Today was a bicycle trip through Border Fields State Park. Recent rains flooded many areas making passage difficult or impossible. Perseverance won and we were rewarded with some spectacular scenery.
In the very Southwest corner of the U.S., where the beach and the ocean touch Mexico, there is a little known section along the border called the Friendship Circle.
Established in 1848, it serves as a meeting place for families on both sides of the border. It was dedicated in 1971 by 1st Lady Pat Nixon as a symbol of bi-national friendship.
With the increased concern of undocumented immigrants entering the U.S., the Friendship Circle Park evolved from a few strands of barbed wire between families to a maximum security feeling under the constant scrutiny of Border Patrol agents.
 |
| Stay Away!!! |
 | |
| The "gate" through which you walk to get to the Friendship Circle. |
 |
| "On the Fence" |
 |
| Mexicans peering over the wall into America |
A place where families could once chat and hug over the barbed wire is now a distant memory. In its place is a steel mesh wall where only talking is allowed. Visibility through the fence is poor. The original humanitarian aspect of this park is long gone. (This is not a political statement, just an observation. Please, no political comments here. They will be removed.)
 |
| Bull fighting ring and lighthouse in Tijuana |
 |
| Tijuana |
The beauty of the beach and ocean is inexplicable and the pictures do not do it any justice. The 20 ft waves crash down with a force that produces a very deep boom. As we rode our bikes down the beach, we passed horses carrying their passengers through the peaceful, serene landscape. Because of its remote location, very few people bother to visit, giving us almost exclusive access.
Our trip back to the car took us through the Tijuana Estuary, the largest coastal wetland in southern California. Snowy egrets, great blue herons, pelicans, terns, fly catchers and one very large raptor (that we concluded was a golden eagle) graced us with their presence.
Beach, ocean, wildlife, sunshine....ingredients of a powerful elixir for the soul.
Until next time,
Peace
Comments