celebrating summer

We made a visit on Friday to West Marin. The drive through Samuel P. Taylor State Park was nothing less than glorious. The light, the smell, the perfect temperature. I gave a nod to my father, who saw no reason to travel anywhere else. Yes Dad, perhaps your were right.
We stopped at Devil's Gulch to visit the Mother Tree, the one I propagate from in the fall and early winter. This tree has spawned many offspring, one growing in our backyard to full blooming adulthood.
After a brief stop for sandwiches  we headed out the Marshall Beach Road, where the fog had overtaken the sun.

Our lunch spot was the Coast Guard Cemetery, an off missed spot on the tourist trail.

After consuming our lunch we headed to a spot, definitely on the tourist list.

We'll come back in the winter. But the day ended with the Night Blooming Ceres showing it's glory. Something I often miss because it only blooms for one night.

A perfect ending to a perfect day.

back from yellow creek

Humbug valley was beautiful, some fish were caught, we secured campsite #4, we survived the pine cone attack that left a large hole in the tent, and if anyone knows what kind of a beetle camped with us please let us know.

summer solstice

The blue quilt is on the bed, summertime. Our 1886 house was originally a beach cottage, and I'm telling myself I'm spending the summer at the beach and if I want to lazily read books sitting in the backyard that's okay.

Dashiell doesn't read books (that I know of) but he likes to relax on the porch.

walking familar paths

The mountain was kind to us and let us setup camp before showers, thunder, and lightning arrived. The fish rose to the fly and the campground was quiet. Below a fish consumes the tasty ant.

Walking around Manzanita Lake the last night was magical.

The tent only loop proved to be a good hideout from the RV's with their generators. And the softserve swirls were as good as ever. Lassen National Park we'll return, laden with quarters to use the coin operated showers.

fair isle

On my own terms, I've decided I enjoy doing this. Or rather the terms are I make it up as I go along. There is a bit of the challenge to this as the bodies of the hats are 133 stitches, a number not easily divisible.

And, I confess, this is all cashmere, pleasurable to knit and wear. These are staying in my collection.

may, eastside of the sierra

Road to Little Lakes Valley trailhead Rock Creek, taken on May 2, could be awhile before any hiking is possible.

And here is the pack station.

We stuck to lower elevations, where the wind seemed to be the major factor.

But on day three we found the perfect spot.

dogwood spring

The view from the back porch. I am always surprised each year when this happens, seems like we go from winter to spring instantly. We just spent a somewhat rainy three days in Monterey last week but now I'm having to water pots in the garden.

The weather didn't stop us from wandering around the cemetery close to where we were staying.

As a geographer, I've always found cemeteries interesting. They tell the history of the area. And I'm always looking for witty or profound gravestones. I've given instructions that no artificial flowers are to be placed on my grave. I want real ones.

No flags needed for me, just flowers, or perhaps some sort of an arrangement of found objects.