Tuesday, 03 March 2009 10:56
I went for a hike out on the PCT in late feb with Nate, Trozzi, and Kirin. Great time to get out in the chaparral. If anything it was warm for this time of year, but the shade of the manzanitas and a nice breeze here and there combined to create perfect conditions. Its amazing how close a hike of this quality is to home. Only an hour or two from san diego via the 8, its on the edge of the anza borrego state park and cleveland nat'l forest.
I managed to get some great photos of the area and wildlife. The photos of the snake (I'm assuming garter) display a surprising amount of detail in its coloring and patterns. The snake certainly wasn't shy, but he was pretty small... no thicker than my index finger and about 18" long. Its really fascinating to see them move in the water.
The strength of the textures and color combinations are pretty intense. If anything I'd say that its the theme of this photo set. The striking contrast of the manzanitas soft green leaves and its dark rich bark. The gritty rock texture combined with the various types of lichens and plant life. Its interesting the way the different organisms are scattered seemingly randomly on the rock. It is decidedly not random however, but instead based on the varied conditions that exist on the different surfaces of rock due to sun exposures, moisture and temperature variations.
My favorite of the bunch is probably the one that shows a nicely rounded combination of rock, cacti, and scrub brush. Mostly because it kindof captures the feel of the place.
Oh, and congrats to Kirin for making it out alive, despite managing to embed just about every type of cactus needle available in her fur.
