February 28

Monday, I drove about a mile from our Redondo Beach rental to hike in Hopkins Wilderness Park, an 11-acre camping and study area, established to provide a wilderness experience within an urban environment. Unfortunately, dogs were not allowed so Remi stayed back. The early afternoon weather was cloudy with a temperature 58 degrees and no wind. Leaving the parking lot, I headed north on a ½ mile perimeter trail and paused to observe a pair of large Red-Eared Sliders resting on a rock in a small pond. The surrounding landscape contained a variety of trees including: Eucalyptus, Sycamore and Allepo Pine with clusters of male pollen cones. As the path turned east, I noticed some colorful wildflowers among the meadow grasses including Yellow Wood Sorrel and Wild Radish. All parts of this radish plant are edible including leaves, flowers and of course, the roots which taste similar to a cultivated ones. Turning south, I followed the path down a steep grade to a marshy area where I could see and hear lots of birds including a Black Phoebe and a female Anna’s Hummingbird. Hummingbirds flutter their wings at a remarkable 80 times per second! Further ahead, I gazed high overhead to see a Red-Tailed Hawk perching on top of a telephone pole. Since this natural oasis in the city attracts lots of songbirds, I wasn’t surprised to see a raptor such as this one searching for prey. As the trail turned west, I noticed some of the Lemonade Berry bushes were beginning to bloom. Near the end of the trail, I spotted the white blossoms of a Wild Plum tree and paused to enjoy their sweet scent. Finally, I found the car and headed back to our rental.

…For a brief moment I held my breath

Hoping time could stand still as it was right then

A moment in time filled with peace, comfort, and warmth

As I walked, I felt the gentle breeze following me along the shore

As I bent to pick up grains of sand

I felt the breeze whisking them from my hand

Just as quickly as the sifting sand fell

And was carried back to the ocean floor

My time here at the ocean was coming to an end

And I would leave, leaving behind a part of me

That would forever remain a part of the mighty sea.

Carlotta McKnight