CaliforniaGirlinOz (now just California Girl)

Another gorgeous day, and I wondered if I might stretch to a little climb today. Haven't been up to Lake Suttonfield for a couple of months, and I'm a little curious to see the water level this far into summer. I also thought maybe I'd head down to the Frog Pond afterward, but likely wouldn't attempt the steep, slippery climb back up by the water towers for my trip back through the Regional Park. But when I got to the Frog Pond, my courage kicked in and I decided to attempt the climb. Friends, I'm happy to say I made it safely up. One step at a time, plan the next 3 or 4 steps but don't commit until your foot is securely planted...oh, and keep your gaze down on the dirt. Don't look up to where you are going till you are at the top. Success! Here's the place where I veer away from the lake, down into the little valley to the east, and along to the Frog Pond. The little steep climb comes just after that. It probably doesn't look that scary ...

Usually that happens in Autumn, but we had a lot of rain this winter that created a bumper poison oak crop, and now the hot weather has come on very quickly, which apparently is causing the leaves to turn red already. A nice heads-up in case you think about heading off the trails...definitely not recommended! I liked the juxtaposition of this little wild honeysuckle that has managed to scramble up into the middle of this poison oak clump... As I meandered along, I startled a clutch of quail, mom and a crop of tiny babies, who scurried into the grasses before I could photograph them, but then Papa Quail made an appearance and obligingly posed for his close-up. This was right below a beautiful crop of wild plums, which are looking pretty delicious Heading for home, as I glanced over the edge of the bridge I caught this picturesque sight...the young deer was completely oblivious to me, as I was on the bridge above. Then I noticed this gorgeous red Lancia at Marshall's Body ...

Summer is arriving with a vengeance! We reached a top of 95 F/ 35 C yesterday, quite warm for the Acoustic Sunset concert at Sonoma Botanical Gardens. We arrived at 5:15 and were grateful for the trolley service carrting us up to the amphitheater...too hot to schep a cooler and two folding chairs! Fortunately, as always in Glen Ellen, once the sun sank below the tree line and a very light breeze arrived, it was absolutely gorgeous. One of our favorite local musicians, Sean Carscadden, and his trio entertained us all for the next two hours. Such a treat! As the evening ended, everyone began the walk back down the hill to our cars, and I snapped this shot of baby grapes just rushing onto the vines now...a regular treat for the eyes in Sonoma County. And I just KNOW you are all wondering how the Gnome Project is progressing. Thirteen gnomes are finished, and number fourteen will join the "family" in the next day or two. Obsessive, you ask? Moi? Jamais!!! Impossibl...

Such a beautiful day! Headed to the park at 9AM and was enchanted by the deep greens of the oaks and deep golden tones of the dried grass. Much more intense colors today. It's been awhile since I checked on the graffiti on the water towers...would Kilroy still be there? How about the bi-plane stencls? Yes, on both counts. Many of the other graffiti have been painted over, which makes me think whoever has the job of tidying up the "artwork" on the water towers must be a history buff. Whoever you are, I say THANK YOU. It always gives me a smile when I see them up there. Then on to the Dog Park, where the doggies were having a fine time. A respectable 20 minute mile pace for my 3.4 mile walk today...and still plenty of time to savor the season!

Home again, after the wonderful protest along Broadway in Sonoma. I'll let the photos speak for themselves!