356. CA Trip (8): Simple Pleasure

Lichens can be very pretty. Sometimes, when the lighting is right, the color can be so vibrant. At one point, the simple “art” created by nature gave us unexpected pleasure.

355. CA Trip (7): Red Rock Canyon State Park-2

Libby wasn’t feeling too well, so I went to the park alone one day. She is a retired policewoman. During her 20 years of career, she had been injured many times. It is hard to imagine that, with all the injuries and pains, she is still able to hike better than most of the healthy people. I admire her strength and amazing spirit. I’ve joked a number of times that the person I’m looking for is the male version of her. 🙂

I followed a trail for a little while, then I went off trail. The scenery and rock formations are so marvelous that I decided to show Libby to the place the next day. I had to put up a few cairns so we would find our way easily.

The Wild West is wild—I almost stepped on a rattle snake! I jumped and ran away as fast as I could. Luckily Libby didn’t have her camera ready. Otherwise everyone would laugh at my cowardice and silliness. I’m so fearful of snakes, poisonous or not.

 

 

 

354. CA Trip (6): Red Rock Canyon State Park-1

As you all know, I’m a big fan of red rock. I wouldn’t miss a place with red rock. This state park is about an hour drive from Stallion Spring where we’ve stayed, yet it is a world different. While Stallion Spring is green, lush, and rained almost every day, Red Rock Canyon SP is dry and sunny. Lots of amazing rocks and rock formations there.

Tip: The entrance fee is $6. However, the best part is outside of the paid parking area!

 

 

353. CA Trip (5): Pinnacles National Natural Landmark

Pinnacles National Natural Landmark is quite remarkable, yet it is not that easy to find. It is between Ridgecrest and Trona. But we didn’t see any sign until we made the turn to the dirty road.

The place is so dry and full of salt. Yet, life survives in this barren desert environment—Desert Five-Spot is a beautiful little flower. It is hard to imagine such delicate flower can flourish in this hush, desolate location. This is the first time I’ve seen Desert Five-Spot in person. I had seen pictures and ever since then I wished I could see it in its natural habitat. Wishes do come true—it happened to me many, many times. 🙂

(Desert Five-Spot)

352. CA Trip (4): Fields of Pink Wildflowers

I love this particular field of pink flowers (Owl’s clover)! Not only it is colorful and vibrant, but also it took us some effort to get there. I won’t tell you how we got there. Let me say that without the help of Libby, I wouldn’t be able to reach the field. So it is deserve to have a separate post.  🙂

 

 

351. CA Trip (3): Fields of Wildflowers

To me, a field full of wildflowers is a serene and ideal place. I’ve said before and I still believe strongly that I wish to have my ashes scattered in a meadow covered with wildflowers. I do not want to be confined, even after death. Being in a field with wild blooms is free and romantic. That will be my ultimate destination and my final contribution to nature. A few wildflowers will bloom profusely because of me. Before that day comes, I’ll check out a few potential places. 🙂

 

 

350. CA Trip (2): Other Wildflowers

Other than California poppy, we’ve also seen a lot of other wildflowers. Here are some of them.

Every time I see a wildflower, I thank my mom for teaching me to enjoy such simply beauty. With this appreciation of nature, I can always find happiness—anywhere, anytime, for wildflowers are all around us.

(Cherry)

349. CA Trip (1): Fields of California Poppies

Just came back from a week-long trip to southern California.

I had seen beautiful pictures of California wildflowers, especially California poppies. When I mentioned this to my friend, Libby, she was very interested in going there with me. It is “risky” since sometimes, if it is too dry, then there won’t be many flowers. And timing is so important and tricky—it could be too early or too late for the bloom. In fact, there was no flower at Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve where normally covers with California poppies in spring time. I’m glad she was willing to take the “risk” and we were lucky to find lots of wildflowers.

We were very persistent. We’ve driven far and long, searched high and low, hiked up the mountain, and even climbed a few fences to “hunt” for flowers. (We stayed in Stallion Spring, but we drove for hours almost every day in all directions. Ironically, the best field of poppy was within 10 minutes’ drive—they didn’t bloom until the day before our trip ended.)

Having traveled on my own for three years (I started traveling from NC on April 16, 2013), it was such a treat to travel with someone who shares the same interests with me. We were elated just to spot a flower; we exclaimed at the same time when we found a meadow full of simple but delightful “treasures”. Libby is not only a dear friend, but also a great travel companion. I’m lucky to have her sharing the natural beauty with me! She is like my “long lost twin sister”. 🙂