Getting to Know You...

Since moving to California a week ago, I've been doing a lot of reading in an attempt to get to know my new "home" state a little better.   What fascinates me the most about California is its diversity of climates, regions, and landforms.  You can be at the beach one day and the desert the next.  Or, if you get tired of the heat and sunshine (clearly, because you're crazy), you can head up north to the mountains and go skiing.  Pretty awesome if you ask me.

The more I read and learn about California, the happier I am that we decided follow our gut and move out west.  My heart will forever belong to the east coast, but I can't wait to get to know California more.

Here are some interesting facts I've learned so far.  I apologize, in advance, if these are old news to you.  Most were new to me and I thought they would be fun to share! (Must be the teacher coming out in me!)

California state bird: quail

California state animal: the grizzly bear

California state tree: the redwood (I can't wait to see these, btw!)

Did you know that Mt. Whitney, located in the Sequoia National Park, is the highest point in the United States outside of Alaska? Cool, huh?

California state flower: the poppy

California state marine mammal: the gray whale

California state fish: the trout

California state reptile: the desert tortoise

California state mineral: gold (duh)

California state motto: "Eureka, I found it!" <---this refers to the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 and, like most state mottoes, it cracks me up.

I know these are pretty basics facts, but I love them because I think they really show the diversity of California.  And, I may be a nerd, but they excite me to begin exploring my new state.  Now, where to go first??