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Thirsty Thursday: Elements of Garland Ranch

Rambler: Beth

Drink at Hand: Junipero Gin and Tonic

Another Thirsty Thursday means its time to pour something yummy and make those weekend plans. One of our favorite local spots to hit up for a trail run or a leisurely hike on the weekends is Garland Ranch Regional Park. Its a lovely off-leash location, so Massey can run around (and get covered in poison oak) while we either run up the crazy Skyline climb, or wander around with our cameras. 

We went to Garland a few weeks ago on a beautiful, coastal California winter day. Our winter days are pretty fabulous. Here are a few of the little bits of nature I found during our stroll. 

Get out there and find your own bits of nature this weekend!

Thirsty Thursday: Last Hike of 2012

Rambler: Terry
Drink in Hand: 2010 Ancient Peaks Zinfandel

The last day of 2012 and the last hike of the year.  It was supposed to be a casual hike, but the Mas decided to make it interesting.  She was her typical rambunctious self...but this time it caught up to her.  She decided to go vertical (i.e., up the side of a cliff) and in doing so, she sliced (yes I said sliced) her paws.  Actually, she sliced a front one and a back one.  So, that pretty much ended the hike and poor little Massey is now out of commission.  After a visit to the vet, she's okay, but she won't be running until probably next week.  Tear.  So, our simple hike turned into a "Let's get Massey back to the house (and to the vet) so that she can rest."  But, Thirsty Thursdays aren't really about the adventures of Massey (check out Massey Mondays for those).  Before she decided to go vertical, she discovered this little stream where we were able to blur the water in the shadows.  It was a pretty peaceful place.  Sometimes I think the little pup has eye (or nose) for finding us spots to shoot.  So, even though the hike turned into a bit of a diaster, we were still able to get some decent shots.  Here's to some even better shots in 2013 and injury free hikes (at least for the Mas).

 

Massey and Beth

 

Thirsty Thursday: More Aspens

Rambler: Beth Drink at Hand: Hot apple cider...mmmmm

Thursday is here again already, so that means its time for the weekly installment of Thirsty Thursday. Time to pour something yummy and make those weekend plans. I just got back from a drizzly and chilly trail run, hence the warm drink in my hand! Fall continues to slide into winter, and sadly tonight will probably be the last weeknight trail run of the year with the time change coming this weekend.

Before I let fall scoot all the way out of my mind, I have to share some more autumn color. Last fall I spent an week in the Eastern Sierra chasing golden aspens and snow-capped peaks. I happened to be there in the days immediately following the first major snow of the year. This makes the commute from the central coast over the Sierra Crest a pain in the rear, but it was beautiful. This was the scene at North Lake. Yeah, not your typical North Lake perspective, but I was happy to work for this view away from the masses on the shore.

Sometimes the close-ups are just as good as the big views.

There's a big storm headed for California this weekend, so the high country will likely see quite a bit of snow. Heck, the snow level here is supposed to drop to around 3000' by tomorrow night. Who knows, maybe there will be a little dusting on the local peaks (probably not, but maybe). The first snow of the year is always magical. So clean and fresh.

Get out there and find something pretty to look at this weekend!