Here we are in the second half of August already! We are in our first real heatwave with temperatures over 100F which has turned out very "Uncalifornian" since we're experiencing heavy thunder and lightning with powerful winds and an unusual humidity. The wind is what worries us the most, and this morning a wildfire was reported near Lake Hennessey in Napa County (the next county over) with mandatory evacuations in place.
I have been back to work at the high school for two weeks and today amidst the thunderstorm we had a power outage shortly before noon. Since I work in a room that is pitch dark without electricity I decided to go home since it was also getting unbearably hot. Fortunately we still have power at home, so I was able to work from here and also participate in a work meeting.
Today was also the first day of school which of course is happening via distance learning. It is very weird to work at a campus that is eerily empty and lifeless where normally teenagers congregate to learn. However, I also feel much more comfortable right now with far less people at work.
But despite all the work at the high school and the planning at the German School there still is time to go outside and do a few hikes - either alone or with my daughter. Yes, she is still here, but her departure is getting closer. She has booked her flight for Labor Day, and despite the heartache I hope she will be able to fly and not have to deal with any cancellations.
We were both delighted to discover some more rock cairns during our hikes.
Someone stacked several cairns in the dry creek bed - I often see families with children hang out there, so I suspect it's the kids who do this. I'm sure they're having fun with it.
Many years ago we found the most beautiful rock cairn on Ruby Beach in Washington State. It was a very foggy day on that rocky beach, but I remember how charming this specific stack of rocks appeared to us.
Of course the most famous "stacked rocks" are these -
What about you? Do you often see rock cairns when you go out in nature - or even in more urban environments? Do you like to see them or do you not particularly care about them?
Inuit inukshuks are often replicated here, but i doubt that their creators generally have any knowledge of the original purpose of these cairns in the Arctic. Your news of hot, dry conditions must be quite terrifying given the fire seasons you have lived through in recent years. These terrible events now seem to be regular and predictable unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a rock cairn - and it would make my day. I admire the skill which goes into making them too.
ReplyDeleteI understand your heartache and your worry - and hope that everything goes smoothly for your daughter and that she can start her studies without any aggravation.
Stay cool, stay safe.
Beautiful rock cairns you found! Especially the one with the rounded rocks. Hope the wildfires stay away from your place and you stay safe!
ReplyDeleteI never knew those were called cairns. You don't see many here but I really do love them. (Sometimes the occasional one in somebody's garden.)
ReplyDeleteI hope those fire tornadoes I keep hearing about aren't anywhere near you. It worries me. Stay safe.
These stacked rocks are something else, especially the ones at the ocean. That one looks so cool. And I was noticing in the distance the large tree stump, and it kind of looks like a dinosaur. This is such an interesting photo, Carola. I can imagine a child stacking this set of rocks, it's so creative. I hope you have a good school year. The girls are both teaching from home, and I'm thankful for that.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Bei Sculpture by the Sea waren Kinder mit sowas am Werk und Besucher hielten es für Kunst - die waren bestimmt stolz, die Kinder :-)
ReplyDeleteGruselig mit Natur und Elektrizität... Wir sind noch auf der "sicheren Seite"...