Today I returned to an old favourite, dog-friendly, fossil-laden canyon for a lovely winter hike. The landscapito at the top was sketched from the turnaround point, looking east.
friday hike
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Adenanthos sericeus
The woolly bush is a shrub native to the south coast of Western Australia. We planted three here in 2017; one eventually died but the other two are doing well. This fine-textured, upright shrub or small tree typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet. The wispy stems are adorned with soft, gray, needle-like foliage that feels velvety to the touch and displays pink hues in its new growth. Small red flowers emerge intermittently throughout the year at the base of the leaves. They are so obscure that I wasn’t even aware the bushes were currently flowering until I noticed the hummingbirds having a feast.
franklin fire
We had no electricity for 48 hours while the Franklin wildfire has raged nearby. Things I did while the power was out:
- planted potatoes
- knitted a dishcloth
- crocheted a rug out of old tshirts
- read a book
- walked around and chatted with neighbours
- admired the dramatic sunsets
- enjoyed candlelit dinner cooked on the camp stove
We’re grateful for the fire fighters and their technology. For now, we are out of danger but the fire is still burning and the winds could shift, so we are staying alert and prepared.
notonectidae
The lower parts of Solstice Creek are well-visited, but not many people climb Sostomo Trail to enjoy the gorgeous crossing on the upper creek. The three of us settled into a bed of fallen sycamore leaves and enjoyed the quiet shade. I liked seeing the little backswimmers (Notonectidae family) — I’d also observed these aquatic insects in Australia.
Backswimmers, as the name implies, swim inverted, using their long hind legs to paddle vigorously. They prey on organisms as large as tadpoles and small fish and can deliver a painful “bite” to humans—actually a stab from their sharp proboscis. These insects inhabit still freshwater in lakes, ponds, and marshes, and can also be found in garden ponds and occasionally in swimming pools. Despite being primarily aquatic, backswimmers are effective fliers, allowing them to easily disperse to new habitats.
Ardea herodias
Low-flying great blue heron at Malibu Creek State Park. These large, elegant birds are a familiar sight at the Park, hunting for fish, gophers and ground squirrels. Ardea herodias is the largest heron native to North America.
Catherpes mexicanus
Before I’d opened any doors or windows, I heard some rather loud, scratchy, dzeee dzeee alarm calls in the living room. This little beauty had clearly spent the night in the house, and wanted out!
calabasas peak
Secret Trail has been on my to-hike list for a while. It’s got some really pretty parts, wending as it does through chaparral, oak woodland, grassland and riparian habitats before arriving at the dramatic rock formations in the upper reaches. I’d like to go back in spring to see all the purple sage in flower.
knit those bones
Herbs for a friend whose bones need healing.
quickie
Quick sketch done standing up in Beverly Hills.
new mug
In recent months I broke two of my favourite mugs, so had room for a couple more. Thank you Annette for filling the gap!
hashiworks 