Quintessential California

After Big Sur, we decided to head over to Pinnacles National Monument instead of heading home. It was fun being able to operate on the fly and improvise, rather than having to, say, show up for work the next day. We went to Pinnacles by way of Carmel Valley road, where this scene presented itself around sunset.




This is the type of scene that really defines California for me. More often than not, if you are driving a highway or a back road other than in the Sierras, this is the type of terrain on display--large, beautiful, isolated oak trees surrounded by perfectly yellow grassland. I believe this type of ecology is referred to as "Coast Chaparral" (you ecologists out there feel free to correct me if I am wrong). The trees are majestic and somehow very western, very Californian. Anyway, it is a beautiful sight.

The highlight of Pinnacles was getting there at 11:00 P.M. and setting up the tent. How can that be, you ask. Is the place really that bad? No, but we arrived just in time for the Perseid Meteor Shower. We enjoyed many shooting stars in an isolated, elevated spot far from any city lights. It was quite a treat, especially when a Great Horned Owl swooped over us in absolute silence, blotting the stars from view for a heart-stopping moment.

The next day at breakfast, we had the opportunity to observe the work of another bird, the Acorn Wood Pecker, whose job is to make oak trees look like the victims of a drive by shooting. I guess they hide acorns in those little holes, but who knows how they keep track of it.




Afterward, Kate and I took a hike (poor Kath had to tend Alden, who in typical fashion refused to walk). As you can see, Kate had a great time, notwithstanding the fact that August is probably the worst time of the year to visit this place.




So concluded our farewell trip in Cali. All in all, it was a fitting finish, and we had a great time.