(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) During many years of running at Lake Murray, I have only heard one person say that they were disappointed in our lake. They didn't understand the hype about how wonderful it is. The woman said that the lake environs were dry and brown and she didn't see the attraction that many of us see. There may be other visitors to the lake that feel the same way.
Maybe they didn't see the flowers in bloom in the spring. Maybe they haven't seen the reflection of trees, Cowles Mountain or clouds on calm water. Maybe they didn't watch a raccoon family as mom and dad taught the youngsters to catch fish or, an osprey flying with a fish in its talons. Maybe they don't bird watch and see the many species of birds and water fowl, the coyotes lumber across the lake road, bob cats, or the swoosh of a great horned owl overhead in the dark. People who go to the lake and breathe air not laden with car fumes. We go to the lake to think, exercise, see nature and even to meet and greet.
Dale Stiver pointed out an immature red tail hawk that he had been watching and photographing for days. He told that he watched the hawk kill a squirrel. The bird tried time after time to pick the squirrel up in its talons but the squirrel was too heavy. Now don't laugh but Dale took the rodent to the post office and weighed it. It was 11/2 pounds. Credit to the hawk for thinking nothing is impossible and to Dale for his curiosity.
Dale took the photo on this page. He was watching the immature hawk and an older one scrapple over territory near Del Cerro Bay. Dale said that it wasn't really a fight and that each raptor flew off in different directions. It will be interesting to see who ends up with hunting grounds.
Ray Fox saw a 3 foot rattlesnake near Cowles Bay. He went into the bushes to pick up some trash and the snake was nearby. I saw a snake on the lake road near the Kiowa street entrance to the park. It was a bit longer than 3 feet and though it was brown, I didn't see any rattles. I stood by it so it would get off of the road. We need snakes, even rattlesnakes. We need to be aware of where we step but they shouldn't be killed. The lake is over-run with rats and mice. They are yummy meals for the snakes.
Dr. Ernie Shaw's son, Dr. Blake Shaw has an upcoming photo exhibit at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center. Blake gave a wonderful talk to the Friends of Lake Murray. It was a photographic trip across Route 66. He photographs flowers and Mexican themes. Once a month Blake goes to Mexico to donate his time and work as an ophthalmologist to the poorest people there. His exhibit reception will be at the Visitor Center on August 9th from 1-4 pm.
There are some enterprising parents that are forming a neighborhood group. They want to solicit funds to buy more play equipment for the kiddy park on Murray Park Drive. They are working out the technicalities and legalities with Councilmember Marti Emerald. There will be more information to come when we know more.
La Mesa's Environmental Sustainability Festival will be held on Saturday September 12th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Come to Harry Griffen Park, at 9550 Milden St. There will be information water conservation, solar cooking, pest control, xeriscape gardening and more. There will be activities for all ages including the County Office of Education's Splash Mobile and a series of speakers and free give-aways throughout the day. Visit www.cityof lamesa.com/EnvironmentalAwareness for more information. "Our Planet, Our Home."
The Friends of Lake Murray will be hosting the I Love a Clean San Diego on Saturday, September 19th from 9am to 12pm. Please come and help clean up our lake environs. We especially hope school groups will participate. We give out community service slips.
Our feeling is that if you pick up you won't throw down…we hope.
There will be no Friends of Lake Murray meeting in August. Our next meeting will be September 17th. We will however have our usual trash pickup on Saturday, August 8th. Meet at the boat dock. Stay cool.
To contact Barbara, call (619) 463-9706.
