Getty Goats

 

A friend from work took us on a tour to visit the herd of goats currently employed to clear brush and trim the chaparral for fire prevention.

 

Posted by bpod at Thursday ~ May 05, 2008 | No Comments

Category: getty, nature

The Valley of the Antelope II: Flora and Fauna

 

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!

Sheep! Eating!
Sheep!

Lots of sheep!
Sheep!

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.
Sheep!

VERY exciting.

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

Poppies!

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.

Poppies!

Not poppies!

Poppies!

Poppies!

Poppies!

Poppies!

Goofs in front of poppies!

Goofs in front of poppies!

Next up: a brief respite, then home…

 

Posted by Admin at Saturday ~ April 04, 2008 | No Comments

Category: flying, nature, travel

The Valley of the Antelope I: Cats

 

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.
Poppies in the Antelope Valley

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.
Crazy Otto's

That’s eSpresso to you, buddy
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
Willow, the grumpy bobcat

Bath time for Twilight (jaguar)
Twilight, the bathing jaguar

One of the Chinese leopards

Leopards

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

Amur leopard?

One of several peacocks who roam the grounds
Peacock tail

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

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…

 

Posted by bpod at Saturday ~ April 04, 2008 | No Comments

Category: flying, nature, travel, yum

Critter

 

We had a back yard visitor this morning:

Raccoon in the back yard

Raccoon in the back yard

 

Posted by bpod at Friday ~ March 03, 2008 | No Comments

Category: home, nature

Project 365, #257

 

Getty deer.  Los Angeles, CA
Getty deer. Los Angeles, CA

 

Posted by bpod at Friday ~ September 09, 2007 | No Comments

Category: 365, getty, nature

Project 365, #224

 

Green apple.  Culver City, CA
Green apple. Culver Culver City, CA

 

Posted by bpod at Sunday ~ August 08, 2007 | No Comments

Category: 365, nature

Project 365, #203

 

Green lemon.  Culver City, CA
Green lemon. Culver City, CA

 

Posted by bpod at Sunday ~ July 07, 2007 | No Comments

Category: 365, nature

Project 365, #198

 

Beetle.  Culver City, CA
Beetle. Culver City, CA

 

Posted by bpod at Tuesday ~ July 07, 2007 | No Comments

Category: 365, home, nature

Project 365, #154

 

Plums.  Culver City, CA
Plums. Culver City, CA

 

Posted by bpod at Sunday ~ June 06, 2007 | No Comments

Category: 365, home, nature

Project 365, #137

 

Center.  Culver City, CA
Center. Culver City, CA

 

Posted by bpod at Thursday ~ May 05, 2007 | No Comments

Category: 365, nature