Special Title: San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2 of 2 

Today's Special issue is on :  San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2

Today's Mistake-Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong. 

In this episode: FAQ

Destination: Part 2 of 2 San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks is a conservation organization under the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and is a Step 1 or Step 2 destination.

The Wildlife Alliance is trying to create A world where all life thrives. They have two front doors. In this episode, we focus on the Safari Park, formerly known as the Wild Animal Park.

https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/

https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets

Ambassadors are all around.

Saving, protecting and preserving all around the world. 

Safari Park in Escondido, CA has been my favorite animal enclosure for decades. It's nestled in the San Pasqual Valley, north of San Diego by 30 miles and is part of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance. It's a bit of a drive from any large commercial airport, but even if you can get here for a few hours, you will be rewarded.

Why should you go there?

Go for a change of your routine and for exploration beyond your current experience. Gain new perspectives and learn something fresh about our world that you did not already know.

What can you expect when you arrive?

Parking fee. Yes, there is a fee at this location. If you ask about the fee, they will tell you it costs a lot to run the park and feed the animals. The only way to avoid the fee is to have someone drop you off or carpool and split that fee.

You get to the entrance and find kiosks to get tickets. If you purchase your ticket online, you save the wait. 

Walking around the park solo is easy to do. Get the app on your phone, so you will always be able to find your way around. If you prefer, get a paper map. There are ambassadors all over the park, wearing red shirts. Ask any one of them any relative question and you will be glad you did.

There is a tram that takes you to several places that are unwalkable. It's comfortable and free. You can pay extra to skip the line. The park is broken out by continents, so you will find certain species in specific locations. 

How much time should you spend here? A full day if you can. Take plenty of breaks and be sure to see the different parts of the park if you can, because 1800 acres is a lot of trail. Half of that is conservation trains, so off limits to walk. There are plenty of options to get around and see the full experience.

It's full of some of the rarest of species. for example, the only place outside of Australia where you will see platypuses is here. There are two here, and you can observe them in a cave-like experience, while they swim around.

The Wildlife alliance is laser focused on conservation, so they are trying to maintain high standards of sustainability as well as protecting the environment.

Kangaroos, and koalas are some of the best exhibits, so head to the Aussie side of the park, where you may find smaller crowds even on a busy day.

Me: Someday, I'd like to be a volunteer ambassador for the Safari park and join the hundreds of retirees who help out with hospitality and education. I have two friends here doing this now. They pick their available days and are regulars. I'm a current member and visit several times a year. It never gets boring.

Do: The elephants are easy to spot, and you see them pretty close up! This is one of my favorite exhibits.

Don't: forget to layer for the changing weather conditions, for it is usually hotter or colder than you'd expect in this San Pasqual Valley.

Today's Mistake: Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong. 

I was in the Pacific Ocean yesterday and got excited because it was such a beautiful day. However, my readiness was tempered by a huge wave that I did not anticipate, knocking me off my feet and swirling around in the surf with my boogie board pulled from me. My bathing suit was stretched out, sand all inside it and my ears felt like they got a sinus cleanout. That shook me hard. Don't swim without the lifeguard and watch of big waves.

Today's Travel Advice: Check out the Eastern Sierra's for colors in the fall. 

The forests of maple stress look like lava flows. The aspens look like orange cotton candy. The snow capped peaks look like the perfect contrast to the bright colors with the black and white tundra in the distance. 

Connect to like minded women and get inspiration from them through your journeys, big and small. Discover the many talents of others by asking meaningful questions about philosophy and not just the weather.

 

I want to bring meaning to your travels.  Send a question or travel tip to [email protected]. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find 5 Steps to Solo Travel book series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect.

 

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