Santa Lucia Preserve

20,000 acres of land and only 2,000 acres are to be developed (allowing only 300 homes). Santa Lucia Preserve is known as a place of natural and man made magic. This amazing place has restricted access to homeowners, their families and guests. So you can see why I was feeling pretty special when my friend Amanda invited the girls and I to go swimming here on Friday.

Wildlife is everywhere. We saw wild turkeys, deer, and eagles, but bobcats, mountain lions, and wild pigs are numerous as well. They say a mountain lion often leaves his catch on the golfing greens. Yes, there is a golf course up there, as well as an artificial lake with paddle boats and a restaurant.

Here is one of the 8 wild turkey's we saw on the way up. After a gorgeous 10 mile drive uphill we came to the pool. What? We have it all to ourselves? Where am I? Here is cute pregnant Amanda with the girls.

Lily was in aquatic heaven.

I took Daisy down the 2 story water slide. Ya, she cried,

and cried. Somebody has to toughen her up!
She did not care for the water at all! We better work on that!

She did however indulge in my strawberry smoothie. It was sooo good. I couldn't get it away from her without a fight.

On the way back down the mountain there were wild flowers everywhere. I stopped, frolicked, sang "The Hills are Alive" from the Sound of Music, and made Amanda take a picture.

Thanks for the "I feel so special" day Amanda. This place was gorgeous!