Downside to the Goats

The downside to the goats is, that the temporary fence has divided the deer population living on the hill facing my kitchen window. Here we see a buck, dejectedly walking along the outside of the fence. His family may be on the inside.

 

The Goats Are Still Here

About a week ago I posted a picture, taken from my kitchen window, of goats clearing brush and poison oak. Well, these biological control agents (aka eating machines) are still here. Nannies and kids outnumber bucks by about 100 to 1. But yesterday I did manage to get a shot of a buck.

 

If you have any interest in these fascinating animals, I highly recommend you copy and paste http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat

 

Abstract

Yes, I'm up to my old tricks!

 

Pelicans and Canada Geese

Pelicans primping, while a couple of Canada Geese are discussing the state of the economy. Or, in the words of Rodney King "Why can't we all just get along?" All this, once again, at the Ponds.

 

Actually, the scene reminded me of the work of and old Dutch animal painter, whose name, of course, escapes me.

 

Gawsh! What Next?

Canada Geese flying over the LGVSD Ponds, while honking to beat the band.

 

Kelso

Happy is the grandfather who has a beautiful granddaughter for a model. In a few days, my other granddaughter, Danika, will arrive from Lancaster, PA. I can't wait to take pictures of her!

 

Yellow Jacket?

I believe it was a Yellow Jacket that I photographed at the LGVSD Ponds this morning but, as usual, I'm not sure! Anyway, pretty sleek, ain't it!

 

Dimitri

Dimitri Sklavopoulo is an old running-buddy of mine. Since growing his flowing beard, he reminds me of Zeus, Greek god of the sky, and king of the gods. I took this picture yesterday, at the Mill Valley Library centennial celebration. Dimitri had just arrived aboard his green girl's bicycle, when I spotted him.

 

You may add the picture to your "Hans Portrait Gallery" file.

 

Pattern

This picture may not earn a prize in a photography contest, but its story is really fascinating.

 

I took the picture of the California Laurel on the Woodpecker Trail the other day, and here's what the information sign, near the tree, has to say.

 

"Red-breasted sapsuckers, a specialized variety of woodpecker, add nutritious sap to their insect diet. Look at the evidence of their incessant probing, attacking the California laurels like quarter inch drill bits set to geometric patterns".

 

Happy Days Are Here Again!

The goats are back. Chewing everything they can reach, even if it means getting up on their hind legs. I really enjoy watching them from my kitchen window.

 

Busy Bee

 

Woodpecker Trail

The Woodpecker Trail (a short loop) in Point Reyes starts close to the Visitor Center. Yet nobody ever hikes on it. The trail is overgrown and has a magic quality about it. A loud chatter of birds greets the visitor and one hears mysterious rustling in the brush. The trees are punctured by thousands of woodpecker holes. You have the feeling of being watched by dozens of eyes. It is had to believe that all this is only minutes away from civilization (?).

 

Hideaway Betrayed!

A sweet young couple, engaged in a little harmless dalliance, is surprised by an intrepid photographer. Is there no privacy? Ask Rupert Murdoch. There ought to be a law.

 

On the Woodpecker Trail in Point Reyes.

 

Breakfast

I think this was a male Cabbage White feeding on, what I think was, a Dandelion. What I am sure of, is that I took the picture this morning at the LGVSD Ponds in San Rafael. All it took was a little patience!

 

Family Hiistory

My uncle, Ernst was born in Vienna in 1888. My proud grandparents took him to the photographer, who took a picture of him and my grandmother. With that, a tradition was born, and every year, in the merry month of March, my grandparents marched to the photographer with their offspring(s). My dad (Robert) was added in 1891, while my uncle, Franz, joined the jolly group in 1899.

 

Attached is the 1907 photograph ~ Ernst, Robert, Franz, with my grandparents. The last picture dates back to 1911.

 

Just thought you needed to know all this. And by the way, the album in which the pictures are kept is leather-bound and has a metal lock. Tours are available, reservations are suggested.

 

One Moe No More

Another Dandelion. Another Photoshop creation. And the promise that, at least for a little while, I'll revert to more normal stuff. But it is really amazing what you can do from the comforts of home!

 

Auguste Rodin

Marti A and I visited the Dutch and Flemish Masterworks exhibition at the Legion of Honor today.  As we were about to leave, and standing in the vestibule, Marti became involved in a lively conversation with a lady docent. Meanwhile, your trusty photographer became fascinated by the juxtaposition of two Rodin sculptures. Here's what he saw ..............

 

Photoshop

Perhaps this picture should be named "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People". I showed it to one of my critics and was told "I think you have gone overboard". But Photoshop is so seductive and possibly addictive. You be the judge.

 

Whatever the case may be, what we have here is trees on the Woodpecker Trail in Point Reyes, a couple of days ago.

 

Woodpecker

Yesterday I hiked around a rather short, looped trail, starting at the Visitor Center in Point Reyes. I think I was on the Woodpecker Trail but despite a lot of Googling, I'm not quite sure. What I do know is that there were three Acorn Woodpeckers whose purpose was to tease me. They were taking turns sitting on a fence, taking off as soon as I approached, only to again alight further down on the fence. Fortunately my lens was powerful enough to give me a fairly good picture.

 

Thistle

Here's the sixty-four-thousand Dollar question. Can you build a career around being a thistle-photographer? The thought occurs.

 

I took this picture today, near the Morgan Horse Ranch in Point Reyes.

 

What's for Breakfast?

Black-crowned Night-Heron impatiently waiting for breakfast. Fish is preferred. This is along Highway 1, at the Bolinas Lagoon.

 

Stinson as seen from Bolinas

Here's another picture I took on the Fourth. It shows Stinson Beach across the channel, as seen from Bolinas.

 

Henry

Henry is a little spider that has taken up residency on the outside of my kitchen window. He measures about 3/16" from claw to claw. Most of the day it seems as though he was suspended in mid-air; then, at about 6:00 PM, the sun appears for a while, and reveals an elaborate web. Every thirty minutes or so, Henry performs a delightful little dance.

 

Opening hours are Tues - Sun, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Docent tours are available. Admission is free.

 

PS I just checked on Henry. He was out there, stretching his eight legs. He asked me to say hi.

 

The Tug of War Revisited

Well (probably the most used word in the English language), on Tuesday I wrote that I might return to the Bolinas/Stinson Beach Tug of War. So here we go.

 

In front, the Bolinas men's team. Across the channel, the Stinson Beach guys. The channel connects the Bolinas Lagoon (on the left) to the Pacific Ocean. The boat, seen in the background, is very important.  First, it carries the rope across the channel from Bolinas to Stinson. Then the rope is held up high on the boat, and when it is dropped, the battle begins. As you can imagine, the first few contestants of the losing team get dragged into the drink! Quite a spectacle. This year the Stinson men won.

 

Living the Life of Riley

Merrily driving along the Bolinas Lagoon to the Bolinas 4th of July celebration, I couldn't help but see well over a hundred Harbor Seals, lounging on the comfy sand-bank. Of course I stopped dead in my tracks to take some pictures. Which was fortunate, because on my way back there were only a few seals left. Not until I got the pix up on my computer screen did I realize how colorful these animals are.

 

I think that what looked like a sand-bank is actually Pickleweed Island, or Kent Island. The seals have a physiological need to "haul-out" to rest.

 

Low Tide

Boat at low tide on Bolinas Lagoon, as seen from Bolinas, on the Fourth.

 

You are right, it is black and white.

 

If you have a problem with a little bit of fudging, let me refer you to my close and personal friend, Ansel Adams (who used to do it in his the darkroom).

 

Tug of War

Yesterday's Bolinas-Stinson Beach men's tug of war followed the women's event. Due to a technicality, the women tied. The Bolinas men lost. It's a really exciting event, with the large crowd screaming "pull, pull, pull" to the beat of several drums. In case you're not a local ~ Bolinas and Stinson Beach are neighboring towns, BUT they are separated by a wide channel which connects the Bolinas Lagoon to the ocean. And the tug of war rope spans the channel. Maybe more on this tomorrow.

 

Bolinas Fourth

Just about the only tradition I observe religiously, is my annual trek to the Fourth of July celebration in Bolinas.  It starts with a tug of war, across the channel, with Stinson Beach. After that every-one crowds in front of Smiley's Schooner Saloon (est. 1851) to hear Annie Crotts belt out the Star Spangle Banner from the second-floor balcony. Annie, 88, has appeared on the balcony for the last 50 years (no one knows for sure). When she hits the high note, she is rewarded with thunderous applause. Standing next to Annie in my picture is Mike Aitken, Briones Lions Club president.

 

As soon as Annie finishes, the fire-engine siren sounds and the funkiest parade in Marin County begins. I love it!

 

Merry Go Round

Yesterday at the Marin County Fair.

 

Hopeless Love

Most of you should know by now that I have a weakness for tattoos. Consequently I asked this lovely lady at the Marin County Fair to pose for me. She readily, and cheerfully, complied. She and her lady-partner were representing a cosmetic firm.

 

The message on the lady's chest kinda makes you wonder.

 

Bumble Bee

Making honey involves a lot of hard work. And then I mix into my yogurt. Yummy!