Monday, January 14, 2019

There is Always Hope

While we were in Los Angeles for the holidays, our son took me walking in an area that had been burned by the Woolsey fire.


We encountered this little tree, newly planted, lovingly tended. 

 Many years ago in another burned area someone planted five oak trees.  When hiking in the area we sometimes saw him bringing water in gallon jugs, in a wheelbarrow, up a steep fire road until the little trees were firmly established.

This is one view of our world, mind others at "Our World, Tuesday".

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Various Points of Viewing

I've observed the sky from several viewpoints over the last month.


A beautiful sunset from my home in Lincoln, California


Early morning sun peaking through the clouds, highlighting the Santa Monica Mountains from my son's home at the edge of the San Fernando Valley.


Sunset at Cambria, California

Find more views of the sky at "Skywatch Friday".

Sunday, January 6, 2019

Elephant Seals

December and January are two of the best times to visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.  We have visited the rookery several times but this was our first visit at this special time.  Unlike the rookery at Ano Nuevo, here no reservations are required.  A large parking lot and viewing walkway are on a bluff just above the beach.
There are two beaches at the rookery.  On this beach are the males who failed to win breading rights.
They posture and fight with one another but it will do them no good.  The females are on the other beach where the dominant males have staked their claim, fighting off the competition.
On this beach are the females and the new pups.
 The lord of this section of beach, a dominant male.
The pups will nurse for about four weeks then the mother will mate with one of the dominant males and leave.  The pups will remain on the beach for 8 to 10 weeks, fasting.  Eventually they will make their way into the water. 

To learn more about the elephant seals check out this site.  Here you can find more information, the best times to visit and a webcam so you can see what is happening now.  Once nearly hunted to extinction these creatures are now found in several colonies.  They are a part of our world.
You can find other views of our wonderful world at "Our World, Tuesday"