the library, the fountain provided plenty of seating and relaxation. Restrooms and the gift shop were just behind the french doors on the picture below:

On the other side of the garden, you could enjoy peaceful plantation of exotic trees and plants in the enclosed arboretum. There was not as much seating as I would have preferred, but in such a small place there is only that much that you can do.

I had lunch on site as well. It was really expensive and just ok, but the location cannot be beaten.

I loved this Lemon French Soda! And I really don't like soda!

This is a steamed beet salad with some sort of weird dressing - not bad!

I finished my walk in the gardens staring at a few happy turtles bathing in the sunlight and beautiful California flowers. I really love California, can't deny the pleasure of warm weather!