A DESERT HIKE

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS-

PALM SPRINGS

       The San Jacinto Range in this area of Palm Springs ranges to 10 thousand feet and the hiking can be fraught with switch backs and a slippery, shale like rock footing.

The day provided a bit of cloud cover, giving us a break from the direct sun, though it was in the 80's and warm.

 The trail provided great vistas.

 A party hiking down reported seeing rattle snakes on the trail

 that put hiking companions Norma Jean, Linda and Lana on alert

 the trail provided views of the valley

 the warmth and the upward climb gave us reason for pauses and hydration

 I thought the mountains and the trail were deceptive.

From a distance they looked less challenging

 but the trail returned our effort with great rock formations and views

and the climb down gave us more exercise. 

it  gets warm on trail and the warm rocks provide sunning places for the rattlesnakes

So the trail gave us reason to pay close attention-

for potential snakes and for sure footing.

Plus the views were the payoff 

See you down the trail.

THE WEEKENDER :) A TEACHING PAINTING

WHERE TECHNOLOGY, ART AND TEACHING MEET

       Explaining the value of following on Twitter, I told a friend it was like having an open wire service machine plugged into your brain.  (A wire service machine was a running teletype of continuous news flow from the Associated Press, United Press International or Reuters News.  In the pre-computer age, wire service machines clacked out a never ending stream of information to newspapers, radio and television stations from reporters around the world)

        From the time I listened to radio news as my mother prepared dinner, or clipped the sports pages in the local paper, I have been a news and information junkie. I remember arguing with an elementary school teacher that radio was a better teacher than she was.

        The learning systems today continue to fascinate me.  In the spirit of our Weekender-having fun, here's something to play and learn with.

The Painting

THE PAINTING EXTENDS BEYOND YOUR SCREEN. SCROLL LEFT, RIGHT, UP AND DOWN. PEOPLE ARE IDENTIFIED AS YOU MOUSE OVER THEM. DOUBLE CLICK AND LEARN MORE. LINK HERE AND LEARN AS YOU PLAY.

I wonder what my teacher would think of this?

Have fun.
And here is something quite nice as well


The duality between city and nature [video]

See you down the trail.

GET OUT AND WALK

       It is hard to imagine ever being outside enough.  As a school kid, freedom seemed to breath, whenever we were permitted outside.  Working as a journalist gave me plenty of opportunity for being outside, until I began managing news operations or companies. Then I'd bound out, just to walk a few blocks, to get outside, whenever I could.  So as spring envelopes the country, let me urge you to take a walk.  In that spirit, here's a look at 

A WORLD CLASS WALK

          The Harmony Headlands State Park is 784 acres between Highway 1 and the Pacific about five minutes north of Cayucos and south of Cambria. It offers a spectacular approximately two mile hike out to a marine terrace.  It has become one of our favorites and it is often on the Cambria Walking Bunch's list.

          According to locals in the know, the land had been in the State Park System for some five years, but never opened to the public.  The story goes that Clint Eastwood, who lives about 2 hours north in Carmel, was down for an occasion and as a member of a state commission walked the trail.  He asked why it wasn't open and communicated with his friend and then Governor Schwarzenegger.  Shortly thereafter the trail was opened to the public.

            If you spend much time in this area of the Central Coast you get an urge to go wondering over the rolling hills and into valleys and canyons.

            The Headlands trail, gives you that opportunity and takes you by precious wetlands and fragile environs.

              After winding between slopes the trail opens to majestic views of the Pacific.

The trail works along pristine coastal bluffs.

In the spring, it offers a wild flower show.

lots of blooms this time of year

This is a somewhat exotic, called  Humming Bird Sage.

If you like hikes, and are in the area, the Harmony Headlands State Park is a great opportunity. Regardless of where you live, go talk a walk.
See you down the trail.