Just loved these cloud formations the other night.
On another note, new Fire restrictions went into effect yesterday. Still no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (Nacimiento, Ponderosa, Plaskett Creek, and Kirk Creek, along with Day use areas Sand Dollar Beach and Mill Creek). Also permits are now required for both propane stoves and lanterns. I’ll post the notice later today, which has a link to get a permit online.
A little photographic collage I did, using photographs I took in the last week or so.
I am doing well, just catching up on the 6 weeks I lost. The tide has turned on the Waldo Canyon Fire, after losing almost 350 homes, one civilian life, with another missing, and at least my family is safe. My heart aches for those who lost their homes, people and critters alike.
So, tonight, I bring you some sunset photos from Dan Danbom. Thanks, again, Dan. Also, I’ll be changing my header photo in memory of and honor to my friend Terrydactyl, for the month of July. Still looking for the lone hiker photo. Hoping it is on my other computer.
As ever, Dan, thanks for helping to keep it interesting!
There are a number of photos I have been meaning to upload here, but just never seem to get around to it.
This first one was taken on the early morning run to the vet for Gideon’s surgery. One great thing about getting on the road early. I have seen this herd many times, but never this close to Highway One. Unfortunately, somehow, I forgot my camera and had to use my iPhone. Two of the males are getting ready to fight.
“The tule elk (Cervus canadensis ssp. nannodes) is a subspecies of elk found only in California, ranging from the grasslands and marshlands of the Central Valley to the grassy hills on the coast.[1] The subspecies name derives from the tule that it feeds off of, which grows in the marshlands. It is the smallest subspecies of all American elks, with the average weight of adult males only 450 – 550 pounds. The females average 375 – 425 pounds. The calves are similar to deer fawns, with brown coat and white spots. When the Europeans first arrived, an estimate of 500,000 tule elk roamed these regions. But by 1895, habitat loss and hunting had reduced the elk population to only 28.[2] Conservation measures were taken to protect the species in the 1970s.[3] Today the wild population exceeds 4,000.[2] Tule elk can reliably be found in Carrizo Plain National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and portions of the Owens Valley from Lone Pine to Bishop.” (wikipedia)
I will add a few more later today and perhaps tomorrow, but I have been procrastinating on work long enough!
This is a light fixture in a restaurant – The Chart House, I believe. I did title this post a hodgepodge, remember?
This was a doorway in San Juan Bautista. It lent itself quite nicely to a soft black & white treatment.
This was also taken with the iPhone, thus the “halo effect” from the HDR. I took this back in May.
Okay, that’s it for today. Look for more tomorrow!
And so, tomorrow it begins … love, friends, good food, great music … and the JADE.
First, the Station Fire update. From this morning’s LA Times:
“More progress in Station fire, but canyons still under threat
September 3, 2009 | 7:04 am
The fire is now 38% contained and has burned more than 144,000 acres. It was moving southeast to the mountains high above Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Monrovia, and hand crews battled rugged terrain as they tried to protect well-known campgrounds, trails, recreation areas and the Stony Ridge Observatory. The western leg pushed toward Pacoima Canyon, prompting the evacuation of 11 homes.”
And from one of my sources: “144,753 @ 38% contain…..4,735 personnel on it, 64 homes and 49 outbuildings destroyed, helicoters have dropped 1.7 million gals. of water as this date an aircraft have dropped 670,000 gals. of retardent[.]”
One of the best collections of photos of the Station Fire I have found is from the Boston Globe, here
On the home front, here is last night’s sunset:
And some people have asked me privately about the recovery of my dog, Dakota, from her ordeal that has been going on since the end of April. After four months of “house arrest” I finally started letting her out for 15 minutes, twice a day. All was going well, until yesterday, when she somehow pulled the injury open. I am guessing it was jumping up on the back porch. She came back early, was whimpering, wouldn’t sit down, and was otherwise in pain. It could have been worse, so I am treating it at home, for now, and putting her back on house arrest.
I dedicate this to the men and women fighting the monster called the Station Fire, north of Los Angeles. It is the dragon, eating everything in its path. And particularly for the family, friends, and co-workers of the two brothers from LACo fire who were killed in a roll-over today on Mt. Gleason. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
For those who would like to do something, I suggest a donation to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation. They provide support to the families and friends of firefighters who are injured or lose their lives fighting wildland fires.
And this is why I can put up with all the trespassers, the yay-hoos, and other inconveniences. Who can blame them for wanting a piece of this? This was taken this past weekend.
The problem with living “On Top o’ the World,” is I see everything. There is smoke drift, particularly visible at sunset, although I saw it earlier this afternoon, too.
Last I heard, earlier this afternoon, the fire on the NV/CA border, up by Reno was about 7K acres. I also read about several new fires down in LA County, and of a new fire between Lookwood and San Ardo. (seems to have been contained in rapid fashion.)
I’ve purused all my usual sources, and find nothing to explain it. I am working late tonight so that I can attend the BSVFB Muster/BBQ/Retirement Party tomorrow.
Maybe the million acres that have burned in AK this month have finally made it down this far, or the Backbone in the Trinity Alps, or the Redrock/Trailer complex up by Reno. But I can’t smell smoke, so I will continue working, and see some of you tomorrow.
I have to get my notes together, and write a summary of the Wildfire Protection Plan meeting last night … I have the photos of the Ripplewood/Library garden to upload to my computer … I have to work, but am distracted by the beautiful summer day … but in the meantime, here is a stunning watercolor sent to me by the art teacher at Pacific Valley School, Dave Allen. I am going to use it as my banner for a while, as it is just so beautiful.
