~ Tend Your Biscuits ~

Wilderness is an anchor to windward. Knowing it is there, we can also know that we are still a rich nation, tending our resources as we should — not a people in despair searching every last nook and cranny of our land for a board of lumber, a barrel of oil, a blade of grass, or a tank of water.  

Clinton P. Anderson

February 8th is my 69th birthday and "I'm feeling fine."  I love Lonesome Dove and Keith knew that when he sent me his birthday card.

Denise took me to our favorite place on earth -- Pinnacles National Park.  We camped for a few days and hiked the High Peaks Trail (6 1/2 miles) to see the California Condors.

We saw many, including two Condors perched on a nearby rock.  Then, one flew towards us.  It was only ten feet above us and the "swoosh" from its wings stirred that innate "nature moment" within us, letting us know that we too belong.

This Condor in a few fleeting seconds reminds us that "Nature is amazing and her show is always free."

Here are some pictures from that day.  The last, are from my birthday present, a blue tooth selfie stick which I love.  And oh yes, the Pinnacles hat is a birthday present too, which fits well.

Yes, "I'm fine, turning 69."

Bob and Denise at the infamous Pinnacles sign

The High Peaks Trail towards the end of the day after a 6 1/2 mile hike

I love these rocks which I've climbed

A California Condor about to land

Two California Condors in their natural element

The sparse rains will be a struggle for the wildflowers this year.  These Shooting Stars display their courage

Male California Condor luring a mate

Mating by California Condors

Reflecting on earlier days at Pinnacles

Denise and Bob at the place where it all began -- Pinnacles National Monument, our 1st National Park Service assignment

Looking down on the Balconies and the infamous, Machete Ridge which I climbed with Jim Langford

My first selfie with my new blue tooth, showing off my Pinnacles Condor hat

It was such an amazing trip back to the Pinnacles, gray hair and all