Home of the Chargers

here's a photo i took today on way to class...a gigantic spider.  my iphone doesn't have good macro capabilities...but this was a beautiful spider.  about a 1.5" diameter body [not including the legs and head] with a very interesting design on its thorax.  it makes me wanna dedicate an entire month just exploring local bushes and trees.  because there are so many beautiful bugs that i am unaware of their existence in san diego.  the thunder clouds and overall darkness of the photo add to the mood: