
As warm as yesterday was, today there is a chill in the air from a front that is expected to bring rain tomorrow. Whew! Leaving Avalon we head up the switchbacked mountainside stopping for a photo op of Avalon and Hamilton Cove. Making our way towards Toyon Junction, we are told the Haypress Reservoir has not been so low — almost nonexistent — in many years. Our next stop are overlooks down towards Hen Rock and Moonstone Beach. When we reach the airport, we take a fortification break for hot chocolate and a large oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Next we head SW past Rancho Escondido, the new winery being planted by Santa Ynez Valley residents who own Rusack Vineyards — she is a granddaughter of the Wrigley family. Soon afterwards we are afforded views of beautiful Little Harbor, a place I'd love to come back to and camp. Leaving the main track we four-wheel drive up a draw in search of wildlife, but only see hawks soaring overhead. We pass an old stagecoach stop and view an bald eagle recovery project before heading back towards Avalon. The island is gorgeous and this quick glimpse makes me yearn for more!