Endangered Mexican wolf sighting about 8 miles north of Snow Lake, NM.

I still haven't had time to go through all the photos I took while on the backpack with Tailwinds two weeks ago. But here are 3 photos from the last morning of our hike. I'm posting some of my last day photos first because seeing a wolf for the first time was the highlight of our 93 mile, 5.5 day backpack from Pie Town to Snow Lake.

Our last day of hiking was a 9 mile section north of Snow Lake. This is where we heard early morning wolf cries, noticed wolf tracks on this two track jeep CDT trail/road, and early after beginning our morning hike, actually saw our very first ever wolf sighting.

This is what the two track CDT trail/road we were backpacking on looked like. For miles and miles in all directions, all we saw were grasslands. We first spotted our wolf on the right side of the road, loping toward and then across the road, heading east/left, from about as far away as the pictured tree. He repeatedly loped on a bit, stopped and stared at us for about 30 seconds and then loped off again. He disappeared out of sight as he loped into a ravine about a 1000 yards or more away. As the wolf entered the ravine, an elk hurriedly ran out of the opposite side of the ravine, obviously not interested in keeping company with the wolf.

The wolf gifted us with more entertain as he ran back out of the ravine, in our direction, but safely well ahead of us. Loping and staring just as before.

All in all we had about 30 minutes of prime time wolf viewing before he left our sight. The wolf was not only far enough away for his and our comfort level, but he was far enough away that capturing and in-focus, unblurred photo was impossible with the small Canon, Powershot A640 I was using.

Sleepy? Tired? Need a burst of energy? Click on this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjLCJKoot4U

How the hell did someone capture this fantastic happening?

Thanks to Carol D for sending me this link.

Fearless baby geese.

Ray is in LA until tomorrow. He stayed over Thursday and tonight for two speaking engagements. Not having my normal routine....like making dinner...which I have no interest in doing when Ray isn't here...left me wandering outside around 6pm. I've wanted to see how close I could get to the Geese family. I got close. They obviously were already quite habituated to people.

I shot the photos below with my Canon 40D and 70 - 300mm lens on a tripod. I used live view and zoomed to 5X trying to get the geese in focus. Boy, you have to work fast with moving subjects. You also have to know your camera well to move fast. I see I need to go out more often with this particular lens and with my larger camera in general. Not many of the photos I took were in focus. I'm thinking I should never zoom all the way to 300mm if I want an in focus shot.

I was shooting just outside our condo which means I was on the 15th fairway. Thank goodness only one foursome of golfers played this hole during the half hour I was out with the geese. I hid behind a narrow tree as the golfers took their 3rd shots to the green. One of the golfers noticed me hiding behind the tiny tree in line with his shot and was polite enough to not curse me out for his duffed approach shot.

The night was balmy, just the perfect Palm Springs weather. I understand we'll be in to 3 digit temperatures by the weekend.

Live Eagle nest and 3 chicks in the sidebar of my blog.

Carol Leigh posted a live view link to viewing an Eagle Family in British Columbia and I've embedded the link off to the right and down the sidebar of this blog so I can monitor the daily goings on. Very cool AND I get to see the birds without the mess in my courtyard.

Click on the screen located in the sidebar of this blog for previous happenings in the day. Wait a second to connect to the live view. Turn your sound down this family is LOUD.

Don't forget to check out the other Seekpoints on the Live View link, especially the one where dad brings gull.

A 100% morning.

Walked to the 6:50am Xizer class at the gym this morning. The 15 minute walk warms me up for this upper and lower body class. Then, what I really like about walking over to the class (rather than driving) is I walk home and play with the Canon PowerShot A650 IS handheld camera that goes with me everywhere. It was a beautiful morning and I felt 100%.
Mt San Gorgonio beyond the MHCC Clubhouse.

Lingered out on the 15th fairway outside our place hoping to see Mr and Mrs Geese and their 6 new babies when I spotted this 100 yard marker reminding me I can have a 100% day anytime I want.


I've been hoping for, and not so patiently waiting, the major camera companies to put a rotating LCD on their "real" cameras. The rotating LCD allows me to take photos without having to bend over and risk my back going out. Everyday I visit http://www.dpreview.com/ hoping to find a new model "real" camera with a rotating LCD. While on Scott Kelby's site which I also daily visit, I found this on his April 14th blog entry: Nikon Announces New D-5000 DSLR with HD Video, Swivel Screen, and More!

LR, better put some more money in my account. tee hee! (The camera is supposed to be available at the end of April - too late for the upcoming New Mexico hike.)

Our new pets, a pair of Verdin birds.

I haven't a clue what type of birds we have building their nest in our front courtyard but I'm thrilled to have some new photo subjects. (A while after I wrote this blog I looked online and found out what type of bird it is.)

I noticed birds flying around in our courtyard and then spotted the nest they are building 2 to 3 days ago. They're fast home builders.

Their nest is so much larger than the hummingbird nest built last year. Ray asked me if I thought we should tear down this new nest because of the mess the birds will create. Without hesitation I said, "NO".

I'll deal with the mess I know they'll make. This morning I set up my camera in front of the front door (with the front door open). Later, I realized a better shooting angle from just inside the garage.

Shot from inside the front door.


The next four photos are all shot from inside the garage door.





I used my Canon D40 with a 70-300mm lens at 300mm. Morning shooting will be better as the light is low in the front courtyard after noon. I usually shoot with Aperture Priority. The last four photos were shot at a larger aperture than I wanted to shoot at in order to get a shutter speed of 125 to stop the motion of the bird.

Fun.

I just found this on the internet!
Verdin
Auriparus flaviceps Order PASSERIFORMES - Family REMIZIDAE
Summary Detailed

A tiny, active songbird of the arid southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the Verdin is the only North American member of the penduline-tit family (Remizidae). Vocal and often conspicuous despite its size, it builds a large enclosed nest in thorny scrub.
Cool Facts

* The Verdin builds nests for both breeding and roosting; roosting nests are much smaller. The outer stick shell is constructed mostly by the male, while the female does most of the lining.

* The Verdin's roosting nests help it stay warm in winter. Winter roosting nests have thicker insulation, and may reduce energy requirements for thermoregulation by as much as 50 percent.

* The Verdin builds roosting nests all year round. One pair of Verdins in Arizona was observed building 11 nests in one year.

* During the heat of the desert summer, the Verdin rests quietly in the shaded interior of a shrub, sometimes panting or spreading its wings. Nests built in summer open toward prevailing winds, perhaps to aid in cooling.

Description
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* Size: 9-11 cm (4-4 in)
* Weight: 5-8 g (0.18-0.28 ounces)

* Small songbird.
* Gray body.
* Yellow face.

* Short tail.
* Sharp bill.
* Dark lores.
* Dark red shoulder patches not often visible.
* Eyes black.
* Legs dark.

Sex Differences

Sexes similar; male with brighter yellow on face.
Immature

Plain gray, including face. Base of bill pinkish yellow.
Similar Species

* Lucy's Warbler similar to juvenile Verdin, but bill is thinner and dark, without pinkish yellow base.
* Bushtit has smaller, blunter bill and longer tail.
* Gnatcatchers have longer tails with black-and-white markings.

Sound

Various calls, including loud chips issued in rapid succession. Song is a three-note whistle.

Habitat

Desert scrub, especially along washes where thorny vegetation is present.
Food

Insects and spiders.
Behavior
Foraging

Moves actively and nimbly among limbs of scrub vegetation, in a manner resembling that of chickadees. Often holds blossoms with feet while looking and picking at prey with bill.
Reproduction
Nest Type

Large sphere with a hole usually located near the bottom. Outer shell of sticks, lined with leaves and smaller twigs. Placed in shrub.
Egg Description

Light greenish, with irregular dark reddish spots, especially at larger end.
Clutch Size
Usually 4 eggs. Range: 3-6.
Condition at Hatching
Helpless and naked.
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Conservation Status
Declining across much of range. Land development in southern California has reduced Verdin habitat, and has resulted in the possible extirpation of the species from San Diego County, CA.
Other Names

Auripare verdin (French)
Baloncillo, Párido del desierto (Spanish)

I miss Mrs. Hummingbird and her baby.

Last year's view out our front door.
This morning's view out the same door.

Catching up with some photos from last week.

L > R Taye and Linda

Taye and I had a blast at Balboa Lake last week. I'm sure everyone thought we were somewhat retarded in our childlike exuberance. We didn't care.

Next photo session will be at the zoo, February 3rd before the Baby Meeting.
All are welcome.

A birthday gift to myself.

I took myself out on a date today. I packed up all my camera equipment, tripod and camera. I used a 70 -300 mm lens and shot photos of the migratory birds at the Salton Sea. I'm doing the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and in Week 5 of the 12 week book I'm finally taking the time to go on the required weekly Artist date. I had a ball all by myself. It's funny how I had to talk myself into doing this too. I wasn't in the mood.

I've posted a couple photos (I took over 300).




I've also uploaded two videos from today.

I filmed a video when I first arrived at the Salton Sea and then a second video during the wonderful sunset about an hour and a half later. I know Lane, you don't like sunsets, but this one was really something. All alone, I found myself saying outloud, "Oh my god. The sky can't get any redder."

I hope I remember this the next time I feel too lazy to take myself out on an Artist's Date. I really never want to do anything, especially in the afternoon or night. But, invariably, when I do what I don't think I want to do, I have a great time. So....I don't need to be listening to my head anymore.

Check out the Salton Sea in the videos below.

First BIG snow on San Jacinto.

All day yesterday, I wondered how San Jacinto would look when the clouds lifted after the big one day storm. I woke and ran outside with my tripod and camera at 6:45am. Snow was down to the 2000 foot level.
Might have to head on up in the snow next week for some close up snow photos.

If you've clicked on the photo to get the full impact, use the back arrow to return to blog.

Woohoo! Stat counter hits 10,000 views.

I started this blog September 23, 2007. Today the stat counter reads 10,000 hits. I must say I am surprised and delighted that you would find what I choose to blog interesting enough to come back and follow along on a consistent basis. Thank you. I’m sure many of you have no idea about the fear I’ve always had of others reading my writing.

The first time I ever had the courage to allow my writing to be viewed online was when I hiked the PCT in 2002. I hand wrote daily trail journal notes every night. In towns I mailed off the notes to my sponsor Debbie, who typed up and posted them to a website I started just for the hike. I was terrified everyone would find out I was a terrible writer. My motive for writing and posting these online trail journals was twofold: First, to keep all my friends and family apprised of my whereabouts and happenings. Second, to help future hikers like previous online backpacker’s journals had helped me. I was ok after a while knowing others were reading my journal entries because this writing was for a purpose while hiking.

I first started keeping another online blog, not this one, (just for fun – i.e. – for no purpose) It was December 11, 2004 when I started this secret online blog. No one knew about it. The blog was for my eyes only. I still had way too much fear of what others might think to allow anyone to read my thoughts on the page.

Then on September 23, 2007 I started this current blog you are reading.

Recently went online and took a peak at that old private online journal, the journal I kept before this current blog. I found the last entry I wrote on that site before I changed over to this public blog journal.

Here is a portion of the last entry I wrote at 10:32pm, June 20^th, 2007:

I'm almost 20 years in my program. The 2nd step suggests I come to believe in a Power greater than myself.

This next year I have high hopes I will experience physic changes as the result of possibly seeing some pretty ugly embarrassing things about myself. I'm hoping I’m on my way to finding and relying on a Power greater than myself. Then, I do want to try and live according to how this Power wants me to live.

I'm tired. Tired of trying harder. I want to learn to relax, learn to enjoy my life, not try harder to be better, do more-All so you will think I have value.

I'm done trying to make you see me a certain way so I will feel accepted or feel I have worth…….. So I'll feel ok with myself and you. This over dependence on what you think of me is exhausting and it’s none of my business. I have to keep raising the bar in what I do to impress you.

Here's my pledge: from now on - what I think of me is all I'll care about……. From today on and forever.

Fun. That's my ideal for living. To learn to have fun and relax. What do I want, what do I think, how do I feel?

Do I like and enjoy my choices in a day? Am I doing something because I believe I'm expected to do it? Am I doing it because I want to, for me, or for you? If for you, is it a good motive, is it to be helpful and to give...or is it a bad motive....to get.....to influence....to impress so you'll like me and want to be around me...

I'm so done thinking about how I come off to you on a daily basis so I'll feel ok. Done.

Really done.

Well, something has happened since this writing in the private journal entry in 2007. I do feel freer. Less self conscious. Believe I deserve. Know what’s good about me. Worry more about what I think. And………I believe a lot of this change I feel in myself is the result of doing what I’m afraid to do, like writing in this daily blog.

One day at a time, I’ve written. I‘ve posted my photography work. I have no secrets. You see it all on the page. I’m not hiding anymore and the sky hasn’t fallen. Actually, I’ve never had more self esteem and less fear. Who’d have thought change would come as the result of doing the things I fear.

Thank you readers. Thank you so much for your kind words, continued support, compliments and fun comments.

Much love and gratitude,

Linda

p.s. During my morning walk, wearing 2 layers of fleece and full rain gear in this atypical strong rain we are having, I took the photo above. Look at the view of our condo from the other side of the lake in the photo. What a great place we live in.

Snow on San Jacinto down to 4,000 feet.

Yesterday, after a lot of rain the day before, I woke to this vision.

And here is the full monty view from our home. The faces of San Jacinto. I think there has to be a book to be made some day of all the moods this incredible mountain projects. Or, better yet, all the moods this mountain creates in me.

Outside my dining room window!

I've started eating better recently. I sit down at the dining room table to eat. I don't read. I don't talk on the phone (much). I pay attention to the food as I'm eating.

Because I wasn't doing lots of other things while eating lunch I noticed out of the corner of my eye when the hawk landed on top of the umbrella. I couldn't believe it. A hawk right outside my window.

I have a dream of someday living in the wilderness (like some people I know) where the animals roam freely. I see myself sitting outside on the porch, with my camera and tripod set up, ready and excited to photograph the wildlife as they meander by.

Life is good.

Sychronicity.

An hour ago, I was drawn outside with my camera and tripod by the vision of billowing, backlit, cumulus clouds over the San Jacinto Mountain range. A phone call distracted me from taking more than 3 photos.

Moments ago I went online to see what exhibitions were at the J. Paul Getty Museum, hoping Sandi and I could catch the end of a photography showing while in LA Tuesday. Online checking out the exhibitions now at the Getty site I found a photo from the Landscape photo exhibition named "Songs of the Sky". (shown here)

Alfred Stieglitz was a great promoter of Modernism in America and an advocate of photography as art. He began pointing his camera skyward in 1922. His images of evanescent clouds were meant to express his own fleeting emotional states and reflect the dynamism of a world in constant flux.

Originally Stieglitz titled these cloudscapes "Songs of the Sky," but he later came to call them "equivalents of my most profound life experience." The works focus on abstract qualities of proportion, rhythm, and harmony, presenting pure form as music for the eye.

Now lookie here at two of the photos I snapped off around 5pm tonight.



And here you have my "pure form as music for the eye".

p.s.
syn·chro·nic·i·ty Listen to the pronunciation of synchronicity
Pronunciation:
\ˌsiŋ-krə-ˈni-sə-tē, ˌsin-\
Function:
noun


The coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality —used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung

The locals at our cabin.

The birds and squirrels have us well trained. They made a commotion outside our bedroom window early this windy morning awakening us and demanding "their" morning birdseed!
Click arrow below to start movie.


Here are some more photos of our new friends. We are obsessed with feeding and watching the birds and squirrels fight for their position at the birdseed trays. Saturday we moved into this cabin #18. Today is Monday and we have already bought another bag of birdseed.
(click on the photos below to enlarge them)
First the squirrels:
I call this squirrel - Fatso, Ray calls the foodmonger and bully of everyone - Jowels.










Our living room and view of the mountains and our local birds and squirrels.

Baby Egret, I think.

Ray and I walked 16 holes of the closed Palmer Golf Course around 11am today in about an hour and 15 minutes. We intended to walk the entire 18 holes but we were too close to our house at the 16th hole to continue walking the remaining two holes in the 108 degree day.

Ray spotted this bird in the lake by the 4th hole. I was surprised the photo turned out as clear as it did as I was using my little digital Sony 640 at full hand held zoom. I can't get close or they fly away.

Baby is gone and out on her own.

Earlier in the day I could tell Baby was practicing and getting close to flying off.

Today is the first day she really practiced flapping her wings.

Mama is in Baby's nest looking up at Baby on the condo stucco wall.

Mama was freaking out. Mama repeatedly tried to get Baby off the wall. Mama got on Baby's back and pecked Baby and then tried prying Baby off the wall with her feet.

Mama also feed Baby while Baby was on the wall. Baby must have been exhausted.

Ray spotted Baby as Baby left her nest. He said,"Baby is on the condo wall." I went for my camera. I spent the next 1.5 hours taking photos. I shot some movie too. Tired and off the bed now. But I someday hope to put together a photo essay of Baby and Mama.

Baby flew up on the roof of the Condo and Mama followed her. 37 days from egg to flight.

Bye bye Babette. (See Emily, I still call Baby Babette even though Ray didn't want me too.)

Baby is getting rambunctious.

Baby is out growing her nest. Mom has built up one side of the nest recently.

Baby has a pattern I've discovered. I've watched her so much that I know when Mama is coming to feed her. I go out and stand very, very quietly 3 feet away and shoot photos as Mama is landing.

Ray gets mad at me for going outside so much. He thinks I'm going to scare Baby into flying off before Baby is ready to fly. I think Baby is going to fly within the next few days. Baby flapped her wings today to keep herself from losing her balance now that she courageously stands perched on the top side of the nest.

Mama comes to the rescue now that Baby is so cocky. Mama is very strict and I get a kick out of catching her beat Baby down in her nest anyway she can.

Mama comes at the same time everyday to shade Baby from the hot sun. Then I get to photograph Mama's beautifully colored back feathers. Baby has some green in her back now too.

And there are fewer and fewer times when Baby sits still with Mama. Ray and I are going to be very sad to see our Baby fly away.


Any bets on which date she'll take flight?
If Baby doesn't fly away soon, I'll never get ready for this trip.