green

Oh. Dear.

Leaving the poppies behind, we headed back into Lancaster proper for a bit of refreshment before returning home. We passed the jerky vendors and more sheep, but could not pass up a sign that read RANCH YARD SALE.

. . .

Well, it was pretty much like most yard sales I’ve been to, though a bit heavier in the rusty tool and crock categories. Still, it was nice to stop in, if only for the interesting scenery:

Sleepy dog enjoying the shade

We trundled on, turning towards an area that seemed ripe with commerce in hopes of finding a place with some cool drinks or maybe even ice cream. That was when we saw this:

and this:

Ted and I love going to minor league baseball games, and we just happened to be in the home of the Lancaster Jethawks (farm team for the Boston Red Sox). Serendipity was leading us around by the nose today, as we saw a parking lot full of cars and signs directing traffic into the stadium. They would have cold beverages—they probably even had ice cream—so we pulled in, just minutes after the game began.

Minor league games are a whole lot of family fun. The tickets and concessions are reasonably priced, every seat in the house is terrific, they have silly races and contests at the top and bottom of each inning, and you’re almost guaranteed to see some flubs you’d likely never see at a major league game. There’s a feeling of community, as you see people greeting each other or just striking up conversations with their fellow fans.

Kids participating in a mid-inning tire race around the bases

KABOOM, the Jethawks mascot

We ate junk food, we watched the crowd, and we saw the Jethawks getting spanked by the Lake Elsinore Storm (final score was 11-1). Ted wanted to be able to do his pre-flight walk-around while there was still some light, so we headed out during the 8th inning.

We also hoped to get back to Santa Monica before the tower closed at 9pm (not for any other reason than it just makes things a little bit easier for him during landing). The flight was generally smooth sailing in calm skies, and as we flew through the Sepulveda Pass we heard the SM tower announce the time as 8:55. Ted rounded base to final, landed, and got cleared to taxi back to parking when we heard the tower close. Couldn’t really cut it much closer than that…

A perfect end to a fantastic day.

See Ted’s account of the day

After our visit to the Feline Conservation Center and a quick pit stop for a drink, we headed out to the main attraction, the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. Good rains have resulted in a banner year for flowers, so we were looking forward to a spectacular display.

On the road to the poppies, we were treated to a display of yet another kind:

SHEEP!

Sheep! Eating!

Lots of sheep!

The shepherd tending his flock: this fellow didn’t speak any English, but seemed amused by all the tourists pulling over to take pictures of the sheep. The dogs just kept watch.

VERY exciting.

Hard as it was to leave, we had come to see flowers so we pressed on.

The display was pretty spectacular. Glorious fields of orange and gold, set on fire by afternoon sun. We spent an hour or so walking the trails and taking in the splendor of it all. Absolutely fantastic.

Next up: a brief respite, then home…

Ted and I recently spent the day in Antelope Valley, CA. Wildflowers are blooming beautifully this year, so we flew out to Lancaster to check them out.

The flight out was a bit exciting due to turbulence encountered as we crossed the ridge lines. At one point I actually hit the ceiling with a good solid bonk–nothing too terrible, as it was a somewhat isolated pocket, but still enough to make one sit up and take notice.

We arrived safely in Lancaster and got hooked up with a rental car, so we were ready to roll. But first, the most important meal of the day at Crazy Otto’s, our favorite breakfast joint in Lancaster.

That’s eSpresso to you, buddy

Our next stop was the Feline Conservation Center, which gave us an opportunity to visit the Neko brick and these amazing cats.
Willow, the grumpy bobcat

Bath time for Twilight (jaguar)

We were delighted to see Frisbee, the fishing cat, out and about and walking through the grass

One of several peacocks who roam the grounds

Ever wonder what a peacock looks like from behind? Well, wonder no more:

This place is amazing. Staffed by volunteers, they really do a wonderful job of caring for these beautiful felines. Every time we visit, they’ve added something new: shaded bleachers for educational demonstrations; new benches; progress on the tiger enclosures. You can see how your donations are making a difference. If you ever find yourself in the area, I highly recommend a visit. (Feline Conservation Center)

Next up: poppies and more…