Visitors 208
Modified 21-Dec-23
Created 12-Apr-18
39 photos
Bob, Jan, and Peter met me at Escobar Gate when it opened: 6:30 am. Bob was doubtful: an overcast day was predicted, then rain later in the day. I was not worried; the hardest part of the day was over (getting up!), it was all downhill from here.
This turned out to be a spectacular day. Some of the best light I have known, with dramatic clouds, shadows coming and going. The serpentine wildflowers were at their peak for this year. (Less spectacular than in previous years, but quite nice close up.) Jan and Bob were photographers, so I was not the only one being continually tempted by yet another image to capture. We all had a good time. (Peter was a good sport.)
Here is a mix of perspectives, from macros to landscapes. A mix of cameras: I now use my iPhone as well as the macro lens on my Nikon for closeups. In addition to the serpentine wildflowers, I focused on the valley oaks (as usual). We all captured several images of the valley oak on the ridge along Road F (the one I call the "Phainopepla Tree" after some ancient history); I have not captured better images of this tree in my years passing by. Dawn light, dramatic clouds -- what's not to like? A flock of pigeons passed over while I was ready to snap.
Trigger warning: one image near the end might not be appetizing. I include the image of the fresh scat for interest. We had passed near that spot on our way out, and from the freshness of the scat, it might have been deposited since we first went by. I find the scrapes interesting. I know, dogs as well as cats can scrape after depositing scat.
As always, your comments and IDs are welcome. Leave a comment! Thanks.
