Morning River

Usually this is a trail head we bypass on our way to the cool, refreshing,deep, rocky river.  Barely glance at it.  But on this warm winter morning it was exactly the trail head we were aiming for.  To explore a tributary along one of my favorite rivers.  To see it in a different season.  To smell the dampness and cool air instead of the dry dustiness we are used to in this area.  To feel the cool vapor rising up from the river instead of plunging into the cold water.  A refreshing walk before we headed back down, out of the mountains, to the valley and city and shore.   

Seaside Exploring

This warm weather has found us making frequent jaunts down to the ocean.  I had never seen snail trails this distinct.  Slowly, slowly making their way across the tidepool.  We got to jump from pool to pool exclaiming at all the creatures in each of them trying not to step on the carpets of mussels.  I've seen them a lot and am still amazed by the varieties and survival tactics the different creatures have acquired.  From the ethereal sea anenomes to the craggy jewel star we oohed and awed.  Stopping for a climb on the way home.