Once prevalent with glittering gold during the California Gold Rush, these fertile shores echo with the remembrance of days long gone with the fragrant blooms of the golden water iris. The trees and brush bustle with birds sings natures harmony, and the silky, slow waters mirror the clouds dancing on high. The area known as Horseshoe bend, located on the Stanislaus River, is a haven to more than 300 species of flora and fauna. To walk the trails along this river one can almost feel the ancestors of the indigenous people who once fished these shores reminding of a time when the Earth was slow and the sounds of nature dominated the airways. This place is a small fragment of eden still thriving today.
From the vantage point of more than six thousand feet above sea level one can see as the eagle sees — flying over the lush fertile, basin shaped by the meandering currents of the Walker River. Located near the peak of Sonora Pass on highway 108, this small window into the wilderness might give you a glimpse of a black bear going for a swim to catch a tasty meal. Sit for a while and watch marvelous forms of nimbus clouds building over the granite peaks while a cold breeze builds from the waters below moving up the mountain and the sound of Leavitt Falls cascades near by.
This lesser known California gem known as the Dardanelle Cones, rest high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yosemite National Forest and the Tahoe National Forest. Sculpted by Mother Nature Herself more than 9 million years agos, to gaze upon the Dardanelles is akin to gazing through time itself.
This modern impressionistic piece captures the phenomenon of iridescent clouds dancing in the sky over a well worn hiking path surrounded by blooming deer brush and the first sprouting flowers of spring. Located in the heart of California’s central foothills. The nature reserve known as Red Hills, is a cherished retreat for hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts.
High up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along route 108, once sat a small resort that welcomed families and nature explorers every year from spring until fall. This quaint and historical site was composed of a bar and grill style cafe, small general store, gas station and vacation cabin rentals. This was the home away from home for many during the summer months, including myself. Sadly, the resort succumbed to fire in the year 2018. Although, the official records of the store and cabins weren’t established until 1923, Dandanell’s itself was mapped as early as the 1840s and remains well known for its dramatic volcanic rock formations and picturesque canyons. “Lost Treasure” features the entry drive into the resort depicting the antique gasoline pumps and the main building — the general store. This first glimpse of the general store was a welcome sight for many travelers making the two and a half mile drive up the mountains embarking on adventures now etched in our memories and this tribute painting.
Perhaps not as well known as its close neighbor, Half Dome, located in the Yosemite Valley, stand North Dome. Marking the entrance to the trail of Vernal Falls this beautiful Granite Dome welcomes hikers from all over the planet to embark on a new adventure.
Near Bodega Bay, California, rest a small stretch of beach known as Dillion Beach. Its high winds, moving sand dunes, foggy encapsulation and low tides abundant with wondrous sea life are just some of its most known characteristics. Close to Alfred Hitchcock’s set for the filming of “The Birds” as well as a scattering of timeless and nostalgic early American fishing towns, this little gem is a must see for adventure seekers traversing California’s beautiful beaches.
If you are familiar with the great central valley of California, you might know the winters can bring many consecutive days of foggy grey. As a long time resident of this great valley and in particular, a region known for its rolling hills and dramatic oaks, I find great comfort in the serenity of the countryside veiled in fog. This modern zen painting, of this moody scene depicts the tranquility of the “Fog Veiled Oaks”.
Never was there a more marvous flowering tree than the, Magnolia Tulip Tree. It’s massive blooms resting upon delicate limbs, opening skyward in a fantastic display of pink, peach and mauve. The master keeper of this tree none other than the vibrant and vivacious hummingbird. King of speed and agility.
The deep teal/blue and turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean have carved away some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Carmel sits at the central heart of the California coast and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to its rocky cliffs and sandy beaches each year. If you are fortunate enough to stay a few nights the hiking paths at Point Logos nature preserve, is a must see. The cliffs are dressed in a colorful blanket of flowering succulents and a variety nesting migratory-birds. The constant shifting fog, adorns the trees and foliage with glittering dewdrops. This oil on board features one of many delightful scenes along the nature trails of Point Lobos.
Floating in a dream somewhere between here and there, up or down, this way or that, is a place known as the Liminal. One can only arrive in such a place by letting go of everything and becoming everything and nothing all at once. Simply observe and let flow. Namaste.
