One day last week I thought I can't sit one minute longer on my butt and knit. So I hopped into my car and drove over to the lake for a "short" walk. Of course it did turn out a longer walk than I had planned. I should know this by now.
It was a beautiful day with very pleasant temperatures. Down at the lake I met one of my friends, a Green Heron. He was busy waiting for his lunch and wasn't the least bit interested in me.
When I'm at the lake on my own, I seldom walk the entire length around the lake, but turn onto the smaller trails that lead away from the water into the drier areas where more often than not I enjoy complete solitude. Just the way I like it.
... as well as the beautiful Lace Lichen, our state lichen.
The bark of California Buckeye is very interesting.
Some of my favorite trees in this part of the lake area is the Manzanita.
It's a slow growing little tree with fascinating red bark.
The berries display a similar red.
Manzanitas are some of the earliest plants to bloom, often already in January, and an important food source for bees at that time. Lichens like to grow on them as well and give them an interesting appearance.
Someone had stashed away their food in the hole of a tree trunk.
Was it this little Ground Squirrel? Or someone else?
There weren't many mushrooms, at least I only saw this one.
The trees around the lake - mostly natives - don't show a great autumn display. The more I was delighted to discover this group of trees.
Almost at the parking lot I saw this beautiful California Foothill Pine cone on the ground.
So, now let's turn to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's T Tuesday. I don't have a "real" drink to show this week. However, while I was cleaning up a bit I found this emptly bottle of wine sitting in my studio. I think I kept it because I liked the label and was thinking of painting something like this. I hope it counts as a "drink" ticket.
12 comments:
That looks like a wonderful walk Carola. Those Manzanitas are very interesting looking trees, and that red bark really stands out. it looks smooth too, except of course for the lichen growing on it. I think it looks like a lovely day and a longer than planned walk was perfect. I like that wine bottle label too. Have a super T day and week ahead. hugs-Erika
Beautiful photos, Carola.
Wow! You got some fabulous photos! What a wonderful place to walk. Great post. Happy t day!
I haven’t thought about mazanitas in years, and it’s nice to see your photos.
What a fabulous way to spend a bit of solitary time. That must be a fabulous place to walk and take photos. I've never heard of mazanitas before, but that bark is amazing. Adding the lichen makes it very textural.
Your wine label is adorable. I can see you creating a colorful piece of art from that label. And YES, Carola, it definitely counts for T this Tuesday.
I forgot to ask. Is that California foothill pinecone one that is over 8 inches tall, or is it a smaller one? I visited some friends near San Diego who own a farm and they sent me home with six of the huge ones.
It’s wonderful that you noticed all the beautiful small details on your walk. So much to enjoy in nature. It looks like the perfect place to wander. B x
Der Manzanita ist beeindruckend!
Och, das arme Schwein!!! Die Flasche hätte ich auch aufbewahrt, so süß! Man möchte es knuddeln! Ich "gehe" mit Elizabeth... mach was Schönes aus dem Label!
...Carola, what a wonderful walk you took me on. Mother Nature did a marvelous job sculpting thos trees!
What a lovely walk. I have never heard of manzanitas (meaning little apple in Spanish). They are very pretty, especially with the lichen on the red bark. I love lichen. I did an extra module about lichen when I was at uni (I did geology). Lichen are fascinating, especially once you get 'your eye in'. then you see them everywhere.
Yes, that is an unusual wine label. Reminds me of Winnie the Pooh.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca
The fact that a planned short walk turns into a longer walk is a mark of honour, Carola, to be worn proudly as a true naturalist. Oh my god that scenery is beautiful. I am gobsmacked by the pictures alone, so just imagine how the real thing would affect me. Knitting has its place, and no doubt you have orders to fill, but inner satisfaction of the kind that only nature can convey has its place, too. First place in my world, and I suspect yours as well. Huge and plentiful hugs - David
oh how lovely Carola! Nature is so wonderful and beautiful. I love that red bark on the tree. I love how vegetation is different from place to place. I think you should totally draw that label. It's so cute. Have a wonderful rest of the week! Much peace and hugs!
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