The Enchanting World of Bike Riding During Sunset with Fiery Cloud Formations

“Riding through the golden hues of a sunset, every stroke of the pedal is a moment of pure bliss."

Night riding adds another layer of enchantment and mystery to the sport. Witnessing the magical hues of the evening sunset painting the sky with clouds forming intricate patterns overhead holds its own charm and allure. Riding the Creek trails with no cars to worry about, makes it an extraordinary sensory experience that is hidden to daytime riders. The air is cooler, the city noises are subdued and there are less pedestrians and dog walkers out and about that brings about a nuanced sense of serenity.

One would think that riding during early evening or twilight is isolating and lonely, but there are always a few of us sharing the secret of the night and it helps when you enjoy your own company to boot. The mysterious darkness amplifies the sense of adventure and thrill of exploration, creating a captivating experience all of its own. For safety, I always wear a helmet and I have a powerful headlight that illuminates the trail in front of me, and an attention grabbing red taillight and I usually make it home before it gets pitch black. Even when the sun goes below the horizon line, there is always enough natural light in the sky to see the city bike lanes we are blessed to have here in bike-friendly California to make it back home safely.

Embracing the Elements: The Joy of Bike Riding in the Rain

Ordinarily, I never start out riding in pouring rain unless I happen to get stuck in one which happened the other night. I try to find that sweet spot in between the downpours, which of late has been more challenging to do, with recent storms and 30 MPH winds hitting Northern and Southern, CA. Today was calmer. Riding in the rain offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Those who embrace the elements discover a special kind of joy in the midst of it, especially when nature abounds. The heightened sensory experience and feeling of liberation is hard to pass up. There is a sense of being one with nature, and experiencing its raw power and beauty firsthand. It is a pleasant reminder that we are not separate from the natural world, but in fact, an integral part of it.

I hit the Los Gatos Creek Trails heading west and had to navigate around a detour sign since the trail was flooded. I proceed to Vasona Lake County Park which essentially is a reservoir. On the way, I stopped at the spillway which was roaring as it usually does when there are continuous days of rain during winter months. I took some photos close-up near the railing, and walked down an embankment further away from the spillway which is relatively safer and flatter—albeit a muddy trail. All the plants and grassy knolls were lush green.

I continued on the paved trail and saw a huge downed tree that was pulled out of from its roots and was cordoned off with yellow tape (photos). The trail was blocked with debris and I walked my bike around the tree and continued on. Before exiting the park I took a photo of a beautiful rainbow, and made my why to "Happy Hound" and ordered two hot dogs to go, securing it in my utility bag on the back of my bike rack, before headed back into the park again, accessing the same trail to head home. On the way, I took some photos of orange bluish clouds being lit up by the sunsetting setting. The rain was more of a drizzle at this point, and it was dark.

Riding in the rain feels like an act of rebellion at times, a reminder that like is meant to be lived fully, even when being faced with obstacles.

Visiting the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards-Winery & Horse Stables: The Highlight of our Bike Ride & How I Met Former 49er Coach Steve Mariucci

“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.”—Sharon Ralls Lemon

Bill and I rode our bikes to Garrod Farms, family owned and operated since 1893, seeing some wild turkeys cross the road along the way. Garrod’s has 150 acres of vineyards and horse stables. Bill came up with the idea to ride around the Steven’s Creek Reservoir Lake, which we have done many times, and visit the Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club including the Rifle-Pistol Range purely out of curiosity. Going to Garrod Farms was at first an afterthought. I suggested going there sometime and Bill responded, “Do you want to go now?" It turned out to be the highlight of our 22-mile round trip ride.

Garrod’s brought back some fond memories. One of the six generation of Garrod matriarchs—the late Jane Garrod—was a member of our Saratoga Community of Painters, a plain-air watercolor group back in the late 90s. Jane and her late husband Vince were kind enough to invite us to have our Christmas parties in their wine tasting room.

One experience that stands out is having met the affable Steve (the “Mooch”) Mariucci, the former football coach of the SF 49ers (1997-2002). His wife Gale was a member of our outdoor plein-air watercolor group. Gail invited us to their home one day to paint outdoors, and he had attended our Christmas party at Garrod's. During an elephant gift exchange, Steve and I playfully fought over a nude sculpture that looked like something you would find at an excavation site in Pompeii, Italy. Both of us being Italian, may have been the attraction. I won, and he was a good sport about it. kept the sculpture on the front ledge of our fireplace. I could hear the voice of my late dad, Frank, who was alive at the time, whispering in my ear that it would be worth money someday,” something he typically said about anything he collected:)

On our first order of business at Garrod's Vineyards, Bill and I purchased a bottle of "2017 Two Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon." We spent the rest of the time enjoying the view of the vineyards, overlooking Silicon Valley. From there we visited the gentle, beautiful horses in their stables. It was a very tranquil and calming experience that I have experienced many times throughout the years in other venues.

Postscript: This post is dedicated in memory to Jane Garrod (1918-2014), an artist, storyteller, role model, chef, healer, coach, gardener, conservationist, world traveler, friend to many, and lover of life.

Captivating Sunsets that Caught my Attention During Some Recent Bike Rides & Poets That Capture Their Essence

“Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth

You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that;

It lights up the whole sky.”

—Hafez, 14th century mystical Sufi poet from Persia

“Clouds come floating into my life,

No longer to carry rain or brings storms,

But to add color to my sunset sky.”

—Rabindranath Tagore

“I stand in silence, reaching with my eyes,

My God—you are beautifulI, love the way you fall

Softly losing space, I follow you down

As you paint the sky In your leaving

I wish we could so confidently follow our hearts

Leaving only ripples of light In our wake

My secret lover, I want you only for myself

How many times have I come here

With my sorrow, you lift me up in your fall

—Cindy Smith

Exotic Bird Encounters with Kukui the Resident Cockatoo & an Elegant Egret & Audience of Finches Begging for Crumbs

“My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator…He gave you feathers to wear, wings to fly, and...a home in the purity of the air.”

—St Francis, patron saint of animals

During my walk to my yoga class studio in the open-air corridor, I saw Kukue, the resident Cockatoo for the last three years. He’s a favorite of kids and bird lovers like me alike. Growing up in New Jersey my father used to have a parakeet, a canary and later a parrot as pets. Kukui, who is 18 years old, born on the same day as our daughter Michelle (Dec. 3rd) used to live with his caretaker in Kauai until he passed away. As a result the General Manager at Maui Ocean Club brought him here. I generally pay him a visit. He loves to whistle and is able to repeat short rapid fire phrases. White Cockatoos are often seen as a symbol of freedom, grace, and beauty and in some indigenous cultures are believed to be a guardian spirit that watches over and protects its human family.

The other bird encounter occurred when Cecile and Jason went to get some coffee and a croissant at Starbucks at the "Beach Walk" at the Marriott Ocean Club. While there, a Maui egret landed on the edge of one of an empty chair and then hopped onto their table trying to pursue Jason’s croissant until Jason shooed it away. This provided a rare photo opportunity and Cecile didn’t hesitate. Having photographed egrets on the Serengeti Plain of Tanzania, the grounds of our gated-community, and at the salt marshes at Shoreline in Northern California, these elegant birds rarely get this close to humans. Some years ago while walking the beach trail here on Kaanapali we saw an egret gulping down a small mouse—whole. Bright and white, this long-legged beauty is often seen hunting moths on one of Maui’s many gold courses. They were originally brought to the islands by cattle ranchers for agricultural pest control in the late 1950s. Often called Cattle egrets, they feast on everything from crickets to toads, and don’t have to pay the high prices we pay for meals at ocean front restaurants:-)

The last encounter or should I say encounters (plural), was a flock of chirping finches that helicoptered down on my beach covered toes and legs while I was eating lunch. They are more playful and interactive with anyone that gives them the opportunity to snatch a few crumbs.

P.S. Whoops! And a Myna Bird

Spotting the Black-Crowned Night Heron & a Great Blue Heron in Flight

I had two heron sightings—a day apart this past week. One was the black-crowned night-heron (aka: black-capped night-heron), a medium-sized heron that I spotted in the marsh beds at the Los Gatos County Park while on a bike ride. They don’t fit the typical body form of the heron family. They are relatively stocky with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their familiar cousins, the white egrets and larger “day” herons. These birds like their tall and bigger herons stand still at the water’s edge and wait to ambush prey, mainly at night or early morning.

I spotted the larger great blue heron while walking Jason’s dog Daisy around the lake near our townhome in Los Gatos. The first encounter had been unexpected. It was hidden from sight when I heard the flapping of its’ wings, as it quickly took flight to the other side of the lake. At first, I saw it as a missed opportunity to photograph it. I then decided to follow it where it had landed about a few hundred feet away. Daisy and I walked on a small path close to the water’s edge behind a large section of reeds without being seen or heard. I first took some still shots, and based on previous experiences, prepared myself to photograph it when it took flight, which it did as Daisy and I inched closer. The great blue heron is the largest heron native to North America. Its wingspan ranges between 66-79 inches.

Postscript: All across various traditions, the blue heron has been known as a spiritually gifted animal that brings deep wisdom from the gods to man, while the black crowned night-heron is associated with solitude, self-reflection, resilience, grace and inner strength.

A Beautiful Sunset and a Full Moon During a Late Afternoon Bike Ride

It was a really cold and breezy yesterday afternoon. But, I was dressed for the occasion with three layers of clothing under my yellow windbreaker. When I was three quarters into my ride around Vasona Reservoir (an artificial lake), the sun was beginning to set and I saw streaks of orange/yellow blend into the clouds above the Santa Cruz Mountains. It reflected beautifully onto the lake. Two women saw me taking photographs and one of them alerting me to the fact that just ahead there was a full moon. Well, the actually full moon occurred today, November 27, at 4:16 a.m. EST. Nevertheless, to the casual stargazer it does appear full before and after its peak. November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, that my late dad used to cite to me when I was a kid.

Postscript: When the moon is full at this times of year, it's just about directly opposite the sun in the sky as it sets. They’re not technically happening at exactly the same time, but from the vantage point of us mortals on Earth, it appears so. What I was really witnessing, was three astronomical events: sunset, moonrise and a full moon, and it was grand

Capturing This Great Blue Heron Take Flight Over our Lake in Slow Motion

“Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”—Albert Einstein

There is nothing more elegant than watching a Great Blue Heron suddenly take off in flight. Cecile and I were taking our usual walk around Rinconada Lake where we live. Pressed for time we decided to take a detour. This turned out to be both a boon and a blessing.

As we pivoted around towards the thick reeds we were both startled by the presence of the heron standing tall. They can be as intimidating as they are fascinating. I took out my i-phone and quickly took a photo and proceeded getting closer.

I say I took a quick shot because experience has taught me if I wait to get too close this majestic creature it could get skittish and fly away. The other thing I learned was to be as prepared as a paparazzi to take sequential photos as they take flight. Most times it requires a combination of luck and opportunity. The clue whether its about to take flight is it begins to slowly stretch its body upward. The inner wings begin to stretch out and the outer wings contort downward at around 90 degrees as seen in the photos.

Then the long yellow legs and feet lift off the muddy waters below the reeds where moments ago it was patiently stalking it prey (little fish) with its' dagger-like beak. Most people think that a herons are just another shorebird, and get lumped in the category of ducks and fish. But, in fact, the heron is an efficient, nasty predator, willing to go after big meals such as snakes, sharks and other birds.

The spiritual meaning of a heron include elegance, patience, wisdom, self-possession, transformation and good fortune. According to North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron flies over you it brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance, and finally, the ability to progress and evolve.

Walking Around our Lake at Night Reflecting the Warm Glow of a Well Lit Home

“A lake is a landscape most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

—Henry David Thoreau

Photography is all about light. I have been alternating my walks of late, between morning and evening during these brisk wintery days. This photo was taken after dinner last evening. Following weeks of rain in Northern California where we live, I could hear the the once dry creek beds come alive as I cross a wooden bridge. The first part of the walk is almost pitch black, but I had my trusty little flash light to guide my way, being mindful of possibly seeing a coyote common in this area. As I circled back the smokey clouds and the warm glow from the yellow lights reflecting upon the water of a home on the lake was a welcome sight. In the distance I saw the only other person with a flashlight one level up the hill walking his/her dog. The other welcoming sight is the stained glass window illuminated by the light on the second landing of our townhome. What can’t be seen from the outside is a black sculpture of a flute player (pictured here during the day). It was one of our few possessions that we brought with us from Chicago when we moved to the area in 1975 that has always brought me peace whenever I Iook at it—which is daily—since we pass it whenever we retire for the evening.

Sunflower Steals the Show at the tranquil and Aromatic Lavender Farm in Sequim, Washington

“Wherever life plants you, be like a sunflower and bloom with grace”

-Adapted from a French proverb

I took this photo at the Jardin du Soleil Certified Organic Lavender Farm in Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula owned by former Californians Jordan and Paula Schiefen.

Back History of Sunflowers: They sunflower or Helianthus Annus are native plant of North America. The word helianthus refers to a plant which turns its flowers and leaves to the sun and the name Annus means annual. It is derived from the Greek language, with helios meaning sun, anthus meaning flower and annus meaning annual. Sunflowers are believed to have grown by Native American Indians in Arizona and New Mexico dating bacck to around 3000 BC. The seeds were ground or pounded into flour for cakes and bread or cracked and eaten as a snack, the meal was mixed with other vegetable and oils used from the seed used to make bread. Non-fused uses include dye for textiles and body painting. Some plants were used medicinally including seed oil for skin and hair and dried stalk for building material. It was also used to treat snakebites.

Sunflowers were taken to Europe by Spanish explorers around the 1500 and became widespread thoughout Western Europe for ornamental and medicinal use. In the 18th century they became popular in Russia. By the late 19th century sunflower made its way to the USA. THere are now over 80 species, ranging from lemon to golden yellow, orange, pink, red and almost black.

In Chinese culture sunflowers are said to symbolize good luck, long life and lasting happiness, while in native American culture, sunflowers symbolize harvest and provision. The sunflowers is the national flower of both Russia and Ukraine.

Almost Stepped on this Pacific Ringneck Snake During our After Dinner Walk

Almost Stepped on this Pacific Ringneck Snake During our After Dinner Walk Around the Lake where we live. It popped up in front of me. Though these secretive & hibernating reptiles are endemic to California, variations of them can be found in other parts of the country. They have a colorful underbelly and red rings around its neck perhaps to trick its predators into thinking they are toxic. I was relieved to discover they are not poisonous. They are venomous but their venom is not fatal. They seem to thrive in wooded areas and around the edges of ponds & lakes similar to the terrain our townhome is located.

Late Afternoon Solo Bike Ride to Vasona County Park Reservoir: Communing with Ducks, Herons, Clouds & a Waterfall

“Behold this day. It is yours to make." —Black Elk

I love when I decide to take a bike ride on the creek trails with no expectations and most times-if I’m not in a rush-nature comes out to greet me. It was biting cold out, but I dressed warmly. White fluffy shapeshifting cumulus clouds were everywhere, but unlike this morning the sun made its appearance and the sky turned blue. There were an abundance of aquatic life everywhere. I was getting ready to pass the Vasona Reservoir spillway. For all practical purposes it is a waterfall, one that roars with excitement. I pass it all the time. This time I felt a call to get off my bike and climb down the embankment to get a closer view. Unexpectedly, there were two types of herons. One, a Great Grey Heron in the middle of the water feasting on tiny fish. It found its sweet spot. Their beaks are like spears, and every few seconds they use it to pierce their prey. Across the way, standing on a grey cement platform of the dam was a small black-headed heron standing still as if it were a sentry guarding the gate. I got back on my bike and rode closer to the rust colored pedestrian and bikers bridge where I saw a number of ducks of every conceivable color that were resting near the waters edge. One friendly one came right up to me.

There is an old Sioux Indian phrase, Mitkuye oyansin—“we are all related"—often voiced at the end of a prayer. It is an affirmation of the interconnectedness of all things, and respect for all things. From the earliest of times, it was understood that beyond the visible world, there exists the presence of an invisible world, where everything is infused with a sense of sacredness. Plains Indians believed that everything in nature has a spirit. This includes all animals, rocks, rivers, waterfalls, the sky, clouds, etc. Given the chance to be in nature, I’m all in, and one doesn’t have to drive or ride too far to experience it.

I hope you enjoy the photos which tells the story beyond words.

Encountering A Mourning Cloak Butterfly: A Symbol of Transformation

“Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes.”

—Author Unknown

“Butterflies…live most of their lives completely ordinary…then one day, the unexpected happens. They burst from their cocoon in a blaze of colors and become extraordinary…It shows us how empowering change can be.”

—Kelsyleigh Reber

While taking our granddaughter Emmy for a stroll around the perimeter of Rinconada Lake where Cecile and I live, I spotted a mourning cloak butterfly.

Though it can be seen in forests, along streams, parks, and fields throughout the United States and Canada, this was the second time I have encountered one.

It gently zigged and zagged until settling on the edge of a rock. As I gently approached it folded its wings tightly together and was completely still. I found out after my first encounter of a mourning cloak a couple of years ago that it is their attempt to camouflage themselves from predators. After a few minutes it opened its’ wings again, long enough for me to capture its’ beauty before flying off again. Though I wished it could have stayed a bit longer, I felt so fortunate to have seen this beautiful creature for a brief moment in all its glory and beauty.

Postscript: The mourning cloak is a unique butterfly, with special markings that do not match those of any other type, making it easily distinguishable. It has a wingspan of up to four inches. The dorsal or top part of wing is dark maroon, with a black band with bright iridescent blue spots and a ragged pale-yellow edge. It is powerful flier with a life span of 11 to 12 months, one of the longest lifespan for any butterfly that appears in the early spring. The mourning cloak is so called because it resembles the cloak worn by people who mourn the loss of a loved one. Other older names for this species include grand surprise and white petticoat.

Capturing this Gorgeous and Freaky Sunset with Striated Cloud Formations

“Beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies.”

—Paulo Coelho

During my many bike rides I have had the opportunity to pause and photograph hundreds of sunsets. However, I have never seen anything as beautiful and as mysterious as this. It was taken yesterday during an early evening ride in the neighborhood where we live.

Striated clouds are a pattern of gray or bluish cloud sheets or layers that totally or partially covers the sky that are translucent enough to regularly reveal the sun or moon. But in this sunset a big part of sun also shone through without any of the cloud striations running through it except around the periphery creating the perception of a serrated edge.

What do the striations mean? Grooves or channels in cloud formation, arranged parallel to the flow of air and therefore depicting the airflow relative to a parent cloud. Part of the cloud nomenclature is the word Translucidus. It’s derived from the latin root, translucere which means to shine through or become transparent.

Captured this Prehistoric Looking Grey Heron Near our Townhome at Rinconada Hills Lake

"Stand tall, stand proud. Know that you are unique and magnificent. You do not need the approval oof others."

—Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Cecile and I were walking along Rinconada Hills Lake while strolling our granddaughter Emmy, and suddenly we hear the loud voice

of a friend from across the lake, calling our attention to a Grey Heron standing as still as a statue on a rock patiently waiting for its’ next meal. I slowly walked towards it, taking serial photos as I advanced. The heron is an easily recognized, grey-backed bird, with long black legs, bright yellow bill, and a black eyestripe that continues as long, drooping feathers down its’ long white neck. They make quite a fashion statement. Herons nest in colonies called 'Heronries,’ often seen in the top of trees, where they make their large, ungainly nests out of twigs and lay 3-4 eggs. The young will fledge from the nest after about one and half months. If you spot one enjoy it while you can as it’s average lifespan is only 5 years.

These birds have always been the center of fashion. Sadly, in the early 1900’s, they were killed by the thousands so their flashy breeding plumes could adorn women’s hats. These plumes were quite the fashion statement of the day. Thanks to the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1916, that put a halt of the senseless slaughter of these and other migratory birds.

Heron Symbolism: Autonomy, persistence, peace, self-reliant, solitary, stability and resourceful. Whatever heron wants, heron gets.

Bicycling the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve & Across the New Bike Overpass Once called a "Mythical Bridge.”

“The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.”

—Zeno

My friend Bill Rothenberg and I rode out to Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, with the intention of riding across the new 1,400 foot long,12-foot-wide bridge that crosses over US Highway 101 that Bill had been reading about. The new pedestrian and bike bridge that cost $23.1 million to build replaces the Benjamin Lefkowitz underpass that was built in 1989, which was only open an average of six months a year due to seasonal flooding. Once called the “Mythical Bridge” because of long bureaucratic delays, the new bridge finally opened in Palo Alto on November 20, 2021. It will provide Palo Alto with year-round access to the Baylands, the Adobe Reach Trail and other outdoor amenities. The new bridge was rededicated to Lefkowitz, a native of Brooklyn, New York who advocated the cause for bicycle safety and access in Palo Alto.

To get to Baylands Nature Preserve, we parked at Shoreline Lake. The Preserve, that begins beyond the perimeter of the lake and near the South Bay is the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay. An amazing fifteen miles of multi-use trails provides mixture of tidal and fresh water habitats. Additionally, the Preserve encompasses 1,940 acres in both Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. It is an important habitat for migratory shorebirds and is considered one of the best birdwatching spots on the West Coast.

After riding the rutted and bumpy little sand dunes close to the water’s edge, Bill and I circled the commuter Palo Alto airport, watching private pilot owners, the titans of Silicon Valley tech companies, and private equity executive being flying in and out. We also passed a large golf course, and stopped to revisit and pay homage to the abstract bike sculpture by artist James Moore, called “Bliss in the Moment.” This shrine commemorates renowned Bay Area cyclist William Bliss and his work on the San Francisco Bay Trail and bicycle safety issues. Shortly beyond this point we made our way across the new bridge.

When we completed our ride, we headed back over the new bridge, toward Shoreline's Bistro Cafe. I commented to Bill, that we didn’t see many birds close-up like we usually do. But, many of our bike rides to the Baylands usually brought with it, some unexpected surprise. Suddenly, as if I was granted a wish by the universe, as we approached the boat rental dock, there appeared an amalgamation of birds rarely seen together in this spot (see video clip). There were American coots, shore birds, bright white Egrets lining the shore like sentries at the gate, squawking seagulls, and my favorite, the great white Pelicans. It was nature at its best and our bike ride felt more complete. When we got to the Bistro Cafe right on the lakefront, we placed our bikes to the side, and ordered lunch. Bill had fish and chips and I had a chicken fillet sandwich on sour dough with lettuce, caramelized onions, a feta salad on the side with pomegranate fruit, and taro chips on the side as a pesky, but interesting looking duck began begging for food. I offered a couple of taro chips and it went on to the next busier table.

Afterwards, we were still hungry for more—riding that is, and rode a few miles through the Permanente Creek Trail under pass tunnel and beyond, before returning to Shoreline to upload our bikes on Bill’s SUV for the ride home, feeling fulfilled, and appreciative for a pretty special day and all the city planners and visionaries who made this possible.

Video Clip of my Up Close Encounter with an Elegant Great Blue Heron in the Creek

It was cold outside (46 degrees) by Northern California standards an I was debating weather to take a late afternoon bike

ride. I had just lost my best childhood friend and wanted to be in nature. Even the wine colored Patagonia Fleece Jacket my son

bought me for Christmas didn’t cut the feeling of what seemed like cold Arctic air. Then I felt a drizzle. At this point I wasn’t totally committed to continuing the ride and I was prepared to cut it short. The drizzle ceased and I made my way to the Los Gatos Creek trails just past the spillway of Vasona Lake Reservoir.

Everything was green and the creek beds were flowing like a rapid river. I stopped to check out the flow and as I turned around I spotted a stunning Great blue heron wadding in the water amongst the reed and rocks. I took a few photos from a distance and decided to make my way down the ravine to get closer. I was being careful not to scare it off because they cans be skittish. But, with the sound of the rushing water it didn’t hear me.

Or, maybe it did hear me since it began to move on its’ long stilted legs. I decided to take a short video to record its’ movement and the sound of the roaring water rushing into the creek from the spillway. It was so calm and elegant. When it got to a small boulder, I saw it quickly move its head and yellow beak down beneath the water and pierce a silvery gray small fish. If I blinked I woulld have missed it. It had been stalking its’ prey. Persistence paid off for heron and me. Instead of riding 5 miles, I did ten. I didn’t feel cold any more. For the heron it was his evening meal. It felt like a moment of grace and observing the natural order of things.

What I learned from the Great Blue Heron:

Wade into life

Keep a keen lookout

Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet

Be mindfully patient

Look below the surface

Enjoy a good reed

Go fish

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Mourning Doves Give Birth and Take Refuge in our Open-Aired Atrium

within reach they sit, yet forever beyond my grasp. I’m filled with a quiet happiness when I see them. I am comforted when they sing to me.”

—Mary Oliver

The last time I saw the baby dove, at this point a fledgling ready to spread its’ wings, it was sitting calmly taking refuge in front of the buddha statue in our garden (photo), and in the blink of an eye it was gone, but not forgotten.

Many cultures see doves as a sign of love, hope, peace, grace, gentleness and purity.This is the second year in a row that mourning doves built a cozy little nest in the same hanging flower planter in ouropen air atrium in our front patio recently remodeled with Tuscan style pavers and stone planter box.Mourning doves begin building nests early in the spring season and continue as late as October. This one was born around September 11. I’ve learned that doves who have raised a brood will return to that same nesting site year after year and that the nesting parents don’t range far from the nest. Both the male and female dove cooperate in nest-building and brooding. Their flimsy or should I say dense delicate nests are made of pine needles, twigs and grass. Mourning doves have three broods in a single year, each one in a new nest. The female lays two eggs—one in the morning and one at night. The father sits on the nest during the day and the mother takes the night shift. They hatch in 14-16 days, and the babies fledge in another two weeks. However, the parents continue to provide care if needed for another week or two. The baby as seen here is laying under its’ mother’s wing. Cecile and I often witnessed their presence from our kitchen window that looks out to our atrium. I often used a small step stool to quietly monitor their progress.

The mother dove didn’t flinch, but her and her baby looked so vulnerable.When I took serial photos over time with my iPhone she did blink her eyes at the soft sound of the click. New research suggests that some birds may know who their human friends are, as they are able to recognize people’s faces and differentiate between voices. Being able to distinguish between friend or foe could be the key to the doves ability to survive. Cecile and I like to think we were trusted friends who had their best interest at heart.

Postscript: The low-pitched, owl-like cooing sound frequently heard in early March give the mourning dove its name. The sound is referred to as an “advertising coo” or “perch coo.” Cooing males advertise their presence and readiness to breed. Their single-minded purpose is to attract a female. Unlike last year, the nest only had one egg instead of two leaving us wonder if one egg wasn’t viable or was raided by a predator. It is true that doves do mate for life, but the life span is very short, lasting several years.

Exploring Organic Gardens and Visiting Enchanting Farm Animals at Hidden Villa with our Granddaughter Lyla

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

—Frank Lloyd Wright

“It was a really nice day, a really nice outing.”

—Lyla (after our picnic lunch)

Cecile and I took our granddaughter Lyla to Hidden Villa, a farm and wilderness preserve in Los Altos, to explore an organic farm, gardens and greet the

farm animals. They including lounging pigs, a regal looking ram, playful smiling goats, mellow chickens, gentle sheep and miniature jersey cows.

Some had colorful stage names like Etta the goat, Gordan Ramsey, the Horned Dorset Ram, and cows, Emelie and Harvey Milk. Nothing compares to nature’s

beauty and intelligence, from spring’s hopeful blooms, and seasonal vegetables and herbs and the whimsy

and joy of well-kept farm animals that bring joy and calm to so many visitors.

The recent four consecutive day 90-degree heat wave had eased up by 10 degrees. There was a mild breeze and plenty of open space to explore.

Farms are a magical place for little eyes and hands. I have fond memories of vacationing on a farm owned by family friends in the foothills overlooking the Amalfi coast when I was a child. The benefits of visiting an organic farm gives a child the opportunity to discover where the food comes from, how it is grown; and spending some time

outdoors in the fresh air. It is fun for kids and adults. Hidden Villa is part botanical garden, hiking grounds, retreat hostels and nature center. My wife Cecile, a former Chicago school teacher used to volunteer chaperoning kids in middle school field trips when are kids were young. Hidden Villa was a favorite destination. She would assist them in growing vegetables and herbs. Toward our two-hour visit, I took Lyla to the gardens while Cecile was setting up lunch at a picnic table nearby. After we ate, she joined Lyla and me to revisit the gardens that were teeming with life. The bees were pollinating, little lizards were slithering about, butterflies were gracing one flower after another, and hummingbirds were hovering above a water feeder and zipping about. Every conceivable herb and vegetable were labeled and growing in abundance.

After lunch, prior to making our way back home Lyla said: ”It was a really nice day, a really nice outing,” which reminded me of the biblical quote: “Out of the mouth of babes.”

Cecile and I are truly convinced if you bring joy to a child, they will mirror it back to you in unexpected moments.

Hidden Villa is the legacy of the late Frank and Josephine Duveneck who purchased the property near Los Altos, CA in 1924.

It is an educational nonprofit whose land stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the beautiful foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Their mission was sharing the land and creating humanitarian programs that have inspired many generations. Their vision was

to create a just and sustainable future for all by preserving the wilderness and manage the farm as a family ranch. Hidden Villa

today focuses on environmental education and sustainable agriculture, while sharing an abiding respect for all living things.

The earliest known stewards fo this land are the Ohlone Indians and Franciscan missionaries. Every year, 30,000 people participate in one of their programs and an

additional 20,000 visitors come to explore the organic farm and gardens, hike the beautiful trails and greet the farm animals including school groups and summercampers.

Postscript: Flower Supermoon Total Eclipse Visible from the Bay Area May 26, 2021, 1:47—6:01 AM

Named after the abundance of flowers blooming this month. It also happens to be a “Supermoon" because its elliptical orbit brings it to earth

Cloud Appreciation & a Bird Feeding Frenzy by a Mother & Child

Clouds have no families, no responsibilities. Born wanderers. Die, wanderers. They absorb every vapor (pain) in themselves and cry them out in the form of rain only when they’re full to their brim. White, translucent, innocent.”
—Akita Bala

All this weather turbulence of late has brought about some amazing and hypnotic cloud formations. Some of these photos—mostly of clouds—were taken on the Los Gatos Creek County Park and trails in between the latest rains. Once a former South Pacific Coast railway line, this urban green space is home to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, a mostly-paved route that runs about 10 miles from San Jose to the Lexington Reservoir. Other cloud groupings were photographed in the community where we live. Anyone can look and see the clouds, but it is worth the extra effort to seek out places where the clouds can be seen unobstructed by buildings. telephone lines and the like.

Clouds have been doing what they do for millions of years. Our cave swelling forbears have enjoyed the same sort of cloudscapes that we do now.

Cloud formations, for all who take time to engage them, are a magical part of creation, capable of altering our moods and reflecting our inner landscape of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Staring deeply and mindfully into clouds or other parts of nature takes me away from my incessant chattering mind and into that sweet, still place within, that fills me with the experience of feeling alive and connected to all that is. 

In an interview with KQED news, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, said he believes the world needs more cloud-enthusiasts. Cloud gazing, he says, provides a much-needed respite from the fast-paced, digital age. I happily agree. 

Postscript: One of my favorite pix is the one I took of the mother and child feeding the seagulls, geese, ducks, and pigeons. I couldn’t ask for a better set up.