MATTERS OF LIGHT

LIGHT PLAY

A variety of topography, weather, micro climates

and the sun's arc combine to provide

a continual show of light and color here on the
Central California Coast.

Here the Santa Lucia peaks "float" on a sea of fog.

Breaking through the heavy marine layer the sun

finds a reflecting companion on the sand.

Wish I could control the exposure as the sun blasts

heat and light aloft and on the water.

Subtle shadows.

The last triumph of the day.

Looking west from about 1,800 feet in the Santa Lucia range.

UPDATE FROM BOB

Friends,

New chemo protocol is having the desired effect. Well tolerated. Am no 

longer anemic. Immune system strengthening, although still suppressed, 

so I wear a mask in public. (Little kids get wide eyed when I bend over 

and say to them, "Luke, I am your father."  This latest chemo is a 

maintenance mode. It will eventually lose effectiveness like the others. 

The goal is still getting to transplant in early 2012. Feel great!

Anticipating a normal holiday. Been studying for my Radio Amateur Extra 

Class license. Taking the test Saturday. Can't keep my hands off equipment.

Foster

Bob is a long time friend and former on air colleague back in the glory days of radio.

See you down the trail.

NATURE'S COLOR SCHEME

SEASONAL SHADES

"Won't you miss the change of seasons?"

We heard that frequently when we announced

our move to the Central California Coast.

We worried about it bit, until our

first fall in California.

Season's change here, we've learned, with an

obvious turn.

Each year provides another pallet of 

fall color.

 Autumn skies resemble those of the mid west

 but with a distinct difference.

 Being a mediterranean climate,

 snow, is no show at our elevation. 

 Even as trees are ablaze in color

 we still have blooms.

and occasionally the Goodyear blimp. Huh?

 In the midwest we saw the blimp only 

around the time of the Indy 500.

See you down the trail.

GRATITUDE AT TWILIGHT

PEACEFUL EVENING

It would not be a particularly illuminating read for you

if I enumerated all of the reasons I am grateful.

Suffice it to say I try to live in a 

state of gratitude.

I worked on a story years ago and got to 

know an elderly gentleman who had one 

of the brightest and cheeriest dispositions I've 

encountered.  A widow by then, he said frequently

how fortunate he had been. It was a kind of 

mantra in his life.  It reminded him of

all those touchstone moments he had lived

and brought the joy of them forward again,

in gratitude.

A theologian friend put it another way

he said "after you have seen the throne of grace

all you can do is to give gratitude."

Today Seth Borenstein of the Associated Press

wrote how giving thanks makes you happier.

The evening light of the Central Coast

and the time to capture it is certainly

a reason to say Thanks.

These "specks" are crows, enjoying the evening ride.

Thanks for visiting this blog.

See you down the trail.

THE MOUNTAIN OF GOLD

THE MAGNIFICENT BLUFF TRAIL

AT MONTNA D' ORO

 Every visit to Montana D' Oro State Park

is a gift.  Its pristine Bluff Trail is spectacular

and some of the most beautiful coast line

in California.

 Today's post is shot so that you can get a 

sense of the views as you walk the trail.

 Stunning geological formations and

secluded beaches and coves abound.

 In the frame below is a unique view of the famed 

Morro Rock, seen in the context of the Santa Lucia Range

and the Bay.

 Hikers can depart the Bluff Trail and climb up toward

the highlands.

 The art of nature is very evident on the trail.

 The non Pacific views are also stunning.

 The drive into and out of park takes you through

a beautiful stand of old eucalyptus trees.

When on the Central Coast you should allow time

for a visit to the "Mountain of Gold."  

There are times in the spring and summer when the 

poppies and other yellow blooms earn the 

name.  Magnificent in any season.

See you down the trail.