Actually, I was considering buying a fishing license, which in CA costs $38 if I remember correctly, but I just moved here, and the license is only good for the calendar year, which means it would expire on Dec. 31, and, since I am unsure of whether I will be lucky finding anything this time of year, and the fact that I probably won't be able to use it again between now and December, I would prefer to wait and buy a license next year, when I can actually get a year's use out of it. In addition, as far as the next post and selling offspring, I don't plan to try to go into business--I have no interest in selling any animals. I know the laws in CA are wierd and seemingly arbitrary--the only native reptiles that can be bred and sold are common kingsnakes, gopher snakes, and rosy boas (or any native reptile if it happens to be albino, which can be bred, sold, transported, etc. at will), but you have to have a special breeder's permit. The Dept. of Fish and Game doesn't want people to breed any other animals, and you are required to GIVE THEM AWAY within 45 days of birth/hatching if you do happen to breed them. So, ultimately, YES, I am willing to spend $2.95 a gallon for gas (local price) and drive a few hours round trip on this one Saturday, hoping I will see or find something, and I was just hoping anybody who had some recommendations would be willing to share them so I didn't completely waste my time and money, since this will probably be my only opportunity to go out for the rest of the year. I didn't expect anybody to share their favorite secret spot or take me by the hand and lead me around, I was just hoping for some basic suggestions of a few locations where people have had success before, since I am new to the area, and a beginner. Really, my main worry is making sure the spots I go to are legal, that I don't somehow end up crossing onto protected land without knowing it, that I don't drive around all day wondering if it's OK to stop here and look. If anybody does have any suggestions of a location or a trail/drive/loop in Southern California that I might try, I would still very much appreciate hearing it. If not, I will just go with the rudimentary range maps I have found and hope for the best.

Thanks,

Angus

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