Alligator Pear

Zutano, Topa Topa, Hass, Mexicola, Rincon, Bacon, Spinks, Lamb, Fuerte, Pinkerton, Anaheim, Creamhart. These are not exotic travel locations or decadent libations, they are names of avocado cultivars. Pear shaped fruits who's pebbled, thin, blackish-green skin hides an edible buttery textured flesh around a single ovoid seed. Prized as natures super food, high in monosaturates, studies show avocados help to reduce blood cholesterol. You can accelerate the ripening of avocados by placing them in a brown paper bag along with a banana at room temperature. Avocado oil is a favorite among cooks who desire its health benefits as a salad dressing or for high-heat cooking. What do you call an avocado that's been blessed by Pope Francis? Holy Guacamole!

Avocado Health Benefits

California Rare Fruit Growers

Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve

Can you find the Hairflipp? 

A rusty teepee formed of corrugated scrap metal and spray painted with a big number five greeted us as we arrived at the mountain top. Glad to have found something so unique this far from civilization was a treat! So I invited myself in to have a look around. Yes, it would provide adequate shelter from a sudden rainstorm but luxury teepee it was not. Breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon and mountain slops make this 520 acre open space feel like you have the whole world to yourself. Only a half mile hike from the creek trail, steeply elevated switch-backs open to peaceful flat grasslands with astonishing views of Cuesta Grade and the Santa Lucia Mountains. You are now entering the Twilight Zone set amongst an odd collection of scrap metal sculptures once inhabited by humans. Just when you think you might be lost and this arduous journey is going nowhere, a wonderful swing appears hanging from an ancient eucalyptus tree. Time to kick off the hiking boots and swing! Wheeeee!! I haven't swung in years....This is really great!... Gee, I feel like a kid again!!! After an hour of playing and exploring the rusty artifacts we meander back down the 5 mile round-trip trail towards the dribbling creek hidden among oaks and dense sycamores. We happily call it a wonderful family day and promise each other we will revisit this San Luis Obispo open space after the winter rains.

Tips for Hiking Reservoir Canyon