Dirt Trails by the Lake

 

This morning I went to the lake again. Most of you know how much I love walking at the lake and that I usually avoid the paved path as much as possible and prefer the dirt trails. About ten days ago I inhured my left leg while riding my bike; at the same time the sciatica (that I have had since I was a teenager) became more painful on my right side so that walking actually did hurt and I felt limited in my outdoor activities (I still walked but it wasn't quite that enjoyable).

Today was the first day that everything felt much better and of course I was off to the lake with the intention to hit the dirt trails again. I started out on the Fisherman's Trail which is an easy trail.

However, pretty soon I left it and ventured into rougher terrain - my prefered choice. After a couple minutes I spotted this California Quail (Callipepla californica) sitting on a tree stump. To my suprise he didn't fly away when I stopped and started to take pictures of him. Usually they're quite skittish and disappear in the bushes.

Next I discovered two deer relaxing away from the trail. Can you see them? They're not easy to spot. Look for those ears!

I was glad to see this sign:

For several years the park has "hired" sheep and goats for their vegetation management. Especially the goats are highly effective, they eat practically almost everything to the ground. I love this kind of natural wildfire prevention. Unfortunately there will be new rules that will probably make it more difficult for the businesses who offer this kind of environmentally friendly solutions. I quite don't understand why these new rules will be enforced, they make absolutely no sense to me and will only result in less "sheep and goat" businesses and higher prices. As far as I understand, these rules concern the shepherds (payment, benefits etc) which is a step in the right direction, but unfortunately the way it is done will not bring the desired results. In my opinion (that no one wants to hear anyway) we need more of these businesses and they should be financially supported (what about if all the big corporations would start paying their taxes? Then there would be money for these small businesses that actually do something good for our planet). But I digress...

I loved this tree with its big hole in front of the huge water tanks (our emergency water).

Purple and Yellow Star-thistles lined my way (Centaurea calcitrapa and Centaurea solstitialis) as well as old tree stumps.

And then I discovered a new trail! I couldn't believe it - I thought that after more than 20 years I know every trail by and near the lake, but I was obviously mistaken. New adventures are awaiting!

This is perfect terrain for rattlesnakes, so I better be cautious and look where I step (sturdy footwear is essential here). Instead of rattlesnakes (who were probably asleep under these rocks) I saw a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) "cleaning up" his plate which looked like a squirrel. He (or she?) also didn't mind me much which surprised me as well. I'm very fond of Turkey Vultures.

Another animal that didn't took off right away - a California Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi). I can watch these little guys for hours.

I love this landscape so much - it is engraved in my heart and soul. It might look bare and very dry, even a bit hostile, but it is full of life. Our planet is so incredibly beautiful - and we have done such a lousy job taking care of it. 

Yesterday was the first supermoon in August - yes, there are two supermoons this month, it will be a super blue moon on August 30 (or a blue supermoon, take your pick). Yesterday's moon was a sturgeon supermoon. Did you see it? We had a rather cloudy sky thanks to the coastal fog a.k.a. marine layer. It made a dramatic photo.

What about dinner for Rain's Thursday Art and Dinner Date? A few weeks ago I found a recipe for sheet-pan chicken with zucchini and basil. It was easy and turned out very delicious. It was such a lovely evening that we had dinner in the garden. Of course, it was accompanied by a glass of cool rosé.