sand to sea to mountains

Nature's frames~Yosemite~Sunday Stills Challenge 012912

2012-01-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

I took these photos of Yosemite last summer. Hubby bought a new laptop and I "inherited" his old one, so I was going through some archived photos there and found this folder. He transferred all of my other ones to an external hard drive, but this folder was still on the laptop. I'm glad I found these photos and I can't wait to return to the Sierra this next summer! Sunday Stills Challenge for January 29, 2012.

Corners~Bodie, CA~Sunday stills Challenge 011512

2012-01-15T05:45:00.000-08:00

I do believe that I could use photos from Bodie for every week's Sunday Stills Challenge. Bodie is a California state park. That town is so incredibly photogenic! This week's challenge was "corners". I had to go back through our archives to find some of our Bodie photos for this one. We've been there three times now...once in the later afternoon and twice in the morning. I always love late afternoon photos, but I think Bodie is best in the morning, before it gets too hot up on the high plateau. Anyway, here are some photos from Bodie for this week's challenge. If you've never been to Bodie, I would suggest that you plan on visiting it sometime. It's like taking a step backward into time. Bodie is a somewhat preserved old mining town near Bridgeport, CA, up in the Sierras. It sits up high on a windy plateau, so bring along a sweater. But, in summer, the sun beats down, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat! You pay to enter the park and then you do a self-guided tour. There is a gift shop there with many interesting things to see. Bathrooms are available next to the parking lot (I ALWAYS have to check out where the bathrooms are wherever we are!). I hope you enjoyed this short tour of some of the corners of Bodie state park. If you wish to visit SSC, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/ Don't you just love the corners of the outhouse? Imagine having to visit that when it is windy and below zero in winter! There are so many buildings to see in Bodie, we've actually never seen ALL of them!

Fall leaves backlit~Sunday stills Challenge~120411

2011-12-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

Red maple leaves back lit for this week's Sunday Stills Challenge.I found these leaves up at the horse ranch. After today's wind, they are probably all gone. To visit SSC, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Rose~Sunday Stills Challenge~112711

2011-11-27T00:25:00.000-08:00

We're supposed to show an example of bokeh, which I had to look up and read about. I'm not really sure if this is an example or not! I still like it because of the black background and the leaves ARE out of focus, so who knows? Sunday Stills Challenge for November 27, 2011. To view other SSC participants, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Red leaves and blue sky~SkyWatch Friday~112511

2011-11-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

It was another beautiful, warm, clear southern California day today and I found these red leaves against a clear, blue sky. Ahhhh....what more could I want? My family, my horses, all is well! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. SkyWatch Friday for November 25, 2011. To visit SWF, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Waterfall at Desert Springs~Rock Formations~Sunday Stills Challenge~102311

2011-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

This beautiful waterfall in the desert is at the Palm Desert Desert Springs Marriott. It is next to the self-parking lot and sometimes I walk over to it after dropping off hubby for work. Sometimes there are cattle egrets next to it, but not on this morning. I love to stop and just listen to it. See the interesting rock work? Sunday stills Challenge for October 23, 2011. To see Sunday Stills, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Moon Ridge Cove~Friday Fences~October 21, 2011

2011-10-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

Pretty fence and gate up in Garner Valley, CA. Friday Fences for October 21, 2011. To visit Friday Fences, please go to: http://lifeaccordingtojanandjer.blogspot.com/

Yellow grasses~Mellow Yellow Monday~101711

2011-10-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

While at the park on Saturday morning, I noticed these tall, yellow grasses. I don't know what they are...maybe a variety of Pampas grass? Whatever they are, they certainly were doing well in the park! Mellow Yellow Monday for October 17, 2011. If you wish to visit Mellow Yellow Monday, please go to: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

At the park~Sunday Stills Challenge~101611

2011-10-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to have something in the foreground and when I went to the park yesterday, I saw this bench in front of one of the ponds there. That isn't a real fisherman, either. It's a statue. He's been standing there for many, many years now! It was a quiet morning at the park yesterday, but by afternoon, the kids are playing, families are having picnics and BBQs and the park gets quite busy! Sunday stills Challenge for October 16, 2011.

Dunes to mountains~SkyWatch Friday~101411

2011-10-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Sand dunes and dead trees near Indio, CA on a stormy afternoon one day last week. Now temps are back up in the 100's, unfortunately. Our "cold spell" is gone and the weekend will be warm again, but on this afternoon, the sky was quite dynamic. SkyWatch Friday for October 14, 2011. To visit SkyWatch Friday, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Vanishing Point, the Sierra~Sunday Stills Challenge~100911

2011-10-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

We found this field and fence up in the Sierra Nevada in June. Hubby and I left to our trip the day after school was over. I came home the previous afternoon, packed, and away we went the next morning. I like how the fence seems to disappear...or does it? Sunday Stills Challenge 100911

Tree by Mono Lake~Creative Exchange~092611

2011-09-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

This lone tree was by the western shore of Mono Lake, up past the county park. I am always drawn to bare trees. Creative Exchange for September 26, 2011. To visit the Creative Exchange, please go to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com/

Sierra Nevada fall color~Sunday Stills Challenge~092511

2011-09-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I took a 3 day weekend last weekend and drove up to the Sierra Nevada, looking for fall color. It was still too early, alas, but we did find some early leaves here and there. We first headed up the road in Bishop, which goes up to South and North Lake. We took the South Lake turnoff and found these colorful leaves. He doesn't have any days off in October and neither do I, so this was our only chance this fall to get up there before the resorts close in mid-October. We stayed in Silver Lake, at the Silver Lake Resort cabins. There was still a lot of water running in streams and rivers and we still saw waterfalls. I'm glad we had an opportunity to return to the Sierra and I'll be posting more pics of our trip. To visit Sunday Stills Challenge, please go to: sundaystills.wordpress.com/

"Vanishing Point"~Community Photo Challenge 080711

2011-08-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

This bridge is at the Devil's Postpile National Monument, near Mammoth Lakes, CA. When hubby and I were on the bridge, a young squirrel came running halfway across it and stopped when he saw us. He really wanted to get past us, to the other side, but he was frozen with fear. I could almost read his mind...he wanted to cross the bridge, but we were in the way! We froze and just watched him. He finally gathered up his courage and crossed it and vanished into the rocks. I didn't even move to take a photo of him, fearing that any movement would send him back the way he came from, so I didn't get a picture of him, but I enjoyed watching him. "Vanishing Point" for Community Photo Challenge for August, 2011. To view other participants in this challenge, please visit: http://communityphotochallenge.blogspot.com/

"Water"~Community Photo Challenge~080711

2011-08-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Twin Lakes, above Mammoth, CA. Hubby and I were here in June, 2011. Yes, there was still a lot of snow on the mountains and higher elevations. We stayed at the Tamarack Lodge. "Water"~Community Photo Challenge for August, 2011. To see other participants, please go to: http://communityphotochallenge.blogspot.com/

Early morning at Twin Lakes~SkyWatch Friday~072111

2011-07-21T15:44:00.001-07:00

Early morning light at Twin Lakes, CA. Twin Lakes is just northwest of Mammoth Lakes. SkyWatch Friday for July 21, 2011. To see other skywatchers, go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

"People"~Sunday Stills Challenge for July 17, 2011

2011-07-17T07:51:00.001-07:00

Last summer I traveled to Temecula, CA with a friend for the day. We wandered around the town and came across this huge mural, which covered the entrances to the police department. I was so intrigued with it, I took a lot of photos of it. It shows Temecula in its early days. As a history major, I'm always interested in the past events of a location and this mural captured Temecula's past. Look at the clothes and the transportation! What an interesting mural! "People" for Sunday Stills Challenge, July 17, 2011.

Mammoth Village~Scenic Sunday~071711

2011-07-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

This was Mammoth Village over the July 4th weekend. Yes, Southern Californians, that is SNOW! There was snow alongside the road from Mammoth up to the ski resort and beyond! In JULY!!! Scenic Sunday for July 17, 2011.

Devil's Postpile~Stone~Shutterday~071111

2011-07-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

We took the mandatory bus shuttle from Mammoth Village down to the Devil's Postpile over the July 4th weekend. I hadn't been there for...over 40 years. When I last went, there wasn't a shuttle. You just drove your car down to it. Nowdays, however, the bus is mandatory. Tickets are $7.00 each and it's well worth it to let somebody else navigate that road! Hubby had never seen the postpile before and he was absolutely in awe! Those columnal basalt pillars are incredible. We watched several of the other visitors from the bus and they were all amazed by them. They look like they were carved from the mountain. Some were perfect hexagons. Others were perfect quadrilaterals. Amazing! A few went off to hike to the top, but we stayed below and explored the area around it. "Stone" for Shutterday, July 11, 2011. Here's the link to Shutterday: http://shutterday.com/

Twin Lakes, early morning~SOOC Sunday~071011

2011-07-10T05:06:00.001-07:00

On our last day at Twin Lakes, above Mammoth, CA, hubby and I woke up early to take some photos in the early morning light. There's nothing like early morning light, right? Yup...except you have to occasionally use your tripod. I just talked about using tripods on one of my other blogs (http://rav4adventures.blogspot.com/2011/07/tripods.html), so I decided to post these photos here. I looked up the properties for each one and I'll post them here. The bottom photo was taken at 1/15 second, F9, ISO 100. I like to just keep my camera on ISO 100. That way, the images don't get too grainy. Hubby sometimes sets his on a variable ISO, but I don't...just my own personal preference. I'm not yet confident enough using my manual settings to do that. The top one was taken first, so it is at 1/2 second, F9, ISO 100. I've learned that I HAVE to use my tripod at anything below 1/60 of a second. My hands just don't keep the camera steady enough! And, I've learned that from having too many out-of-focus photos! So, now I drag out my tripod in early morning or late afternoon (early evening) light situations. I really enjoy my tripod...it isn't heavy and it is fairly easy to just sling it over my shoulder and off I go! NO editing done on either photo...these are SOOC. SOOC Sunday for July 10, 2011. To visit SOOC Sunday, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com/ Well, apparently Mr. Linky isn't cooperating this morning, so I don't know if I'll get this posted to SOOC Sunday or not! Here's the link to SOOC Sunday: http://www.murrieta365.com/2011/07/sooc.html

"F" is for frozen~Sunday Stills Challenge~071011

2011-07-10T04:43:00.000-07:00

A frozen lake and frisky marmots...that's what we found in Yosemite National Park. Actually, the lake is Tioga Lake, which is just outside the eastern entrance to the park. When we were there in mid-June (June 16), this lake was completely frozen and the entrance to the park was still closed due to extremely high snow levels. I'd been watching videos on the Yosemite cam about the snow plows and snow removal equipment at Olmstead Point and hubby and I decided to drive up the Tioga Pass to see if the entrance was open or not. Nope. It didn't open until June 18th...We returned to the Sierra over the July 4 weekend and this lake still had ice on it! A LOT of ice! The road into the park was open, but there was still a lot of snow piled up in some places. The lakes were full, the streams and rivers were running wildly, and the meadows were full of water. I've never seen so much water at Yosemite and we've been there half a dozen times over the last few years. The Sierra had a record snowfall this winter (178% of normal) and there were even flood warnings from all the runoff. I took these photos early one morning and when we pulled into the turnoff, these frisky marmots were playing and completely ignored us! "F" for frozen and frisky ... Sunday Stills Challenge for July 10, 2011. Oh, and marmots are a mammal, a member of the squirrel family. They like to live in rocky places and we noticed other marmot families along the road in Yosemite. These two were very playful and allowed us to get close to them! To visit Sunday Stills, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Yosemite~Weekend Reflections~070911

2011-07-09T04:31:00.001-07:00

I took all of these photos during our day at Yosemite National Park, which was on July 1st. In the top one, Tioga Lake was still partially frozen on July 1st. Isn't that amazing? I'm sure it is free of ice now, but I could be mistaken. At over 9,000 feet, those high lakes still have freezing temps at night and parts of the park still had a lot of snow on them. We were there mid-June and the east entrance to the park wasn't even open yet because of late snow removal. But, it opened on June 18 (the day we left) and we returned June 29 through July 4th to the Sierra. I read somewhere that they had 178% of their normal snow fall this year and that's why the Tioga Pass was so late opening and why the higher elevations still had so much snow left on them, including the Mammoth Lakes area where we stayed for 4 nights. We always enjoy our trips to the Sierra and are already planning our next one. Weekend Reflections for July 9, 2011. All photos were taken in Yosemite National Park using my Nikon D40x on manual settings. There was water everywhere in the park. Waterfalls, lakes full, rivers running high...it was really a different view of the park from last summer, when we were there in August. To see other participants, please go to: http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/?

Tioga Lake, early morning~SkyWatch Friday~070811

2011-07-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I woke up at 4 a.m. one morning on our recent trip to the Sierra and headed up the Tioga Pass to Yosemite. Along the way, we stopped at Tioga Lake, which was still partially frozen on July 2nd. The eastern entrance to Yosemite just opened up a couple of weeks earlier and at that time, this lake was completely frozen! What a beautiful, stark scene it was. When we returned on this morning, there was still ice along the edges of the lake. Skywatch Friday for July 8, 2011. I'll post more photos about our trip over the next week. We didn't have any Internet in our cabin the entire time we were there. To see other participants, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

California poppy

2011-04-30T07:13:00.001-07:00

Just some California sunshine to brighten up your day! I planted some wildflower seeds last fall in my front yard and I now have desert lupine, California poppies, and some kind of red salvia. I'll need to reseed soon, however, as summer here in the desert will soon be upon us.

Above Big Pine~SkyWatch Friday~April 29, 2011

2011-04-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I found a road which wound up into the Sierras above Big Pine, so we followed it to the end, where it was closed off for the winter. We and several other cars stopped and got out to explore this beautiful area. Unfortunately, at some point, a fire roared down the canyon, destroying several homes and forcing the evacuation of the entire town. It's always saddening to see such destruction. But, up in the canyon, all was peaceful and quiet. SkyWatch Friday for April 29, 2011.

Early morning sun and petroglyphs~SOOC Sunday~042411

2011-04-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Early one morning, hubby and I headed out to find the 3rd petroglyph site outside of Bishop, CA. We had a general idea where it was and found the dirt road down to it. We were the only car there all morning. The area was still in the shadow of the White Mountains, but as the sun came up over the mountains, we were out climbing among the rocks and I looked up to see these rocks and one of them had petroglyphs on it! There were literally many, many petroglyphs here and we just barely began to explore this area, but we'd been there for two hours, so we headed back to town and breakfast! I would like to go back some morning and explore it further. Maybe our next trip? SOOC Sunday for April 24, 2011. If you do go exploring in these areas, please be careful! As I was walking through the sagebrush, I heard a "sssssssssssssss" a couple of times. I didn't see anything, but the third time, I went into instinct mode...heart pounding, adreneline rushing, and I literally ran back to the road! I didn't want to stick around to see what it was! I definitely could feel the spirits of the "old ones" here! To view other participants, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com/

"Sky", Photo Time, Day One, April 24, 2011

2011-04-23T18:16:00.001-07:00

This was the sky above the mountains above Big Pine, CA on Thursday afternoon. It was snowing in the higher elevations of the Sierras and the road was closed beyond this point. Photo Time, Day One for April 24, 2011..."sky".

Alabama Hills wildflowers~Sunday Stills Challenge~042411

2011-04-23T18:07:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I just returned from 6 days in the eastern Sierras! Ahhhh....what beauty! And, there were plenty of wildflowers there to admire, including these! I believe that the yellow ones along the highway (Highway 395) are desert dandylions. I found the other ones up in the Alabama Hills and I'm not sure what they are! The Alabama Hills are just outside of Lone Pine, CA, up the Whitney Portal road. Sunday Stills Challenge for April 24, 2011 "wildflowers".

Road Trip~Sierras~Scenic Sunday~042411

2011-04-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I have just returned from a 6 day road trip through the eastern Sierras. I was off this past week for spring break and he also had some time off, so away we went! Our last trip there was in December, 2010 and we were anxious to get back to see how much snow there was. And, yes, there was a LOT~ in fact, it snowed up in Mammoth and North and South Lake (above Bishop) while we were there. That was okay...we enjoyed seeing the snow! We spent our first night up in Hesperia, so that cut an hour off Sunday's driving time. Upon arriving in Lone Pine, we drove out to the Alabama Hills, hubby's favorite spot. The next day, we drove up to Aspendell Lake, which is north of Bishop. It was cold and windy and by afternoon, it was snowing! Brrrrrrrr! Here are some photos from our first two days. No, those aren't birds in the photos! My Nikon was SO DIRTY and had dust on the mirror and hubby tried to blow it off, but it just blew to another area! :-( So, I put my camera away and used hubby's for the rest of the trip. When we got home, he took it to our local camera store for a cleaning (which usually would take only 10 minutes, but mine took 30!) The guy asked, "Where does your wife store her camera, in a BARN?"...okay, okay...I get the message! From now on, I keep it in an old camera bag, away from horses, dust, alfalfa, and dirt! :-) Scenic Sunday for April 24, 2011. To view other participants, please go to: http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Fence gate~That's My World~April 19, 2011

2011-04-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for fences and gates. I admit it. And, there are plenty of fences and gates up in the Sierras! I found this one today, and used my camera's manual setting, thanks to some help from hubby. I can't wait to do more exploring tomorrow! :-) That's My World for Tuesday, April 19, 2011. To see other worlds, please go to: http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Blue sage~Sunday Stills Challenge 032711

2011-03-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

I found this blue sage at the Living Desert Reserve today when I went back with my camera. I spent two hours there, just walking around, looking and learning. Sunday Stills Challenge for March 27, 2011.

My African Daisies

2011-03-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Last year I planted African daisies out in my front yard, between our fence and the street, and last fall I replanted seeds. They get full sun all day and I notice that they don't open right away in the mornings and they close before sundown. I love these flowers and I'm saving their seeds to replant next year.

"Green"

2011-03-15T17:59:00.001-07:00

Green forest in Yosemite National Park, California.

A moment of silence for Japan...

2011-03-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

Just a moment of silence and prayer for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers are with you.

Signs of spring color~Sunday Stills 021311

2011-02-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

I stayed home all day yesterday and went out in the afternoon to take some photos around my yard. The top one is, I believe, desert lupine (I just threw a bunch of wildflower seeds out front last fall), then an acacia fuzzy ball. The acacias are the sweet acacia and they have a very orangey-strong scent! I can smell them all over the yard! Next is one of my two sunflowers which are blooming right now. I planted them on the fence between our house and our neighbor's yard and they get full sun all day until late afternoon. Finally, my purple bougenvilla is starting to bloom. This one is right outside our front door, and it is climbing one of the posts of our patio roof. These are our signs of spring color for now! Sunday Stills Challenge for February 13, 2011.

Joshua Trees and Jet~Looking at the Sky on Friday 010711

2011-01-07T05:16:00.000-08:00

While walking back to the parking lot from Barker Dam, at Joshua Tree National Park, I looked up and saw a jet. I stopped and took this photo and continued my walk. I like how all the joshua tree branches leaned into the photo! What do you think? Looking at the Sky on Friday for January 7, 2011.

Clearing the roads!!! Outdoor Wednesday for January 5, 2011.

2011-01-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hubby took these pics above Bishop, CA. We were heading toward Mammoth, but the road got really icy and we didn't have chains with us, so we turned around. Along the way, this CalTrans snowplow passed us, probably heading to where we decided to not venture any more!!! We enjoyed our trip to the Sierras and can't wait to return! Outdoor Wednesday for January 5, 2011.

Lone Pine and the Sierras~That's My World 010311

2011-01-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I headed for the hills (the Sierra Nevadas) for a 3 day vacation during Christmas break. We decided to stay in Lone Pine, which is one of the towns at the south end of the Sierras. I woke up very early on our first morning there and walked across the highway (Highway 395). And, this is what I saw! It had snowed in the mountains the afternoon and night before, but on this morning, the sun was out and the wind was blowing. In fact, it was blowing the snow off the snowcapped mountains! Several people were out with me, with their cameras, taking photos, too! That's My World for Tuesday, January 4, 2011.

Day One~Best photo of 2010 010211

2011-01-02T07:51:00.001-08:00

I woke up early Thursday morning after a snowstorm on the peaks of the Sierras. It was a crisp and clear day and snow was blowing off the tops of the peaks. I had been wanting to get a photo of this and I was thrilled to actually see it happening! I actually took this photo on December 30,just a few days before the new year! When I woke up Friday morning, the wind was calm and this effect wasn't happening, so I'm fortunate that I actually saw it. Day One for January 2, 2011. To see other participants, please visit: http://fredamans.blogspot.com/

Weekend Reflections 010111~Sierras

2011-01-01T06:09:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I drove up to South Lake near Bishop, CA this week. We love to drive through the houses on Starlight Road. After a recent snow storm, they were covered with snow. I stopped by this one house to take a photo of their broad windows. And, what were they reflecting? THIS mountain! Neat, huh? Weekend Reflections for January 1, 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Quail and snow~Camera Critters 010111

2010-12-31T17:19:00.000-08:00

I found these quail in a front yard on Starlight Road above Bishop, CA. Hubby and I drove to the Sierras for a couple of days to try out our new XTerra. This road to the houses was open, but their park was covered with snow! Many of the houses there had icicles hanging down them! Camera Critters for January 1, 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR! To visit other participants in Camera Critters, please visit: http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/

Yosemite webcam pics!

2010-12-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

I found a website that has Yosemite webcams. Oh, boy! I'm thrilled. Here's the addy:
http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/webcams. These photos were on it today...these are NOT my photos, but from the webcams. Hubby and I are heading up to the Sierras in our new XTerra tomorrow. We are NOT driving to Yosemite, but will go to Lone Pine, Bishop, and maybe Mammoth. The forecast calls for about 2 inches of snow Wednesday morning! YEAH!

"W" is for white~ABC Wednesday and Weekly color 122210

2010-12-22T05:07:00.000-08:00

Here in the desert near Palm Springs, we are currently having rainy WEATHER. I remembered last February when hubby and I took a 5-day trip to the Sierras and all we saw was WHITE...everywhere everything was covered with snow! I can't see our mountains yet, and snow is forecast for above 5,000 feet. Tomorrow morning the clouds should clear, so until then, I'm content looking at these WHITE, WINTER pics from last year! ABC Wednesday and Weekly Color for December 22, 2010. To visit Weekly Color, please visit: http://livingtakestalent.blogspot.com/ To visit ABC Wednesday, please visit: http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

Arizona mailboxes~That's My World 11302010

2010-11-30T05:27:00.001-08:00

I spotted this row of mailboxes outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, when hubby and I were there a few weeks ago and couldn't resist stopping and taking a picture of them. I don't think they are as pretty as the ones from near the Owens River in my header, but now I'm on a quest to find more mailboxes. Isn't it strange that we fixate on certain things during our travels? A few years ago our daughter was intrigued by fire stations and took various photos of them on our trip across the country! That's My World for Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

Bishop lake~Watery Wednesday 110310

2010-11-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I came upon this peaceful lake above Bishop, CA a few weekends ago. We didn't catch the name of it, and it was before both North and South Lake. There were a few fishermen out on the lake and some were fishing off the shore. Watery Wednesday for November 3, 2010.

Silver Lake early morning~Watery Wednesday 102710

2010-10-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

I took these photos on our last morning at Silver Lake. A few minutes later, it started to rain and I had to run back to our cabin! I'm glad we were able to spend a few days in the Sierras and were able to see their fall beauty. Watery Wednesday for October 27, 2010.

Clouds on mountain~SkyWatch Friday 102210

2010-10-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I stopped at an overlook near Bishop, CA and took a look at the Sierras, which were partly hidden by clouds. I like the sunlight, which was shining on this one peak, just enough to give it a surreal feeling. What do you think? SkyWatch Friday for October 22, 2010.

Fishing shed~WindowViews and Doors, Too 102110

2010-10-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is the boat rental cottage at Silver Lake (in the June Lake loop, north of Mammoth, CA), which was open for business early one morning. All of the boats are lined up on the shore. The manager was out and about, doing chores and I couldn't resist this shot! Window Views and Doors Too for October 21, 2010. This was their last weekend that the silver Lake Resort was open and they are now closed for the winter.

Silver Lake, CA ~ Watery Wednesday 102010

2010-10-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the quality of these photos, but we awoke to a very cloudy, drizzly day and the sky was just a disaster for photographers! I ran into a young man from Los Angeles who, like me, was attempting to take some photos of Silver Lake, which is one of the lakes of the June Lake loop. He had pretty much given up trying to take photos of the lake and was busy concentrating on the aspen! But, who can resist Silver Lake on a very early morning? Watery Wednesday for October 20, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Our weekend quest to find aspen~That's My World 101910

2010-10-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I headed back to the Sierras this weekend on a quest to find aspen. And, we weren't disappointed! I'll be documenting our trip for the rest of the week. We found these on the June Lake loop, which curves around June lake. The clouds were moving in, but occassionally the sun would pop through and we would jump out of our car to take photos! We ran into several other photographers along the way, since the aspen are at their peak right now. Aren't their colors gorgeous? That's My World for Tuesday, October 19, 2010.

Yosemite~SkyWatch Friday 092410

2010-09-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Fog drifting through the trees in Yosemite National Park. SkyWatch Friday, September 24, 2010.

Flag on barn~Sunday Stills Challenge 091910

2010-09-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not participating every week with the Sunday Stills Challenge on this blog, but I just HAD to include these photos for this week's challenge. I mean, how often do you see a barn with a beautiful flag like this painted on it? Well, here in California, not very often!~In fact, this isn't even in California. This is from southern Oregon, just south of Medford. Think of all the labor and love and patience that went into this! Sunday Stills Challenge for September 19, 2010.

Rainbow over Sierras~Weekend Reflections 091810

2010-09-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hubby actually took this photo when he and our son took a week off work and drove up to the Sierras. Hmpft! They left ME at home as I was on jury duty! BUMMER! I'll get even with both of them, someday...sometime!!! :-) Weekend Reflections for September 18, 2010.

Yellow Umbrellas~Mellow Yellow Monday 091310

2010-09-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Bright yellow umbrellas at Ridge Vineyards in northern California. Okay, maybe they aren't mellow! But, they are yellow! Mellow Yellow Monday for September 13, 2010.

Western Sierra Lake~Watery Wednesday 081110

2010-08-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I stopped by this lake in the western Sierras last June, during our vacation. I liked the little lake house. Watery Wednesday for August 11, 2010.

"Rocks" ~ Photo Sunday 080810

2010-08-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

I took this photo last October near Lone Pine, CA, in the Alabama Hills. Many Hollywood movies were filmed there, including Tremors. I think you can see why...just look at those rocks! Photo Sunday for August 8, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://photosunday.net/

Mariposa mural~Street Art~Sunday stills Challenge 080110

2010-08-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

When we visit Yosemite National Park, we usually stay in Merced, CA. Merced is about an hour to the west of the park and as we drive into it, we pass through beautiful rollings hills and the little town of Mariposa, CA. Mariposa in Spanish means butterfly and they have another mural in town of all the species of butterflies which live near the city. Their mural is very clean and well-maintained. If you have a chance, do stop in Mariposa. It's a nice, friendly little town. At one time it, like many others, was a mining town. Sunday Stills Challenge for August 1, 2010.

Bridelveil Falls~Watery Wednesday 072810

2010-07-28T07:38:00.001-07:00

When we visited Yosemite in June, after school was out, all the waterfalls in the park were full of water, including Bridelveil Falls. The park was also full of small waterfalls that normally aren't there during years of less rainfall and snowfall. Watery Wednesday for July 28, 2010.

Mt. Lassen and flag~SkyWatch Friday 072310

2010-07-23T05:24:00.001-07:00

As we pulled into the museum lot at Mt. Lassen National Park, I noticed our flag waving in the wind. There weren't any clouds that day, but I stopped to take a photo of it. I've also included a photo of Mt. Lassen, which I took as we were leaving the park. It was quiet there and there weren't many people. So, if you want a nice, quite spot to visit, I would suggest Mt. Lassen! SkyWatch Friday for July 23, 2010.

Window at Simi Winery~Window Views and Doors, Too 072210

2010-07-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

As hubby and I pulled into the old Simi winery a couple of weeks ago, I glanced up and saw this window in the winery. They have a separate visitor's center where you can sample wines and buy various items. The winery is one of the largest I've seen and I was intrigued by this window. What was behind it? Hmmmm.....Window Views and Doors, Too for July 22, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Sausal Winery, Weekend Reflections 071710

2010-07-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

As you know, Sausal Winery is one of our favorite places to visit and their wines are some of our favorites! They have a beautiful tasting room and the people there are very friendly. Not pretentious at all! They have old vine zinfandels (their vines are over 100 years old) and you can find them at Bev Mo. If you haven't tried California zinfandel, I would suggest you try theirs! While hubby was wine tasting (I don't drink, since I am the "designated driver"), I wandered around the wine tasting area and took these photos. Here is a link to their website: http://www.sausalwinery.com/ Weekend Reflections for July 17, 2010. For other weekend participants, please visit: http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/?

"Z" is for zinfandel~ABC Wednesday 071410

2010-07-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I spent a couple of days up near Sonoma, visiting old vine ZINFANDEL wineries. We LOVE Sausal's wines and spent some time there. That is their tasting room on the bottom and those are pics of their vines out in the vineyards. They are very friendly there and whenever we visit northern California, we stop and sample their wines. ABC Wednesday for July 14, 2010.

Grapes~Macro Monday 071110

2010-07-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

I don't remember which winery in northern California had these grapes, but aren't they beautiful? There's something very calming about seeing row after row of vineyards growing. The tendrils stretch toward the sky, the grapes grow quietly, and sometimes roses are planted at the end of the rows. How peaceful is that? Macro Monday for July 11, 2010.

Shadows in the Redwoods~Sunday Stills Challenge 071010

2010-07-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I just visited the California redwoods in northern California and they seem to be the perfect topic for this week's Sunday Stills Challenge. I mean, just look at the shadows there! They are everywhere! In fact, sometimes it is difficult to take photos inside all the shadowy areas among them. Here are a few photos that I took of them. Sunday Stills Challenge for July 10, 2010.

Wine country sky~~SkyWatch Friday 070910

2010-07-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

This was yesterday morning's sky above Ridge Vineyards, in the Alexander Valley. Hubby had to stop and sample their wines, so I wandered out among the vines. I looked up and saw these clouds. SkyWatch Friday for July 9, 2010. To visit other skywatchers, please visit: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Framing a photo~Jamestown Railroad Museum~Sunday Stills Challenge 070410

2010-07-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I stopped at the Jamestown Railroad Museum a couple of days ago to admire the old steam engines there, including one that is being unveiled and used over this weekend, No. 3. While we were there, I saw this flag waving in the breeze, one of many which were carefully put in place for the holiday weekend. Sunday Stills Challenge for July 4, 2010.

Lone oak tree~SkyWatch Friday 070110

2010-07-01T19:18:00.001-07:00

We passed by this lone oak tree this morning leaving Merced for northern California. I liked how it stood alone in a field of golden grasses. We've had a high pressure system over California now for several days without any clouds and none are forecast for some time. Maybe during our monsoon months of July and August they will return, although one August, when we came through this same area, lightning from the storms caused several wildfires! SkyWatch Friday for July 1, 2010.

Sunday Stills Challenge ~ Bristlecone pine forest~062710

2010-06-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I recently stopped by the Bristlecone National Forest over Memorial Day weekend on our trip to the Sierras. We drove up to Hesperia Friday night, getting that much closer before the drive on Saturday. We decided to drive up the narrow, winding road to the bristlecones because hubby had never seen them before. I remember visiting them once as a kid. BELIEVE ME, it was a completely different journey at age 58!!! First, I got a headache. And, I'm not the kind of person who gets headaches often. I just don't. Second, I started to get dizzy. Hmmmm...Finally, I got nauseous. Now, the bristlecones are at 10,500 feet, so I decided it must be the elevation and, indeed, there were signed posted about the elevation and how it can affect some people. Well, I guess I'm one of them. By the time we got to the visitor center and the main grove, all I could do was just SIT in the car! I told hubby, "YOU go take pictures. I'm staying here!" I actually did manage to get out and take a few, and hobble into the visitor center. So, be aware...especially if you are on heart medication, like I am, to go SLOWLY and sit down if you need to! Here are some pics that hubby took of the bristlecones. I completely recovered by the time we drove down to the bottom of the valley floor and after breakfast, I was back to normal! Just be aware of the elevation when you visit them, especially if you are my age and on medication!!! Your heart has to pump more in the thin air and I think that also contributed to my condition. Now, we were there, like I said, over Memorial Day weekend and there were still spots of snow on the ground. And, the road to the second grove was closed due to snow! Bristlecone pines are among the oldest living things on our planet. One of them is over 3,000 years old! I do not know how old these were, but they certainly are over 60 years old! Bristlecones also only grow where there is poor soil and grow in groves. They are indeed interesting and unique trees! I would encourage you to visit them and see them for yourself! Just be aware of the elevation, take plenty of water, and sit down if you need to! Sunday Stills Challenge for Jne 27, 2010. If you want to read more about these interesting trees, here is a link for you: http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/bristlecone_pine.htm Apparently there was one dated 4,500 years old!

"W" is for wagon~ABC Wednesday 062310

2010-06-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

And this wagon is slowly deteriorating in Bodie, CA. We love to visit Bodie because it has so man interesting things to see! ABC Wednesday for June 23, 2010. For other "w" posts, please visit:

http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

"U" is for...ABC Wednesday 060910

2010-06-09T05:31:00.001-07:00

unknown. The future of this ranch cafe is UNKNOWN. It sits right off Highway 395, outside of Olancha, CA, the site of the Crystal Geyser bottling plant. Hubby and I have often driven right by this little cafe and have been too busy to stop. But, over Memorial Day, we planned our trip and planned to stop and visit it, only to hear that its future is unknown. Cal Trans is planning on expanding Highway 395 and the cafe sits right in its path! The waitress was saying that there are three possible plans for the cafe: (1) move it to a new spot OFF the highway; (2) close it; (3) Cal Trans might bypass this area and make a new road, in which case, the cafe will be off the highway and will lose its business. Not very good options, in my opinion. The cafe employs 10% of the town's population and its closure would be a great loss to the community. Sigh...progress... If you ever drive up Highway 395 and want to stop and eat here, DO IT NOW! Apparently a decision will be made in August as to the fate of the cafe and right now, its fate is UNKNOWN. I can tell you...the food was delicious, the service was extraordinary, and if you want to visit it, do it before September!!! It is a UNIQUE spot! ABC Wednesday for June 9, 2010.

Twin Lakes, Mammoth~Scenic Sunday 060610

2010-06-06T04:44:00.001-07:00

We recently traveled back to the Sierras over Memorial Day. Not all the roads back into the mountains were open, but when we got to Mammoth and ate lunch at The Stove, we decided to see if the road to Twin Lakes was open. It was open up until the cabins. You can see all the snow on the mountains and next to the lake. Some people said the roads should be open in 2-3 weeks, which would be mid-June. Twin Lakes is always such a beautiful area! Scenic Sunday for June 6, 2010.

"T"~~ABC Wednesday, June 2, 2010

2010-06-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I returned to our favorite location, the Sierra Nevada, over Memorial Day weekend. We left right after I got out of school that Friday afternoon. Believe me, we BOTH needed a break from the desert! So, hubby got the car washed, filled it up with gas, and packed it that day and away we went! We stayed overnight in Hesperia and then traveled to Bishop and Mammoth on Saturday. The Sierras are having a late spring this year. They just had snow a couple of days before we left the desert and many of the aspen haven't even got their green leaves. They are still bare. We did find some spots where they were getting their leaves, but not many. As we drove around June Lake (which was open and the Silver Lake Resort was full!), we did find some patches of aspen TREES with leaves! Here they are. We enjoyed our 3 days in the Sierras and, alas, returned to work today, but we are already planning our next visit! ABC Wednesday for June 2, 2010. "T" for trees.

Yellow flowers~Mellow Yellow Monday 052310

2010-05-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

These beautiful yellow flowers were in full bloom Saturday. Aren't they bright and colorful? Mellow Yellow Monday for May 23, 2010.

Sierra landscape~Sunday Stills Challenge 0542210

2010-05-22T20:48:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I travelled to the Sierras in February since I had a 4 day weekend. It had just snowed there three days before we arrived. This was taken near the Alabama Hills, near Lone Pine, looking up at the mountain range. Sunday Stills Challenge for May 22, 2010.

Windows at Dover Winery~Windows and Doors Too 052010

2010-05-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

We LOVE to stop by Dover Winery when we visit Paso Robles and it looks like we'll be in the area at least once this summer! YEAH! I love their French doors. Isn't it beautiful? Windows and Doors, Too for May 20, 2010.

yellow flowers and fence~Scenic Sunday 051610

2010-05-16T06:29:00.001-07:00

One morning as I was out and about before I went to visit my horses, I drove around the mountain valley where I board them and came across this wrought iron fence and wildflowers. The rest of the property was fenced with old barbed wire (very flimsy) and I'm not sure why they invested in this sturdy fence! But, it was an interesting entrance anyway! Scenic Sunday for May 16, 2010.

"B" is for Bishop, CA~Sunday Stills Challenge 050910

2010-05-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

We love driving through the eastern Sierra and stopping in Bishop, CA. Our favorite restaurant and BAKERY is there~~Erich Schatts~~and believe me, it has many other fans! We try to avoid it right at noon, as the place is packed! We usually buy our sandwiches and head down the road to eat them. It is the largest town among those who line Highway 395, which goes from north of Hesperia (that's where we get on it) all the way to northern California. The New York Times has an interesting article on Bishop and its surrounding areas (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/travel/07owens.html?scp=1&sq=bishop,%20ca&st=cse), if you want to read it during your Sunday morning newspaper time. Here are some of my favorite photos from Bishop. We've traveled to the Sierras and Bishop three times in the last year...once in June of 2009, once in August, and then during the Presidents' Day 4 day weekend in February (that's where the snow pics were from)...We LOVE the Sierras! We are heading back in June as soon as school is out for the summer and believe me, I can't WAIT!!!! Sunday Stills Challenge for May 9, 2010.

Busy night~Nature Notes 050910

2010-05-06T17:47:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, hubby and I decided to take a break from our jobs and take a weekend visit to Las Vegas. No, we don't go to the casinos or hotels! Instead, we drive out to Red Rock Canyon and other desert destinations. I had a Saturday horse clinic to attend and that afternoon, after lunch and a nap, we headed out to the Valley of Fire, near Lake Mead. As we stopped at Rainbow View, I was intrigued by all the animal tracks in the soft, red sand at my feet. I stopped and followed several of them. Aren't they interesting? I find myself stopping and either looking up at the sky or looking down at the ground for some interesting photos! Nature Notes for May 6, 2010.

Mailboxes and yellow flowers~Mellow Yellow Monday 042610

2010-04-26T05:48:00.001-07:00

I found this row of mailboxes up in our local mountains as I was driving around looking at the yellow wildflowers there and just couldn't resist taking it! I like the fence line behind it and the row of mailboxes. What do you think? Mellow Yellow Monday for April26, 2010.

"M" is for mine~ABC Wednesday, April 14, 2010

2010-04-14T05:21:00.001-07:00

It's back to Bodie, CA for this week's ABC Wednesday letter, "M". Bodie, CA was a mining town and part of the mining operations can still be seen there. It looks like we will be heading up that way this year, as soon as school is over! We'll be heading back to the Sierras, then up to Bridgeport, and South Lake Tahoe. I have relatives over in Lovelock, NV, and we may head out that direction, too. Only 43 more days of school and then SUMMER VACATION! YEAH! I am looking forward to visiting Bodie again! ABC Wednesday, April 14, 2010.

Door and windows, Coachella Valley Preserve~Windows and Doors, too!

2010-04-09T05:50:00.001-07:00

This is the homesteader's cabin at the Coachella Valley Preserve, which now serves as the visitor's center. Don't you just love the old, wooden door? In spite of several gaps in between the roof and the walls, the visitor's center is very cool inside. Windows and Doors, Too! for April 9, 2010.

Coachella Valley Preserve~That's My World 040610

2010-04-06T05:39:00.001-07:00

I'm on Spring Break this week and Saturday morning I went out to the Coachella Valley Preserve, in Thousand Palms, CA. If you want to learn about desert plants and animals, this is one of the places to go. Their visitor center has all kinds of information. I stopped there first and then set out on one of their many trails through the palms. I hadn't been on this particular trail before and was surprised to see a wooden plank trail throughout the palms. Looking down at the flowing water, I understood why it was there! This particular oasis is right on the San Andreas Fault and hubby and I are going back today, since he's never been there. Oases like this one are common along fault lines, since water will flow up from the ground. There is a lake on the preserve and I'd like to hike out to it and find it today. When you see palms along the foothills in the mountains, you know that there is water. Our local Indians settled along these oases and used the palm fronds for their houses. It is really cool inside the towering palms and many animals can be seen among them. That's My World for Tuesday, April 6, 2010.

Canyon wildflowers~Today's Flowers 040410

2010-04-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

When I went for my morning walk on Saturday, I was surprised to see these desert shrubs growing right out of the canyon wall! Yes, they also cover the desert's sandy acres, but these were growing right out of the granite! They must have a deep root to be able to hold on like they do! They now dot our desert landscape and even grow up in our local mountains, to about 2,000 feet. I believe, if my memory serves me correctly, that they are called encilia, or brittle brush, and they are a part of the sunflower family. They certainly are prolific! They dot our desert landscape. Today's Flowers for 040410.

Desert wildflowers and Mt. San Jacinto~Looking at the sky on Friday 040210

2010-04-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

I drove out by the acres of wildflowers last week. The wildflowers were at their peak at that time. I went out there today and they aren't quite as vivid. That's what our desert heat does to them...But who can resist all that blue sky? Looking at the Sky on Friday for April 2, 2010.

Sand to Mountains~Scenic Sunday 032810

2010-03-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

I stopped to take this photo last Friday. Even though it was the power lines in it, I still took it. In the background, you can see Mt. San Jacinto. In the foreground are some of our desert wildflowers. It was such a peaceful scene! I'm glad I was able to enjoy it! Scenic Sunday for March 28, 2010.

Hills and morning light~SkyWatch Friday 031210

2010-03-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

I've recently started a morning walking program. I don't walk down by my own house. Rather, I drive up to the base of our local hills, park my car, and off I go! It's just so invigorating to get out and enjoy the sights and smells early in the morning! Here are some pics from one of my morning walks. SkyWatch Friday for 031210

Carmel~Window Views and Doors, Too~ March 10, 2010

2010-03-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

Carmel has such interesting shops, doors, and windows! Here are doors and windows in one photo! We love to visit Carmel! Window Views and Doors, Too for March 10, 2010.

Golf course lake~Watery Wednesday 031010

2010-03-10T01:14:00.000-08:00

I woke up yesterday morning early enough to grab my camera and head out to take some photos before going to school. We have had a storm over the weekend (again...) and Monday morning, the desert was treated to fog. I wasn't sure WHAT I would find yesterday morning. It was windy all night and I didn't know if all the clouds would be gone. Turns out, our local mountains still had clouds on them and it was COLD and windy. It was so cold that morning recess was cancelled at school! I drove by one of my favorite golf course lakes, at Shadow Ridge, in Palm Desert, to take these pics. There weren't any ducks or geese on the lake and it was so windy the trees were leaning and the lake wasn't calm, but that's okay. By the weekend, we are expecting temps to climb up into the 80's! That's winter here in the desert! Watery Wednesday for March 10, 2010.

Mt. San Jacinto and clouds~SkyWatch Friday 030510

2010-03-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

The city of Palm Springs lies at the base of Mt. St. Jacinto. I used to work in an office that looked right up those peaks and one time, when it snowed, it actually snowed in Palm Springs! That's really low! So, this mountain has a special appeal for both my husband and me. He went to Palm Springs High School. When we leave the valley, we are always pleased to see this mountain and others when we return! SkyWatch Friday for March 5, 2010.

In search of Ocotillos~This Way Thursday 030410

2010-03-04T01:46:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I set out in search of some ocotillos which should have been blooming up on Highway 74, above Palm Desert. Now, this highway twists and turns through our local mountains and travels from 200 feet above sea level to over 4,000 feet. I travel this road on the weekends that I go visit my horses. It is one of the most dangerous roads in California and it also is a killer highway. Hardly one weekend goes by without someone having an accident on it. Either they're driving too fast or they aren't paying attention to the road. However, if you just slow down and take your time, it isn't too bad to drive. I do have a good friend who refuses to drive it and I've offered to let her ride with me sometime. She just doesn't wish to drive it alone. Anyway, on this particular Saturday morning (hubby was still asleep), I left our desert home about 6:30 a.m. and drove up Highway 74 to try to take some pics of the ocotillos along this road. There was absolutely NO traffic on it, so a couple of times I was just able to stop and take some photos! Other times, I pulled off onto turnouts and walked back to take them. The morning sunlight was gorgeous, with that nice, soft yellow morning light. I'm glad I had this opportunity to finally take some photos of the ocotillos and the road! This Way Thursday for March 4, 2010.

Church door after rain~Window Views 030210

2010-03-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

As I drove around Saturday morning in the rain, I pulled into this church's parking lot to call my husband. I decided to get out and walk around and explore it. I found this door and its blocks, soaking from all the rain we have had here in the desert. Although plain, I think it has a certain beauty. What do you think? Window Views for March 2, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Bird and Mountain Sunrise~SkyWatch Friday 022610

2010-02-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

As I drove up Highway 74, from Palm Desert to the mountains near Idyllwild last Sunday, I stopped several times along the way to admire the sunrise, the ocotillos, and just being on "my" mountain! At this spot, a little bird was chirping away and when I turned to see where the song was coming from, I spotted it right above me! I sat for a while and enjoyed its song, and the sights and smells from the mountain. SkyWatch Friday for February 26, 2010. Click on the photo to see the little bird!

"F" is for fence~ABC Wednesday 022410

2010-02-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

I love to see fences, as hubby and I go about in our travels. I will always pull over and stop and take a photo of one! We found these near South Lake Tahoe, last summer. The forest service was completing a controlled burn nearby and we stopped to look at the smoke and I spied these fences. Don't you just love the look of a good, hand crafted log fence? ABC Wednesday for February 24, 2010.

"G" is for glass~Sunday Stills Challenge 022210

2010-02-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Back to Bodie, CA for this week's Sunday Stills Challenge. "G" is for GLASS! And, Bodie has lots and lots of glass windows. It is so much FUN to walk around Bodie and just look at everything! It has so much to offer. We drove by the Bodie turnoff last weekend, over Valentine's Day and my birthday. OF COURSE, the Bodie turnoff road was CLOSED (due to snow), but someday I would love to drive out there and see it with snow! Sunday Stills Challenge for February 22, 2010.

Palm trees~Weekend Reflections 022010

2010-02-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

I took this photo a couple of weekends ago, after another weekend storm had cleared out here in our desert. Don't you love the palm trees? Weekend Reflections for February 20, 2010.

Skylift Mammoth~SkyWatch Friday 021910

2010-02-19T04:47:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I were out driving in Mammoth during our vacation and drove under this chair lift and tunnel one day. The sky was blue and clear, a perfect day to be outside! SkyWatch Friday for February 19, 2010.

The Stove-Mammoth, CA

2010-02-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

There is a nice, warm, friendly place to eat in Mammoth, CA called "The Stove". Hubby even took a photo of a stove that they have on display. The food is hot and the portions are generous. We stopped by "The Stove" before we headed up to Mammoth Village on our vacation last weekend. I ordered their cinnamon French toast, while hubby had ham and eggs. Yum, yum! With all the snow in Mammoth, it was good to find a warm place for a good meal.

Snow covered lake~Watery Wednesday 021710

2010-02-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

We went back to Twin Lakes, near Mammoth, last weekend. The lakes there were completely covered with snow and frozen over! See the bridge over one of them? It was a completely different world than the one we visited last August and June! Watery Wednesday for February 17, 2010.

My header photo with SNOW~Scenic Sunday 021410

2010-02-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hubby surprised me for my birthday (Valentine's Day) with a trip back to the Sierras (our favorite place!) It had just snowed there last Wednesday, but cleared on Thursday, when we headed up to Ridgecrest for the night. Then, Friday morning, we drove up to Lone Pine and then up to Bishop. Yesterday we drove from Bishop, up north of town to the Gorge Road, where I took my header photo last August. HA! We were lucky to get as far as the mailboxes. The road down to the back of the mountain was C-L-O-S-E-D and unplowed. One road was plowed so that the residents could get in and out, but that was it! And, with all the snow that the Sierras got, a LOT of roads were closed. Highway 395 was open and there was no problem with it. And, the roads into Mammoth were open up Mammoth Village, but no further. We stopped and had a late breakfast at The Stove in Mammoth, which serves up hearty sized meals, even breakfast! Then, we headed up to June Lake, which was completely covered with snow. That road was open through town, but closed before it curves around to Silver Lake. DARN! So, we turned back and drove up to Mono Lake, took some photos there, and drove to Bridgeport. It was so white and bright in Bridgeport that all we did was buy gas and turn around! We drove out the road to the south tufa at Mono Lake, but the road down to the lake wasn't plowed and we didn't want to chance running into ice at the turnaround by the lake (although people with 4-wheel drives did make it). Several other cars had parked up on the road (which was closed ahead of us) and did hike down to the lake, but when you're our age (29+++++++++++++), walking on ice and falling down (especially when carrying cameras) is not a good thing! Anyway, here are some pics from my birthday trip. Scenic Sunday for February 14, 2010. Yes, 29 AGAIN! Oh, I included some photos of the road right across from the mailboxes, so you can see how much snow there was! The bottom photos are from Lee Vining, which was pretty much shut down for the season. One motel in town had so much snow on its roof that it was ready to collapse!

Sierras~Weekend Reflections 021310

2010-02-13T05:50:00.001-08:00

Late yesterday afternoon hubby and I drove into Bishop, CA. Since there was still usable daylight, we decided to take a drive out to North and South Lakes. Before we arrived at the North Lake cutoff, I found this side road, Starlight Drive, which had many beautiful homes on it. I liked this one and the reflection of the mountain in its windows. Weekend Reflections for February 13, 2010. Today we head out to Mammoth and Mono Lake.