Last entry to Nomad

I've moved.  I'm leaving this blog in place but after today there will be no new entries here.  A new blog, Romancing the NorthWest is beginning to take shape.  Washington state is home.  Now it is time to explore wonders of that State.

Barren Orchard

While driving through the foothills tonight, I came across several dying orchards.

Some young trees seem to be holding on but even some of those young trees have already turned gray.

Did the orchard suffer from some sort of blight? Did the farmer fail and therefore his orchard did as well? Was this left fallow because of the draught. It is somehow sad and the scene was a bit ghostly. The road between the orchards is deserted in the evening and the only sound - the clanking of a metal gate blowing in the wind.

I am Humbled...

This is a different shade of the flower in the last post. I find myself humbled by the simplicity of the bud and the complexity and organization of the entire blossom. Allowing oneself to be amazed and then remembering to be humble in the face of the Magnificent is a powerful experience.

It does not have to be the newest and biggest that man kind can produce. Gardens hold endless surprise. Even in the arid land of the Central Valley in June.

Looking at the organization of the flower from the underside ~

Small AND Grand

The most magnificent surprises come is very tiny packages!

Lake Buena Vista

Active volley ball games on Father's Day!

and simple pleasures...

Buena Visita Aquatic Recreation Area

Traveled about 25 miles south west of Bakersfield off of Interstate 5 to see this man-made lakes area. There are three small lakes with recreational facilities including over-night camping. I was told to make reservations if I was planning to camp as this time of year the sites are often full. It is very pleasant and many families were there to celebrate Father's Day. Picnic tables, BBQ pits, some shade trees and swimming is allowed on one of the small and quiet lakes. During the less warm time of the year many birds migrate through here. I noticed the sound of many bird calls as well as bull frogs croaking. Their sounds add to the sense of being away from the urban areas.

More about this place later this week...

Completing the tour of Pyramid Lake

a study in contrasts - the living and the not living....

picnic shelters waiting for the humans to visit...
waters waiting for it's boaters...
peace waiting for a visitor...

Pyramid Lake - Finding beauty in contrast

Part of the experience of recreation in stopping to observe the world at a small level. This lake with it's busy water activities and bustling BBQ areas also has some other small wonders of the natural kind. The arid climate contributes to a variety of environmental colors and textures that's a visual delight.

Pyramid Lake - just to have fun

The State Forest areas offer places to relax and have fun with family and friends - a small escape from the city. For dog lovers, unlike the National Forest system which is dog hateful - dogs are welcome here - but on a leash, please or you will run a foul of the agents who work here. Pyramid Lake has covered shelters, BBQ pits, a life guarded beach and lots of room for boats.

Pyramid Lake ~ learning to use a canoe - sort of...

On Sunday I watched two groups of young men learn to manage a canoe. One group swamped their boat twice. A person with jet skis finally got them right side up and the duo turned the canoe over again. The jet ski fellow helped once again and lastly towed the pair to safety. No one was hurt. Well, pride maybe but that always heals with time.

Canoes resting after a hard day of beginners at work.