In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
There were four of us who braved what we thought would be a very cold 7:30am morning hike here in sunny Palm Desert: Linda, my friend Heidi, Sandra and Ellen. This was the first time Sandra and Ellen joined us on one of our hikes. I’ve said this before, but MHCC Hiking Group has the neatest members.
Surprisingly, the only time I felt a bit cold was at the WAMU parking lot before we headed out to the Living Desert in Palm Desert to hike the 5.5 mile Eisenhower loop trail.
The first mile of the hike is level. Once we started to climb everyone began shedding the many layers we were wearing. (After last week’s cold hike, we made sure we were dressed properly.) We skipped taking a break at the shady picnic area at the top of our 1.8 mile ascent, as the sun was still down behind Eisenhower Peak. Not stopping for a break didn’t keep me from eating my snack of walnuts and raisins while descending the next 1.7 miles. No siree! I don’t need to be seated to eat. The last 750 yards, before reaching the level desert wash, took us through a rocky and sandy canyon! Oh, and today was the first time I ever saw pooled water on the canyon portion of the hike.
Below are two videos that I hope will inspire and motivate all you MHCC hiking group members to join us on our Saturday hikes. And don’t forget Bonnie’s Wednesday hikes.
After the first flat mile, you’ll see us hiking up the 1.8 miles before descending on the return loop.
It was a nice after-hike treat to view the sheep. The Bighorn Sheep aren’t always visible in their fenced in mountain home at the Living Desert. Take a look and pay attention to the last part of the video.
To see still more photos from our hike, go to http://flickr.com/photos/gottagolinda/.
By the way, Bonnie’s rained out hike last Wednesday is now rescheduled for January 14th. Bonnie will be sending out email notification I’m sure.
We knew it was supposed to be in the 50′s at the start of the hike. But gale force winds, black clouds and potential rain here in the desert foothills? When six of us showed up at our meeting place at Bob Hope and Gerald Ford at 7:30am this morning, none of us expected the quick weather change we experienced during the 20 minute drive to the Art Smith Trailhead.
The six of us drove to the trailhead in two cars. After parking my car at the Art Smith trailhead, I climbed up a small embankment looking to see if Ernie and Carol’s car was approaching. I was nearly blown over from the 40+ mile an hour gusting winds.
Peggy, Carol, Ernie, another Carol, Heidi and I stood outside our cars, fighting the wind while discussing whether we’d venture up into the San Jacinto foothills with the rapidly growing storm clouds darkening more and more of the sky.
Some of our group didn’t have rain jackets. The temperature in the car had read 49 degrees. With the high winds and most likely rain, I didn’t feel comfortable with hikers heading out without rain jackets. So sadly but smartly, Peggy, Carol and Carol decided not to go on the hike.
Heidi, Ernie and I actually had a great time leaning into the wind and kind of excitedly looking forward to what the weather was going to do. The black clouds coming in from the West over the top of the San Jacinto Mountains seemed to indicate we very likely would be drenched with rain.
Hiking the steep trail kept us warm as we climbed all the way to our rest stop about 1 hour and 40 minutes after we started. The rain didn’t come. During our 20 minute break in a gully, the winds stopped.
We retraced our steps and descended the trail as the sky filled with even more black storm clouds. But all we ever felt was an occasional drop of rain and no more wind.
The sun was out on the valley floor, and we started taking off some of our warm clothing as we talked and enjoyed the remainder of our hike.
I felt sad the others hadn’t been on the hike.
A quick video of the noisy wind and black clouds as we hiked.
Here’s a link to a few photos from the day: http://flickr.com/photos/gottagolinda/
My friend writes:
I know it’s a repeat from last year …… but I just couldn’t resist. Enjoy.
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/aFa5KLCXDd2PGg33
Almost out of the Getty, I felt the need to do one more video. Stacy is always a great subject. I saw the stage and asked Stacy to sing. She sang her Grammy song. I love Stacy. She always makes me laugh. I bet you can’t watch this video and not smile!
This clip is almost 15 minutes long, but well worth the time spent watching it.
My morning meditation routine is to read blogs of note on Blogger.com.
After watching this video I feel cheated in the “talents given out” department.
Both this video clip and the video below come from http://ruthebabes.blogspot.com/
Incredible talent
Posted using ShareThis
I know this is gross but I felt it was only fair I post Stacy’s photos of me in the bathroom at the Getty. I was sitting there totally relaxed, blowing my nose, when Stacy’s camera and flash appeared under the stall partition and took me by surprise.
Stacy got this shot of me during our camera war. We hurt from how hard and long we laughed during this child play.
Just before leaving the Getty Museum I took this video with my blog in mind. Enjoy.
http://pixsylated.com/2008/10/the-best-web-video-ive-seen-in-a-month-no-ever/
I’m sure LR needs a break to watch it.
Enjoy, as I did.
p.s. Once you click on the link don’t forget to read Matt’s story linked on the blog.
My friend, Carol, sent me this You Tube video tonight.
My dream is to have a couple of acres along a river in the mountains of Colorado and watch all the animals come by. I’d have my camera and tripod set up for any and all visitors.