Dana Point

Have you heard about Mosha, the little elephant that stepped on a land mine and lost his front leg?  Well, I had not until this weekend.  As tragic as this event was, it has led to an inspiring outcome.

Here is a bit of the back story:

Asian elephants are on the verge of extinction, and the commitment for their preservation started with a special elephant known as Mosha. After stepping on an abandoned land mine, Mosha was fit with the world’s first-ever prosthesis for a baby elephant. Her powerful strides inspired father and son duo, Mike and Marc Spits, to create Elephant Parade in 2006.

Due to this grassroots effort, corporate sponsorship, celebrity and community support, they have managed to raise over $6 million dollars to help these endangered majestic animals.

By using 1/2 size castings and hand painting them, each in a special theme, they create a visual treat.  Scattered about the harbor area and neighboring parks, hunting them down can result in a fun game of “find the elephant”.

Dana Point is the current temporary home of the painted pieces of art, but only for a few more days.  If you want the fun of searching for them, get there before noon on November 7th.  From November 8-16th, they will be all back together on display at Lantern Bay Park.  The elephants will be auctioned off on November 17th.

Here are a sample of what to expect if you go on your own quest:

Mosha – the inspiration for Elephant Parade

Flowers

Liberty

Southern California Map

Can you hear me?

Corn

Betty Boop Elephant

For more information:

http://www.mydanapoint.com/elephants

http://www.elephantparade.com/index.php/home/

And in case you a looking for a good place for a meal I’d like to recommend “Harpoon Henry’s“.  The patio offers a lovely view of the harbor, filled with yachts and sail boats.  Tim and I shared a Candied Walnut and Asian Pear Salad and followed with the Calamari Steak which was tender and one of the best I have had.