Breathtaking Views of Point Mugu Naval Base in Ventura County and Beyond
Ever since I first hiked the Chumash Trail in Ventura County to Mugu Peak last year, I've wanted to return for sunset on one of the incredibly clear days that Santa Ana winds brings us a handful of days each year and take photographs. It's hard to plan a hike like this because you never know in advance when the weather conditions will be right. When they are, it never seems to coincide with a time that I have the time (and energy) to do it. 
This particular day was no exception since I had already spent the day showing real estate and the much of America was enjoying Super Bowl Sunday. I really shouldn’t have waited until the last minute before making the decision that today was the day and by the time I arrived at the trail head along Pacific Coast Highway it was almost 5:00PM. I wondered if I would make it to the peak in time to capture the sunset. The Chumash Trail is a steep trail that ascends quickly—845 feet in the first .7 miles. As I monitored my progress on the trail and compared it to the sun's quicker progress towards the horizon, I realized I would not make it in time all the way to the top of Mugu Peak. 
Fortunately, though, I was able to reach the Overlook Spur which is a short path that takes you to a spot with the incredible views I was hoping for. From the overlook you can see the Point Mugu Pacific Naval Base, the Mugu Lagoon and the coast all the way to Port Hueneme, Oxnard and, of course, the Channel Islands rising out of the Pacific Ocean.
For more information on this and other great hikes in Ventura County, visit VenturaCountyTrail.org/TrailMaps/LaJollaValley/AreaTrails.htm and ModernHiker.com/2009/01/27/hiking-mugu-peak/
Joe Virnig is a real estate agent with 25 years experience helping locals and folks moving to Ventura County find the right home and community to fit their lifestyle and needs. He is also a photographer and an enthusiast of all things Ventura County. His portfolio of Ventura County images can be enjoyed at VenturaCountyVistas.com.
2012 Housing Market Predictions
How will the housing market fair in Ventura County in 2012? Dave Liniger makes some very insightful observations about the current U.S. housing market and gives his top 10 housing predictions for 2012.
2012 Top !0 Predictions
Low interest rates
Stable, then increasing prices
Increased home sales
Rising inventory
50% distressed property
Improved short sale process
Lower home ownership rates
25% investors
Reliance on real estate agents
Use of mobile and social media
What We Need to Speed up Recovery
Jobs
Refinance Underwater Loans
Sound, reasonable lending standards
Accurate Appraisal
Improved short sale and foreclosure process.
Monarch Butterflies Have a Winter Vacation Home in Ventura...
Ventura is one of the locations along the California coast where Monarch butterflies spend the winter on the California coast. Really, who can blame them for choosing Ventura real estate? Winter has arrived but the last few days have been 70 degrees and sunny!
I’ve had a fascination with Monarch butterflies since kindergarten and yet never had a chance to see them in person until just a few days ago when I decided to go over to Camino Real Park in Ventura to check them out. It didn’t start out very promising as I drove through the park with the sunroof open looking toward the sky for butterflies. I ended up just outside the park where Aurora Drive dead-ends at the park and got out of my car to walk along the stand of Eucalyptus trees growing there.
I knew I was getting warmer since there were Monarchs flying around but really not enough to get excited about. Seeing a older couple out walking with their grandkids, I asked them if they knew where to find the butterflies and they pointed me in the direction of a fence that overlooks a barranca along the edge of the park filled with Eucalyptus trees. As I walked along the fence there certainly were more butterflies flitting here and there, but nothing that prepared me for what I was about to see when I peered into the clearing at the edge of the fence. Shafts of light sliced through the trees illuminating thousands of butterflies. In the air flying, covering the leaves and forming huge clusters of hanging butterflies. I felt like I was in the middle of a National Geographic program!
In truth words can’t describe it. Even my photos don’t do this sight justice—you have to experience it for yourself! To get to Camino Real Park, take Main Street east to Mills Road. Turn left onto Mills. Turn right on Dean Drive and west to the park entrance. Just as you enter the park, look to the stand of trees on your left. That is where you will want to head after you have parked. Don’t delay, since the Monarchs will be taking off in early March and you’ll have to wait until their return in November if you miss it. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did. I will be returning often.
Joe Virnig is a real estate agent with 25 years experience helping locals and folks moving to Ventura County find the right home and community to fit their lifestyle and needs. He is also a photographer and an enthusiast of all things Ventura County. His portfolio of Ventura County images can be enjoyed at VenturaCountyVistas.com.
The new VenturaCountyRealEstateOnline.com website launched!
Welcome to VenturaCountyRealEstateOnline.com! This site is powered by a direct feed from the Ventura County Regional Datashare that maintains the Ventura County Multiple Listing Service. Accurate and up-to-date, you'll find the latest listings using the same database used by local real estate agents. It is designed to be convenient and easy to use for anyone interested in Ventura County real estate.
