A Walk on the Beach at Torrey Pines Preserve

Last week I went for a 15 minute walk between customer visits at the Torrey Pines Preserve. My drive to work was along this coast each day. Pretty nice scenery. Hoping for more sun but I guess in the fall the San Diego area gets a heavy marine layer on it many days. It was really foggy and a gloomy all week. The sun would only break out briefly at times in the afternoons.

First part of the slideshow is on top of the cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I found the ice plants to be most beautiful, almost like fall colors. However I am told the colors are likely more a sign of stress including lack of water. I've been to San Diego over a dozen times for business, yet to see such coloration. Also the sand formations as if slowly eroded over time by brief rains are fun to look at.



First at the cliff overlooking the ocean, I then drove two blocks down the hill to beach. There is lowland marsh that at high tide fills up and there is a diversity of creatures around. I real marshy smell, somewhat pungent. Talked to a fisherman who was catching sea perch. Most were the size of small sunfish however am told they do get in upwards of 5 lbs and taste delicious. The fisherman told me he was just here to relax, he did not care what size they were. A 1 oz lead ball with a leader about a yard off of it with a #4 hook and plastic worm did the trick. He would just chuck out into the surf, then feel for the bumps and set the hook. Constant action, most of the fish too small to impale themselves on a #4 hook.



Also the fisherman told me about Lake Cuyamaca that sounds just like LNL. He said the stocked trout are s blast to catch and taste great. There are even other stocked lakes that are 30 minutes or less from San Diego. Lake Cuyamaca sounds more promising though. Higher altitude so colder, more suitable for trout.

Lastly, if you are in the area I highly recommend The Fish Market in Del Mar or San Diego. I generally get the jumbo panko scallops or the mesquite grilled red snapper, both under $12. Plus you can buy fresh fish here too and a good oyster bar. Heck they even have smoked rainbow trout if you desire.