Paint Your Landscape

A Rare Geologic Site ~ Devil’s Postpile National Monument, CA

November 28, 2012LuAnn

“Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” ~ John Muir

horizontal to vertical columns — Horizontal to vertical columns

In early October, while “washing our spirits clean” in the Eastern Sierras we decided a visit to Devil’s Postpile National Monument was in order. On an overcast, chilly day we headed up the mountain with friends Nina, Paul and their lovely pooch Polly to see this rare geologic site, about 40 minutes outside Mammoth Lakes.

lovely fall colors — Lovely fall colors against a tumbled stack of basalt

The lighting that day did not allow for this novice photographer to take photos that were very exciting so I quickly set them aside and decided to pass on writing a post. Today, whether because my spirit longed to walk in the woods again or because I took the time to read a little more about this unusual basalt formation, I decided to dust off the photos and give it another go.

Some say that volcanic lava flow dating back over 100,000 years caused this basalt formation, while other dating methods set the flow as far back as 700,000 years. Suffice to say that Devil’s Postpile has been here a long time. The lava flowing to this site became confined within glacial debris and the thickness of the formations was so great, from 400 to 600 feet, that the lava cooled slowly, with the result being long symmetrical columns. A subsequent glacier polished the surface on the top of the Postpile to a smooth-as-glass finish.

gray day at the post pile — Gray day at the Postpile

Devil’s Postpile columns range from 2 to 3.5 feet in diameter and many reach up to 60 feet in height. Most stand vertically but some are almost horizontal, quite an unusual sight. All the columns would be 6-sided (hexagonal) if the cooling of the lava had occurred perfectly evenly, an impossible feat it would seem. What makes this basalt formation unique is that 60% of its columns are hexagonal, more than most, designating it one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Sadly each year’s freezes and thaws bring down more of the outer columns.

the gang at the falls — Nina, me, Paul, & Polly at the falls

Talks of building a hydroelectric dam at this very site threatened to collapse this unique spectacle into the San Joaquin River. In 1911, before this fateful event could take place, an order by President William H. Taft granted Devil’s Postpile the status of National Monument.

If you venture into the Ansel Adams Wilderness near Mammoth Lakes, where the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails merge together on the monument land, Devil’s Postpile awaits you along a 2-mile hike that eventually leads to Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot drop into the San Joaquin River, named for its many rainbows appearing where the pounding waters flow into the river. Although no rainbows greeted us on this gray overcast day, Rainbow Falls was an added little bonus at this rare geologic site.

strong vertical columns — Strong vertical columns falling away

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Twenty-Two Years

November 24, 2012February 22, 2013LuAnn

Twenty-two years ago today

sacred vows spoken

hearts united as one

a tapestry of memories created

so many left to be written.

Happy Anniversary my love!

Happy Thanksgiving, with a Grateful Heart

November 21, 2012February 22, 2013LuAnn

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

I often find myself marveling at how much I have to be thankful for in this life. Some of my greatest blessings, I can now see, stem from the adversities that I have endured, as this is when I have had my “growth spurts”. As a dear friend reminded me the other day, many seeds begin the germination process in the dark and we are no different (thank you Lisa for that bit of wisdom). Don’t get me wrong, I relish those times where life is humming along and my spirit soars, full of light and love, when compassion and gratitude seem to imbue my every fiber. I am blessed to be at such a place in my life right now and recognize that many are not, with so much suffering in the world.

Today, with Thanksgiving fast approaching, I give thanks for all my experiences, as they have made me, well me. I am thankful for having enough and not wanting for much of anything. I am most thankful for family and friends, even those friends that I have never personally met but whose blogs I read daily, across the far reaches of this universe, those who touch me in the most profound ways, beyond what they could ever imagine.

For those who live with far too little and whose suffering is great, I pray that there is someone in your lives to extend a healing hand, as I have been fortunate enough to have had time and again in my life. Let us all be reminded that there is much life to be lived, no matter where we are at on our path.

Blessings to everyone on this special holiday for a day full of light and love.

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Feeding Body and Soul in San Diego, CA

November 17, 2012February 22, 2013LuAnn

Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better. ~ Albert Einstein

I love the early morning, that quiet time before the pace that takes over the rest of the day kicks in. Today is my day to do sprints, a way for me to “shock” my body, taking it out of its normal routine and kicking up the cardio a bit. I know this is not for everyone and some days my body seems to be asking me, “are you sure this is what you want to do?”, but after it’s over I feel invigorated, so for me 30 minutes once a week works. Being on the beach is the perfect place to do this, a nice soft surface, a cool breeze, the pounding surf, and the salty air. What could be better? Ok, a nice gentle walk along the beach, but I digress.

surf's up — All together now ~ surf’s up!

Exercise time is over so I kick off my shoes and walk back in the surf, another great resistance exercise for the old bod. The water is a refreshing 64º, that ‘just right’ mix of a little gasp when the waves rush over your feet and that feeling of utter bliss when the tide pulls back again and the sand is running through your toes.

brown pelicans — Brown pelicans in flight

This is my time for reflection, meditation by the water if you will, and at times I find my thoughts moving back through time to the beautiful, rugged Oregon coast where we spent a few months earlier this year, and thanks to Gunta and her amazing photography, I get my regular fix. San Diego is equally as beautiful and we feel blessed to winter here.

paddle boarder — Paddle boarder catchin’ a wave

Today began with a mixture of clouds and sunshine. Mother Nature seems unsure which direction she wants to head, enticing us with a little sun, then pulling the clouds back like a nightshade, bringing a little chill to the air. Whichever she decides, it looks to be a glorious day with temps around 70º.

kelp plant — Kelp~the sea’s gift to the shorebirds

My walk back has me jumping over large masses of seaweed which the ocean has presented as a gift for waiting shorebirds. There are a large number of kelp beds off-shore near San Elijo State Beach and what may be viewed as large buggy masses to us is a veritable feast for these birds, and the kelp beds themselves are recognized as one of the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth. Everything has its place in the world…perfect harmony.

Back at the RV, time for some breakfast of my own. Today I’ll share with you one of many smoothie recipes I throw together. We like to get most of our carbs from vegetables, the green leafy kind being most dominant but berries just cannot be beat blended into a smoothie and are oh-so-yummy! Here is what was on the menu today, should you be so inclined to whip yourself up one of these ice-cold treats.

Berry-Spinach Smoothie

(use organic ingredients when possible~makes 2 large drinks)

2 c. frozen mixed berries

1 c. water

1 scoop protein powder

3 large handfuls spinach

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 avocado

1 T. flaxseed oil or ground meal

Blend and enjoy!

Mother Nature has spoken; looks like another warm sunny day in paradise. I hope wherever you are, even if the sun isn’t shining, you are having a marvelous Saturday. Now off to work I go with a very big smile on my face.

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