Eastman Lake April 27, 2012

We returned again to Eastman Lake for the second time in April.  We wanted to get as much camping in before the high temps arrived.  It was a very relaxing stay and the sky was clear enough to catch some stars.  It's so peaceful...

The next day we drove to the other side of the lake to the day use area where they were having a fishing derby for the children.  Most of them by this time, had quit fishing and began cooling off in the water.  But there were many activities for the kids to do and learn about water safety, a BBQ and prizes to win.  It was a fun day for the kids!

At the children's fishing derby event, there were many rangers heading up the activities.  Ranger Andy is our favorite.  He checks up on us in camp now and again too...we are so rowdy, you know!  =o]

Back to camp we go.  Way up in a eucalyptus tree was a raven nest that I watched and photographed when the parents came to feed.  As you can see these little fellows were letting their parents know they were hungry.

When we weren't looking up, we were looking down and we'd watch the gophers come up, grab a tender morsel of grass or weeds and scurry back down to their den.  This little guy needs some Crest White Strips!!

Another beautiful night of star gazing with the Big Dipper right above Odessa!

Our mornings so relaxing...coffee and a comfy chair, and sharing it with Odessa!  Once again, we had another fabulous weekend of camping.

Easter at Eastman April 2012

Eastman Lake called us back for camping on Easter weekend, and it was a beautiful drive.  There had been some rains since our last visit and the hills turned a beautiful green.

Eastman has it's own charm, but we ventured out and about one day, and ended up at the "Thrill Hills".  We hadn't been on them for years.  I still lose my stomach on them!!  While at the lake, we had many, many visitors wanting to see the inside of Odessa.  I enjoyed inviting the ladies to take a tour, and I believe Cliff enjoyed sharing with the men his process of rebuilt.  We met a lot of new people and all were so friendly. 

We had another very enjoyable and restful Eastman camping trip and on the way home we spotted these coyotes in a field.  We were traveling while I took these photos, so I'm please they weren't too blurry.  It seemed they were working together to catch their lunch.  It was a nice final photo op before returning home.

March 2012 Camping Eastman

We took our first spring-time camping trip to Eastman Lake and had the best weather, the best camping site and the best winged show ever!!

I am a beginner at night photography, but I was very pleased with this shot.  The line going through the picture is a moving jet.

Number 9 campsite had a perfect view of the lake.  It was our first time camping there and we felt so lucky to get it as it's a well sought after site, and is usually reserved, but it wasn't this weekend!!

The highlight of the weekend was the bald eagle that visited our campsite and circled around so I could get this shot of him/her.  It was amazing and I will never lose my excitement seeing a bald eagle!

Equally exciting was to spot a juvenile bald eagle.  It was a perfect camping trip weekend!!!

February 2012 Out & About

One thing Cliff and I like to do is just take a little drive now and again.  We don't live far from the Merced National Wildlife Refuge and we often end up there.  It's never the same and it seems we are always surprised with something new like this unusual looking bird.

The Ross Geese were in the thousands, I'm sure!  It was not only an amazing sight, but also it was VERY noisy!  A first for us to see them so close to the shoreline.  What a blessing to experience this!

In the month of February (2012) we also took a little spin to Barrett's Cove at Lake McClure (about an hour from home).  It was a beautiful day as you can see.

It's always an extra bonus to see wildlife...Barrett's Cove has always come through for us when it comes to seeing deer there!

Canadian Family Visit

We don't get many visits from the families north (Oregon and Canada), but when we do, we enjoy it so much.  Larry and Lorna are a hoot and the visits always seem too short.  We did a little shopping...they got to meet Odessa...and we visited the Merced National Wildlife Refuge...but first things first!!  We had a small celebration for Larry's 70th coming up in March (but he wears it like a 50 year old). 

Oh I failed to mention that when Larry and Lorna come to visit, they park their trailer in our driveway and it barely squeaks by.  Now this is CLOSE!  =o)

Now for the fun stuff...well, it was planned to be fun, but the air was cool and the wind was frigid, so we didn't want to stay out in it for very long.  We still got to see some wildlife.

Ross Geese in flight above!

Spoonbill Ducks above and a Blue Heron below...

AND, when we arrived home we were greeted with Cedar Waxwings and a Robin or two!

Cell phone photos above and below...saying good-bye and finishing with an awkward family photo!

...and away they went!

Honored Spot

A family's gotta do what a family's gotta do!  Traditions!  I bet we are not the only family that has a tradition or two.  One of ours is the "HONORED SPOT" a top our fireplace mantel.  I don't know how the "honored spot" came about, but when we moved into this house December 1995, it just was...the honored spot!!  The "HONORED SPOT" is where the birthday cards go when the recipient has had the joy of opening it up, reading it's warm wishes and then displaying in the "honored spot" for others to visit it's pages.  It's there, in the "honored spot" where we continue to honor our birthday family member.  As family members pass the mantel, eyes catch the honored spot, with all it's glory.  It calls to us, "stop and pick up the card, read it and honor your loved one!"  No, really, I have heard it call as I have passed...many times!  So, beginning our New Year, 2012, we have once again followed the tradition of the "honored spot," as after baby girl finished reading her birthday card, it was tenderly and carefully placed thoughtfully and strategically in the only place it should be, the "HONORED SPOT."

Lake McSwain & Family Visit

Last weekend we had a fabulous overnight camp trip to Lake McSwain.  What made it fabulous was that Gilbert, Ashlee, Maycin and Margo came to visit for the day.  Maycin caught his first tarantula and both the kids had fun throwing rocks (and other debris) in the lake.  =o/  The BBQ hamburgers that Cliff forgot to season were the best we've had ever!!  The cold didn't get us down and we made make-shift mittens out of my socks for Margo along with the grandkids wearing my hats to cover their heads.  It was just pain FUN!  Then after everyone left, Cliff and I settled into Odessa with a hot bowl of homemade potato soup and a movie.  The wind began to gust and the rain pelted against the tin siding.  It was a pretty exciting night that night.  We woke to cloudy skies but later it turned into the most beautiful day!  The video link is below to view our adventures:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDG7Ipniirg