THE WISDOM OF MARK TWAIN

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely. Broad, wholesome, charitable views cannot be acquired by vegetating in one's little corner of earth."

From "Innocents Abroad," 1869

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My antidote? Try the road less traveled. Even if it's corrugated and dusty! If at first you can't find the road, try clicking on the photo to enlarge it.

The hills were literally carpeted with tiny yellow Goldfields, yellow Hillside Daisies and yellow-orange Fiddleneck, giving the Carrizo Plain its Springtime glow.

PAT MAC...

... hanging out! And wishing you all a "Happy Monday"!!

CARRIZO PLAIN...

At times better known for the clear visibility of the San Andreas Fault system, in the Spring, the Temblor Range is best known for its glorious wildflower displays.

To better appreciate the Temblor Range in all its Easter splendor, click to enlarge.

A MOON MADE FOR HOWLING

THE BIG PICTURE...

...and these were taken three weeks BEFORE the projected "peak"!

Figueroa Mountain (Los Padres National Forest), Sierra Foothills, and Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve -- nothing short of spectacular this year.

LILLY...

...of the Canadian roadside.

GNARLY!

The ancient Bristlecone Pines, found in the White Mountains of California, are considered by some to be the oldest living organisms known to man. In an undisclosed location in these mountains is a Bristlecone Pine, nicknamed "Methuselah" by the Forest Service, thought to be almost 5,000 years old. To protect it from vandals, its location is hidden.

Standing next to these ageless treasures gives me goosebumps and shivers!

And in the far far background, the Eastern Sierra can just barely be seen across the Owens Valley.