Took a (rare for me) solo ride up into the foothills and mountains near my home in search of wildflowers. Much to my surprise, given our lack of rain, I found them in abundance.



Heading up into the foothills outside Fountain Springs.



It was an unusually hazy day, so the skies didn't work out so well. Still, the flowers were wonderful. Note the little squirrel on the right; he saw me off my bike and took the opportunity to cross unmolested.



The valleys were quilts of orange, purple, and white. The white reminded me a bit of snow, but more about that later. . . .





Explored a bit off pavement today. This is just a hardpack road that someone forgot to post "No Trespassing."



Happened across this old majestic fellow enjoying an afternoon in the sun. He didn't seem too interested in me, but I was grateful for the fence nonetheless.













Later in the day, after a quick bite to eat (note to self: no more road pizza), I headed up M50, a mountain road that should have led me to Kernville. Closed? Surely they can't mean me. . . .



Along the way I saw a little dirt road and decided to give it a try. I did a bit of exploring among the beautiful pines.



Oh, THAT kind of closed. I walked about half way through this snow and was slipping all over the place. I reasoned that if I got through, I would simply encounter more later. No cell service, alone, not supposed to be there. . . . I turned around and headed back.



I prefer the faux wildflower snow.











In all it was a great ride with lots of photo opps. I carried my tripod and every lens I own, but I only used my 17-85 handheld. Lesson in that I suppose.

Thanks for looking.

I love the rolling hills, and #2, in spite of the skies, just jumps out at me!

I also completely agree with you on the 17-85, there's just nothing like it for versatile.

Thanks for taking us along - great scenes, and I also love the rolling hills with the winding road shots. I'd love to hear more descriptions of your journey too.

ann

Really beautiful - I love #2 as well.

Well done. Thank you.

Andyw

Lovely! I especially like #2 and the last 4.

Tommyboy, all I have to say is thanks for sharing this with us. I have yet to decide which of these images is my favorite. Simply a beautiful location and an equally beautiful set of images.

im diggin the moto!

& shots

Ah! Spring!