On Top of a Mountain

On By AngeliaIn Beautiful Life

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

20 thoughts on “On Top of a Mountain”

  1. 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! 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  2. 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.

    Like

    Reply

    1. 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. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. rommel

    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.

    Like

    Reply

  8. 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. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  11. 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. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  17. petit4chocolatier

    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

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment