San Rafael Valley, AZ ~~ Photo by Bill Haas

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

CALIFORNIA'S GOLDEN CHAIN...


Wending its way through the Sierra foothills, Highway 49 still offers up rusty treasures, unique towns, golden chaparral, some contemporary comforts and luscious wildflower displays (here, Clarkia - Farewell to Spring).  It's doubtful though, that one could find an O'Douls to quench one's thirst in mid-1800's Chinese Camp!
Emptying reservoirs, diverting rivers, PG&E delivers power to California's gluttonous cities.






This lovely "graffiti" proudly welcomes visitors to the town of Mariposa, Spanish for "butterfly."  This mural of little winged wonders and indigenous wildflowers was created and painted by Mariposa High School students and, although just a tad bit faded, is a pleasant reminder that some "street art" is positively delightful.


Some signs (this one at the Mariposa Visitors' Center) beg to be vandalized!  Or removed!