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Borrego Springs, CA

Sunday, January 30, 2011

A walk in the rain

It was a day of cloudy skies with off and on sprinkles throughout the day.  In early afternoon, I decided to take Emma out for a good walk.  As I tried to take a picture of the Visitor’s Center, my battery went dead, so it was back to the rig to change it out.  Of course, it then decided to rain a bit, but we headed out anyway.

IMG_8745I have moved from the marshes of Texas to the Pine Savannahs of Mississippi.  It’s a big change in habitat.  The pines are long leaf pines.  The size of the cones from these trees is just immense.  I’ve always wondered where people got those huge pine cones, and now I know.

IMG_8746 IMG_8749

As we headed down the nature trail outside the Visitor’s Center, I noticed some of last summer’s pitcher plants.  There are a number of carnivorous plants on the refuge, so it should be an interesting spring to observe the savannah understory.

IMG_8755It seems odd to find fall’s brilliant colors at the end of January.  The trail is 3/4 mi. in length, and wanders through the savannah.

IMG_8761Scattered about under the pines are stands of saw palmettos.  The leaves are very stiff and sharp edged.  It’s easy to believe they were used as brooms by early settlers.  :)

IMG_8758This is my artsy/fartsy version of the end of a long-leafed pine branch.  With the overcast skies today, there was no need to change it to a black and white view.

IMG_8765Emma’s nose got such a good workout on our hike today that it had white foam bubbles around it by the time we came to the end.  :)  She, of course, was ready for six more laps around the trail, but I need to ease back into this.  I was ready to return to the rig.

 

My mother always said that if you aren’t feeling up to snuff, whatever ails you will be worse once the clock reaches 4 pm.  Why is it that mothers are almost always right??

 

Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later,  Judy

20 comments:

  1. My mother said the same thing. It's true, and I've never learned why.

    Roxanne
    (The Good Luck Duck)

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  2. Hmmm. Well, kids' fevers usually peak in the late afternoon, so it makes sense.

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  3. Actually, I feel pretty rotten at 4 AM, when I have to get up for work. But not much longer!

    Really enjoyed your pictures and the nature tour.

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  4. I love hiking through areas like those stands of endless pines. Looks like I'll be making a stop at the (refuge?) on my next trip through Mississippi!

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  5. mom's are always right!!..funny how that is..great shots today of the foliage!!

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  6. Why is it we never believe our mothers until we are older and our moms are no longer with us. All my life I hated to wear a hat, in any kind of weather, and my mom always told me I'd be sorry. Now when I go out to walk Lady in the mornings, I remember her admonitions and almost wish I had worn my hat. I usually forget it though, and don't like it any more now than I did then.

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  7. Did you leave those pesky mosquitoes back in Texas? Even your non-artsy photos are artsy--good job!

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  8. I am just now beginning to follow your blog & am really enjoying it.

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  9. Looks like an interesting place. You should enjoy it once you are back to 100%.

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  10. I always feel worse after dark. During the day, I talk myself into believing I am not sick enough to see a doctor. As soon as it gets too late to go, my fever, cough.....whatever returns.

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  11. Once again, I love your pictures. And Emma looks so happy. Glad you felt up to getting out a little bit today. And tomorrow will even be better.

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  12. Enjoying your blog and your wonderful photos. Hope you feel better tomorrow.

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  13. Enjoyed the sights on your walking trail. It looks like Emma is ready for more walking.
    Hope you start feeling better and have a good healthy day tomorrow.

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  14. I'd never heard that saying about 4 o'clock which really surprises me as my Mother knew all of those strange remedies!

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  15. Nice to see a picture of the Emma girl & nice to see those forest plants with some color to them. I'll bet we are both looking forward to Spring's flowers:))

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  16. Those huge pinecones are prevalent in MS and LA...I really enjoy those two states...They live a whole different lifestyle..very relaxed..and the food!!!! Hope you are feeling better this AM....chicken noodle soup for lunch...just sayin'.

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  17. Glad you are getting all settled in your new digs... and that stinker Emma looks like she is ready for a romp!

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

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  18. I think it is because everyone's body is ready to slow down at that time of the day. Great pictures and I loved the Artsy/Fartsy one.

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  19. After your hectic week, I know it'll be great to be parked in one place for awhile. Great pictures as usual, always a joy to read your blog.

    Jan

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  20. It seems like it will be a nice place to spend some time. I was thinking that your title was going to lead to a comment about "singing in the rain", It was not to be :(

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