Pyramid Lake

On the trip to L.A. last week-end I noticed a couple of lakes in the mountains. Decided today to visit one - Pyramid Lake. This is another man-made lake. It lies on the border of the Angeles National Forest and the Los Padres National Forest. I found out today that the lake is 20 miles north of Magic Mountain (an amusement park - so that may have to be another trip in the near future).

Up to 150 boats are allowed at one time. I did not see any one doing much in the way of fishing but my view was limited to the small bit of shoreline accessible to cars. There are several day camping areas that are accessible only with a boat so the lake is larger that it appears in these photos. I think this would be a fun place to bring a pontoon boat. Enjoy the sunshine at 4000 feet elevation, chat with friends, have a picnic on board and, for those so inclined, get some fishing done!

More about this lake and the services available to visitors - later this week.

Beach homes and Beach homes!

Manhattan Beach neighborhoods are interesting. Back about a mile or so from the beach you find small houses with colorful, sunny charm.

Housing on the beach is dense and crowded. If you are thin, young and wealthy - what a neat place to live!

Manhattan Beach in Southern California: Part 2

As always in retail so much is "location, location, location". In this economy, even in a beach community - it has to help!

It was Sunday but every metered parking spot was filled. Patrons out to shop and eat on a lovely afternoon!

Tanker attending to business in the local ports.

Manhattan Beach in Southern California

Over the mountains, through the Angeles National Forest and down the 405 to Manhattan Beach in the South Bay of L.A. I felt as though I has traveled to another planet. The weather was sunny and the ocean breeze was brisk and refreshing. The Central Valley has palm trees. But when the palms are the landscaping for the ocean the effect is sublime - tropical not desert! The beach is lined with volley ball poles but the few were playing today. Folks down here call this season "June Gloom" and it feels chilly to many. I thought, after 90+ degree heat, it felt heavenly. Children were in the ocean water in spite of the breeze and surfers bobbed atop their boards waiting for the perfect wave. If you can navigate the traffic, the South Bay area is a must. Beaches are pretty, fun shops and places to eat and the people watching is interesting. This day was a treat in spite of the LA freeways!

Jewels of the Forest Floor

Flowers in the forest are a delightful beauty for one species and the 'office' for another...

Next stop...the beach in So. Cal.!

The Yucca in Bloom

The Yucca plants were in when during this most recent visit to the Sequoia National Park. The Yucca is found in dry arid places so it was not unusual to find it in the desert but it was surprising to find it in abundance in the Sequoia. It was a small lesson in eco-systems. The plant itself has tough sword like leafs. The spike that brings forth the flower is also tough, thick and tall. I stood under one plant to take some of the pictures. I’m just about 5’6” and the flower towered above me! The Yucca plant came up to my knees. The blossoms on the species in the Park are large, white and stand in beautiful contrast to its parent plant.

Sequoia: A Park Forest for Meditation

Do you need to rest and relax? Would a moment to collect your thoughts before trudging into another week of making decisions be of comfort to you? Do you need to have time to play with the family, explore nature with the kids? A visit to this forest will provide the environment that will encourage you to think or not think, to move or not move – depending on your need. There are magnificent peaks, deep, lush valleys, thickly pined groves and small hidden places to sooth any weary soul.

Recovering from Fire

Throughout the forest there are scenes of botanical fire recovery. I found myself wondering when the fires happened and thought there should be some sort of plaque “forest fire 1934” and so on. Would some areas have more plagues than others? Were the fires started by a lightning strike, a camp fire, a careless cigarette? No matter the cause the forest immediately gets on to the business at hand…healing and regrowth. No hospitals, no therapists, no nurses or doctors to gently nudge the process along.

Sequoias

When I am able to find a hiking partner I’ll have an opportunity to get deeper into the forest.With only a few hours to spare I realized that multiple camping trips would be required to begin to develop even a casual knowledge of this beautiful place. Today’s visit brought my attention to more of the giant Sequoias.

The bottom of the many Sequoias have been burned in forest fires but the tree continues to thrive. I remember reading some where that earlier settlers used those burn caves to house chickens...instant coop. Given the age of this forest "barn". One cannot help but wonder what was transpiring in history when these trees were saplings.

The Sequoia Escape When the Valley Simmers

The central Valley is cooking in 92+ degree heat. The Sierra’s Sequoia National Park was shrouded in clouds. Heat vs. Cool – the decision was simply, the Sierra won! Cloud cover lowered the temperature to a comfortable 64 degrees at 5000 feet of elevation. The occasional low rumble of thunder rolled over the mountain tops followed by a cloud burst or two. The rain heightened the forest’s sweet scent.