THE WEEKENDER :)

MYSTERY AND HIGH JINX

The bees are into it and pollen is in the air

Is that what's up with the birds?

We'll get to that mystery, but first a word from our sponsor

ASSURE CLEANING

THE POLLEN BUSTER

Photo courtesy Lana

"Pollen is in the air. You need the THE POLLEN BUSTER from

ASSURE CLEANING.  Look at this-Exhibit A

See that patch of dirty yellow?  That's pollen and it's everywhere. See the difference after THE POLLEN BUSTER?

RELY ON ASSURE CLEANING

A division of Securelawn

Now, back to our Mystery.

The locals say they've never seen it quite like this.  Larger swarms of Gulls have massed where Santa Rosa Creek flows into the Pacific.

They've created Gull City.

with thousands of gulls lining up to get in, feathers litter the beach

they fly in frantic swirls

 This has always been a fly in  spot, but something this spring has increased the attraction and number of birds.  It has created some spectacular scenes.

Until the next time, remember when you do battle with pollen, you need

THE POLLEN BUSTER

From ASSURE CLEANING

A Division of Securelawn 

NATURE SPEAKS AND SO DO WE

 CHANGES

     In the Midwest we had to wait until April or May for flowering trees. This Mediterranean climate is a gift giver and deeply appreciated.

     If you are a regular visitor here you will notice a couple of changes to LIGHT BREEZES.

It is now easier to "follow" and be noted. In addition you'll find other blogs, connections, and a keen flow of the latest from Apple, Google and Microsoft- the new Big 3.

SHOOTING THE BULL

     Our instant flash mob hungrily assembled again on the deck to continue celebration of Diane's birthday.  Celebrating began last evening when Norbert entertained the lads and lassies with his extraordinary key board work and compositions in the back room of Brambles.

    It is a group that can sustain several conversations simultaneously, while making short work of the ample and marvelous chow.  There was a unison act in the birthday serenade and consumption of the ceremonial cookies. This is a crowd that enjoys.

All the while this guy grazed only yards away.  I wonder if he knew that some of his kin

was being consumed within earshot.  Consumed and appreciated!

 It's a long shot and a bit grainy, but this grand abode towers over both the grazing and and chewing venues.  The heirs of William Randolph Hearst, the man of the castle, have made us happy, because of the free range and naturally grazed cattle that becomes Hearst Ranch beef which finds its way into the busy mouths of the Friday lunchers.

Though in truth the only bull shooting is done by the instant flash mob.

And so a weekend begins in the Middle Kingdom.

BUT SOMETHING ODD THIS WAY FLYS

Some of the long time residents are wondering what's up with the gulls?

This weekend, we'll take a closer look.

And

Could a mystery be lurking?

As we used to say on TV, that and more on the way.

Plus coming soon THE PLANT POLICE.

See you down the trail.

A CAT NAP IN THE SHADOWS

PARK THOUGHTS

     California parks are going to feel the budget crunch.  Analysts say some will be closed. A state that is rich in parks and preservation of natural wonder needs to find a new way to operate the State Park system.

      Yosemite is a National Park, but a vendor runs the lodges and hospitality concessions. In essence a major portion of park operations is privatized.  Could something of that nature help fend off the closing of State Parks?  

POSSIBLE PATH$

      There are a variety of paths to follow. California could reap huge income by selling park land.  The idea is repugnant, but if the state closes parks now, mothballing them, what is to say a sale is impossible?  Better is a long term lease, say 150 years, to a private operator who is bound to operate according to a state proscribed standard. Better yet, the parks title to "the people" by virtue of a federation of wildlife, recreation, conservation and wilderness groups taking either ownership or the long term lease.  

     Best, perhaps, is that Bill Gates, Ted Turner, Warren Buffet, George Sroros or even a Kobie Bryant or Mick Jagger, buy the land, put it and an operating endowment and into a public trust.

      Must be California dreamin'

     While winter feeds your discontent in some areas of the world, we offer a dose of green. There is a downside-pollen is like a dust this week.  But, better than snow or ice or gray.

DAY BOOK

A blue and green world

Happy trails and good napping.

A MORNING TRAIL AND THEN LUNCH

A CENTRAL COAST WINTER HIKE

     Let's take a hike.  We'll make someplace between a 400 and 500 foot elevation change.  I can't be more certain because topographic maps differ.  We start at sea level and walk what is called The Coyote Trail.  It is often littered with Coyote scat and as it climbs it winds between Monterrey Pine thickets and other habitat of small animals.

The climb is gradual until about here.

A thick Pine forest is to your right, with a small patch of trees to your left

and the trail is pitched up and rutted.

Once you clear the thicket you begin a long trek toward the crown.

Here you begin to get a peak of the Santa Lucia Range

Looking back toward the Pacific you can see the break to the slope.

Then you begin the hike across the top of the hill.

Above you are looking due west.

This is looking east, toward the Santa Lucias and the village, tucked into the Pines.

Here you are looking north west and toward the trail down to the bluff.

Down and into another a small patch of shrub and thicket.

Into the thicket you can begin to see the break of the slope and the altitude. The brown line about 1/3 from the top of the frame is large service road.

Approaching the thicket

Lot of poison oak grows here

The path is rutted from winter rains

Another view of thicket trail and elevation

The knees respond to this pitch

This is looking back up the incline

Then the trail flattens, and follows the coastal bluff

One of several handcrafted benches

On toward the south, and a completion of the loop

Every day provides a unique atmosphere and light play

     The flat loop trail is two miles round trip.  The climb adds another 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile depending on paths taken.  It is a marvelous hike to watch the change of seasons and the always changing Pacific light and color show.

AND THEN A FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT

Rudell's Smokehouse on the strand in Cayucos is a favorite. The smoked fish tacos are incredible. So is the view.

A great place to "recharge" after a hike.

STATE OF THE UNION

PAYING ATTENTION

     As the western sky in California offered a dramatic scene, the American political drama of the State of Union address took center stage back east.  It is a special evening in the nation's capitol, full of ceremony, ritual and a signal of the tone of the ensuing congressional session.  There is no shortage of pundits or experts to "help" you evaluate the evening.  But I was struck by another thought.

     How important do most Americans regard the event to be?  The question was sparked by a comment made by an anchor team.  In reacting to President Obama's statement about our Sputnik moment, Jeff Greenfield said 75% of today's Americans were not alive when the Soviets led the way into space orbit with the little satellite.  Katie Couric added that she was born the year the Sputnik was launched.  So the President's point may have been lost on most.  But then I wondered how many in this time of tweets, social networks, games, multiple viewing options and other distractions took the time to watch. It is a key moment in the governing and political life of America, but how many Americans cared enough to see it.  We'll know soon enough, thanks to the ratings, though I imagine the volume of debate will include those who shape their opinions not by primary knowledge but from here say, informed or otherwise.

 Celebrate the turkey

  they grow wild out here

and so does sculpture.

Now,for your viewing pleasure, a gentle look at our village-

enjoy