(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)
Yesterday, The Husband offered to take me for an outing. By Saturday, my left foot had only two-and-a-half purple toes, rather than four. Moreover, I had reached the point of gingerly picking my way about for a few steps in one direction or another, using the walker only when I felt the need for additional stability.
Of course, I was elated at the idea of seeing something outside our house. In three weeks, I had developed quite a case of cabin-fever. Since The Husband loves to take drives and explore back roads, I was happy to let him decide on our route and just be along for the ride. As usual, the Sherpa knows. He elected to head West on the 58, then north off the freeway to Caliente Creek Road. I knew I would enjoy the drive regardless of what we saw, but I was especially eager because our route would drop us just enough in elevation to mean some different vegetation.
What I hadn’t planned on was a dizzying variety of gorgeous trees (some already in full foliage), steep canyon walls, and stunning wildflowers. It was an intoxicating preview of what we will see here in a few short weeks. I am completely smitten. This is another of those occasions when I wish I were 6’3”, the size of an NFL linebacker, and capable of a nasty snarl (and worse) that would make people think twice about messing with me. Instead, I am a puny, 5’3”, little old lady who wouldn’t scare a rabbit. If I were that linebacker-type character, I would take off on my own and be back in that mostly wild canyon exploring every two or three days. I would love to make the canyon my SoFoBoMo project.
What added to the fun yesterday was that a couple of times I was able to get out of the car where we parked beside the narrow road and take a few steps in one direction or another. I have reached the point where I trust the ankle wrap to hold my foot and ankle steady for short trips. The right foot is messed up, but not nearly so badly, and it felt reasonably secure in some lace-up boots. By picking my way carefully one step at a time, I avoided inflicting any new damage and had a marvelous time shooting—even if I could not do any climbing about, crouching, or belly shots.
Of course, I was elated at the idea of seeing something outside our house. In three weeks, I had developed quite a case of cabin-fever. Since The Husband loves to take drives and explore back roads, I was happy to let him decide on our route and just be along for the ride. As usual, the Sherpa knows. He elected to head West on the 58, then north off the freeway to Caliente Creek Road. I knew I would enjoy the drive regardless of what we saw, but I was especially eager because our route would drop us just enough in elevation to mean some different vegetation.
What I hadn’t planned on was a dizzying variety of gorgeous trees (some already in full foliage), steep canyon walls, and stunning wildflowers. It was an intoxicating preview of what we will see here in a few short weeks. I am completely smitten. This is another of those occasions when I wish I were 6’3”, the size of an NFL linebacker, and capable of a nasty snarl (and worse) that would make people think twice about messing with me. Instead, I am a puny, 5’3”, little old lady who wouldn’t scare a rabbit. If I were that linebacker-type character, I would take off on my own and be back in that mostly wild canyon exploring every two or three days. I would love to make the canyon my SoFoBoMo project.
What added to the fun yesterday was that a couple of times I was able to get out of the car where we parked beside the narrow road and take a few steps in one direction or another. I have reached the point where I trust the ankle wrap to hold my foot and ankle steady for short trips. The right foot is messed up, but not nearly so badly, and it felt reasonably secure in some lace-up boots. By picking my way carefully one step at a time, I avoided inflicting any new damage and had a marvelous time shooting—even if I could not do any climbing about, crouching, or belly shots.
Wow! Anita!!! If you got this within just a few steps from the car, imagine what wonders await you! This is gorgeous. There's no question why you wouldn't want to make this your project. I'd be right there beside you! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm already smitten from this one picture. More! More! More! Looks like my kind of place! :-)
Paul - I have never before seen that canyon, but you can bet I will see it again. It may not be quite so spectacular without the spring flowers, but it's difficult for me to imagine that it won't be fun to shoot there year 'round. It's nice to know that I have converted another photographer. Are you getting ready for that trip to CA?
ReplyDeleteGreat shot with what looks like nifty lighting, definitely worth exploring. But what is this big linebacker stuff?
ReplyDeleteBob - Nothing against big linebackers, honestly. But, it would be nice sometimes to have a "don't-mess-with-me" appearance. You guys are lucky to feel more comfortable alone in a place like that canyon.
ReplyDeleteAh ha, Anita you have hit on one of the threads I have wanted to explore for a long time. To me, regardless of manliness and courage, the great outdoors holds a promise of menace, that I've never seen well captured in paint or film. Most people seem to gloss over it or are just not aware.
ReplyDeleteBob - I wonder what type of menace you are thinking of. I am talking about the two-legged variety.
ReplyDeleteAnita: I hope to be able to make a trip to CA; however, I am having my taxes done and, if it turns out like it usually does, not matter how many times I adjust it, Uncle Scam will be asking (telling) me to make more of a contribution! $$$ is pretty tight right now. It's been an incredible last 12 months. :-)
ReplyDeletePaul - Oh, shame! You said the five letter word. I certainly know what you mean about money being tight. We had dreamed of doing some traveling once we "retired". That's not working out so great. Oh, well, I'm not exactly sitting around bored.
ReplyDeleteAnita, I've tried to expand a little on what I mean by the menace of nature over on the blog - http://rvewong.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/the-menace-of-nature/
ReplyDeleteBob - Thanks, I'll check that out.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to drop a note to say I love the light on this scene. Well seen and well captured Anita.
ReplyDeleteMark - Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure I will catch light that wonderful the next time, but I can't resist returning to that road for more exploration.
ReplyDelete