Calaveras Big Trees

“The clearest way to the Universe is through a forest wilderness”

~ John Muir

UC Davis Botanical Conservatory

Last weekend UC Davis celebrated Darwin's birthday by having an open house for a few of their collections including the Botanical Conservatory.

Darwin's Orchid

Single molecule
of moth pheromone
invisible in the immense
freight of pollen blown
over the desert

how halves relate
their common weight
papilionate

~ Amanda Joy

from a book of her poems "Orchid Poems" published by mulla mulla press.

Sierra Hot Springs Soak

Meditation Pool

We haven't had much snow in Tahoe so rather than go skiing we went for a soak at Sierra Hot Springs. It was a heck of a drive up over Donner Summit, blustery and grey, but a beautiful day in the tiny town of Sierraville. It was really nice to get away and we had a wonderful relaxing soak.

the road to relaxation

Temple Dome Pool

Special day at a very special place!

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve Fireworks
Sacramento Tower Bridge 12/31/2011

14 months later and miles away from Idaho.

New year, new home, new job, new school and most importantly new best friend, lover and partner in life.

What a long strange trip it's been.

Went back to school last fall to pursue nursing, reconnected with an old boyfriend from San Francisco, relocated to join him in Sacramento while we both continue pursuing our educations and now working as an educational aide for children with autism.

Keeping busy and loving life but missing photography and writing. Jumping back in and hoping to keep up with it now that school has become a habit and I've somewhat settled into life here in CaliforniA!

Couple more photos from the other night. Capitol Park at dusk.
















Very thankful for all of my family and friends and everything that I experience daily. Life has been extremely interesting over the past year. Some of it not so easy as I know it has been for many. Wishing the best for all in 2012!

A bit more fall, less color

Betty Lake with Standhope Peak and Peak 11887 in the background

Managed to get in another really good hike last weekend. Headed up to Betty Lake in the Pioneers with a good friend and dog. The day was a typical fall day, temp in the 50s, a few clouds floating around and a looming storm that hit right as we were getting back to the truck. We even got to see a couple of moose on the hike up.



On the way up the trail

Moose in Broad Canyon

Top of the world

Shore of Betty

Total mileage hiked round trip, 10 miles, highest elevation reached at Betty Lake, 10,384 feet.

Copper Basin color

The weather has been fabulous lately, albeit a little too warm for me, but the heat is good reason to head into the mountains and hike, hike, hike. Made it up into Copper Basin last weekend and hiked to Bellas with a couple friends. Foliage was fabulous and girl time was fun.

How did it get so late so soon?

How did it get so late so soon?
It’s night before it’s afternoon.
December is here before it’s June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
~Dr. Seuss

Really.
I can't believe it's already September.
Summer flew by but what a great time it was.
August was a month full of hikes,
my parents came for a visit
and I managed to squeeze in a quick backpack to the Big Horn Crags
(a place that should not be visited quick)
and now,
I'm already into the second week of school.

I can't believe it.

A few photos from August.

Mom and Dad on the way to Boulder Basin

Rafting the Salmon with Mom and Dad

Boulder Basin

A little place I like to call home.
Sun Valley and Ketchum viewed from Ruud Mountain.
Hiked the Proctor and Ruud Mountain loop with Mom and Dad.

Backpacking the Big Horn Crags

And I guess I'll say it again... I can't believe it's already September. Fall is in the air though and thoughts of snow have already come up. More than once. I love the change of seasons.