Oh, how I love to reminisce!
About travel, about birthdays, and most especially, about my MOST favorite place – California.
A year ago, I celebrated turning forty on a mountain above Palm Springs. What a spectacular day. I couldn’t get enough of the forest, the cliff hangs, and the beautiful desert and city views.
These are nice memories to have (and photos too!).
This year, I celebrate year forty-one by working. Meh.
But hey, it’s not so bad. My husband was out-of-town for a week, and made it back justintime. I have never been happier to see someone in my life. I consider myself pretty tough and independent. And really? It was fine. I wasn’t some kind of weeping, lonely mess. But man was it empty – inside and out. Believe me, being on a mountain is great, but having the best man in the world by your side? That is fantastic.
This is not the best photo, but it’s the only one I have of the sign.
I must say, I LOVE the ocean. LOVE IT. My second love? The MOUNTAINS. Any mountain. My grandma was from Pueblo, Colorado. We visited the mountains every Thanksgiving. This is what I love MOST about California. You have the beautiful beaches. AND (like the Coke Zero commercials) You have the gorgeous mountains too. Just a hop, skip, and highway drive away.
I believe this flower is called Yarrow. It peppers the mountain side and really gives it that pop of color that is so breathtaking among the boulders.
I saw lots of wildlife – lizards, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds.
The enormously towering trees were also amazing. I live in the city and we just don’t have this view outside of our door.
And the fresh pine scent? Heaven.
I don’t know what is not to love about a mountain.
I climbed a rock for this view. It was a little scary as I have zero balance and/or climbing skills.
My husband climbed a rock too.
Show off.
While my king was gone, I was visited by a random black bird.
Um, yeah.
He decided to land on the very rock I was perched on (out of alllll the rocks on the mountain). It was a bit unsettling in my zen state. Wings are VERY loud on a quiet mountain side. And he just kinda marched around flapping and looking at me very curiously. I got quite a few photos of my bird visitor.
Then my husband surprised me with restaurant reservations at this fancy place.
I had a delicious piece of salmon, but mostly I enjoyed the fabulous views.
Table-top flower.
My view from our dining table.
Sunset view from the balcony of the restaurant.
And this? I can’t even describe. As the sun set and the contrast changed, I couldn’t take my eyes off the captivating landscape of the desert.
Truly, my year forty is one to remember – from the start to the finish.
Now? I am ready for the next. Come on forty-one show me what you got. I know it’s going to be good.
Don’t just count your years, make your years count. -Meyers, Ernest
Beautiful pictures. The view from your dining table was stunning. And I liked that picture of rock too. Must been a great a experience.
Happy Birth Day, Angelia! May god bless you with lot more happiness and peace. Have a great day! 🙂
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Thank-you so much Arindam for your sweet blessing and wishes. It was a truly beautiful day, as they all are. I admire all the views I have been gifted this past year and the next.
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Happy belated birthday! Is the San Jacinto park where the tram out of Palm Springs (or is it Palm Desert?) takes you? I took that tram to the mountaintop once, many years ago, probably 20 years ago. Your photos brought back many memories.
I think the yellow plant is rabbitbrush – when we first moved here, we had a lot of it growing in what has since become our yard. There is still some in the back of the property where we have not cleared, and I love it’s sunny yellow blooms.
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Yes, that’s the one. We took the tram up to the top and there are TONS of trails all around. I wish we could have stayed longer. I love the sunny yellow too. Glad I could bring back happy memories for you. 🙂
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Awesome awesome pics. Love the pine scent pic the most. Way to tire yourself on your fortieth. When I have nothing or cant decide where to go next, I just hike. Thank California for it has so many options ipfor outdoor activities.
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I love getting to sneak a peak at your surroundings…lovely!
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Spectacular photos, fabulous memories, super views,, and a husband that rocks. All in all, an incredible birthday. Work? Blah. Happy forty-first.
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Lovely pictures! The view from the restaurant is amazing!
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Wow, your photography is stunning. I didn’t realize PS had those views in the area. I’ve only been on the ground level, not up in the mountains. Beautiful.
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Happy Birthday, Angelia…what a beautiful memory to have and I would like to wish you abundantly more of these precious moments.
Thank you for sharing your day with us. 🙂
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Stunning sequence of photos, Angelia. Happy belated birthday, too! 🙂
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Love your enthusiasm, your upbeat writing, and your beautiful photography!
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A few years ago we went up on the aerial tramway to Mount San jancinto. It’s just as you describe it, and we loved the breathtaking views too. What a great way to spend your 40th birthday. Love your cheeky black bird visitor. 🙂
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Love your attitude! Happiest of birthdays to you. We’re the same age.
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Love it! I felt the the nature is embracing me with those wonderful shots! nice balance!
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I like the black bird – and the balcony …
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one living without any money – balcony look for sure very expensive …
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Happy Belated Birthday! Just beautiful. I love me some mountains..yes I do : )
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Indeed, a birthday to remember! And beautiful photos to make the memories last —
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I had forgotten to wish you a happy birthday! Happy belated birthday!
I love your photography and am reblogging this link on my new reblog page.
Sincerely,
judy
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