Sky Transport

While hiking in Kennedy Meadows we observed a couple of helicopters trailing buckets.  Since the day was hot and hazy the first thought might be that they were fighting a fire.

 But no, no water in these buckets.

 It was concrete that they were hauling to upgrade a dam at the edge of the Emigrant Wilderness.

 I was struck by the stance of the guy on the right, hands clasped behind his back.  Hubby thought perhaps it was his job to signal when the bucket was ready to be lifted and didn't want to make any gesture that might be misinterpreted.

The orange stripe on the hard hat would make it possible for the guy in the chopper to distinguish him.  What ever the reason for the stance, it looks like a hazardous operation for both the men on the ground and those in the air.  It was a bit disconcerting for the hikers as well.  The Helicopter with its full bucket of concrete flew right over the trail!

You can find more sky views at SkyWatch Friday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia.

Watery American Dipper

I saw this little guy feeding in the Stanislaus River.

 

 Never still, he dives and swims in the water and bobs up and down while on land.  It makes it challanging for the photograper.

 Also known as a water ouzel he is fun to watch.

Find more watery sites at Watery Wednesday, hosted for us by 2sweetnsaxy.

Autumn Harvest

Enlarge these for a close-up view.

 On a recent camping trip I enjoyed watching this Chicaree or Douglas Squirrel.  I had to watch my head, though, for first he threw them on the ground.

It almost looked like he was eating corn on the cob.

He rips off the scales to get at the seeds.

Eventually he notices me watching him.

He runs off with the pine cone.  It must weigh more than the squirrel.

To see more critters, head on over to Camera Critters, hosted for us by Misty Dawn.

Signs of Autumn

For more watery sights head on over to Watery Wednesday, hosted for us by 2sweetnsaxy.

Sonora Pass Country

Too often Hubby and I have zipped over the Sonora Pass on California route 108.  We knew this beautiful area deserved more of our attention but we hadn't gotten around to exploring.  Last month we tried to rectify our error and spent three nights camping near Kennedy Meadows.

 This is the gateway for hikers into the Emigrant Wilderness and a haven for those who enjoy fishing and majestic scenery.  For those who chose not to camp, the resort offers cabins and a restaurant.  You must plan ahead, though, as the resort already has reservations for most of next summer!

 Our visit in early autumn found the Stanislaus River running low.  It was obvious, though, that at other times there is a lot of water.

 The meadow grasses had turned brown.  We hope to go back in the spring to see it clothed in green.

 Fishermen were taking advantage of the last few weeks of fishing season.

As the day comes to an end the rock formations are highlighted by the setting sun.

See other worlds at That's My World Tuesday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia.