basterkobas

Cyphostemma juttae, also known as basterkobas, tree grape, Namibian grape, Droog-my-keel and bastard cobas. After I took this photo it was pointed out that it resembles a lower back with peeling skin. And yes, it really is part of the grape family. A surrealist plant if there ever was one.

a blob of a plant

The unusual Latin American succulent Abrometiella brevifolia, as seen at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, CA. When I learned it was a bromeliad it somehow made more sense.

puka tree

A fine specimen of puka tree - Meryta sinclairii - as seen at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, CA. Not sure if I've seen this New Zealand native before.

a seemingly decent piece of architecture

The new Pritzlaff Conservation Center at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - a seemingly decent and well-situated piece of architecture.

Andree Clark Bird Refuge

As seen from the zoo, from an angle one doesn't usually see it.

the giraffes of 4-27-17

This is probably the last time I can remember a giraffe walking up to me. Believe me, it doesn't happen every day. What's great is that the Santa Barbara Zoo is designed so that you can see eye-to-eye with these magnificent creatures.

a giraffe with a view

What struck me as one of the unique features of the Santa Barbara Zoo is that the giraffes here get a view of the ocean that most of us can only dream about.

the scarlet ibises of 4-27-17

...as seen at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

black crowned night heron of 4-27-17

At least it looked to me like a black crowned night heron as it perched openly among the people at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

the elephant of 4-27-17

...the way it looked at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

the wave cresting behind the heron

Serra Cross Park

One of the best views in Ventura of Ventura and beyond.

the Easter card that made me laugh