Los Angeles Zoo – 23 DEC 2008

We went to the Zoo today to see the new baby Koala. 

Koalas are not bears as they belong to the marsupial family, the same as kangaroos and opossums. 

Since they sleep for 18-20 hours a day, I consider it a real thrill to find one awake when I visit the zoo. 

When Kirrhi was born on April 3rd, she was only ¾ of an inch long. Climbing into her mothers pouch she spent 9 months growing to become large enough to come out for a visit. 
We enjoyed checking out several animals.
We went looking for the Siamang gibbon (the largest of the lesser Apes). They were making lots of noise the night we slept at the zoo (see LA Zoo Summer Slumber – July 26&27, 2008). They have a unique large “gular sac” (throat pouch) that inflates to the size of their head, allowing them to make a very loud sound. We spent 10 minuets waiting for them to squawk but they didn’t start barking until we walked around the corner. Found some lovely plants:
It was so cold, the morning dew was still visible at noon.

Julian - 10 DEC 2008

Took a day trip to Julian, a historic gold rush, mountain town, an hour from San Diego. Turns out we pick the wrong time of year since the Julian Pioneer Museum was closed and we couldn’t get into the CA Wolf Center without a reservation…better planning next time. We did visit the Pioneer Cemetery circa 1870:
Found some interesting markers:
This unique marker has a 2001 date:
On the way home we saw a sign telling us a section of the road was being kept free from litter by Oasis Camel Dairy. Eve says to me, “You ever milked a Camel?” I reply, “No, and I’m not sure what you even do with Camel milk. Can’t say I’ve every heard about it being used for anything.” I was thinking maybe it’s not really a camel dairy but just a name like Camel cigarettes, and then I look to my left and off in the distance I see camels. I scream to Eve, “Look, Camels!!” but we had already passed another hill and they were gone. Eve gave me a look like I was making it all up, so I made a U-turn and headed back. Passing them again, I scream and Eve’s still not sure if she saw anything. So, I stop to turn around in a drive way and find the street name is “Camel Drive”. Returning for the third drive by, I pull off the road, there wasn’t much of a shoulder so I had to make sure there was no traffic behind us and I point out the Camels and babies to Eve. As we pull away, I say, “I know! I bet they use it in tea.” Eve, “Tea?” “Sure” I explain, “Haven’t you ever heard of camel-mil-tea?” 

The mystery was later solved: Oasis Camel Dairy