So here we are, on top of Mammoth Mountain in the Eastern Sierras. Altitude is about 11,000 feet. And no, we did not climb that high – we are lowland dwellers at 800 feet, and not at all climatized to such height! – we took the gondola. Getting short of breath was a really great excuse to look around and take in the scenery, from beautiful flowers and colorful rocks, to marveling at the mountain ranges beyond mountain ranges beyond mountain ranges. You can see them on the horizon! Whew!
Sitting quietly, doing nothing,
Spring comes, and the grass grows,
by itself.
–Matsuo Bashō
Where I live, there are few places that are damp or lush. Here, in the undergrowth of the riparian woodland, alongside a creek (or nearby to avoid the poison oak) these tiny flowers grow, only to fade away as summer approaches.
The lilies are quite crazy this year!
The prickly pear cactus is a beautiful plant. Paddles of green rise up from one another, and the flower buds appear on top. The buds are the “pears” and are very tasty! The paddles of the plant (which are really trunks and branches, with the thorns for leaves) are also quite edible. The paddles are cut off, quite carefully, and held over an open flame to remove the thorns. Once done, slice and stir-fry. Very good in scrambled eggs.
Personally, I like looking at them more than harvesting them!
Ink, Yarn & Beer 