Solandana

   I hiked Tehachapi Peak. To the summit I went. What a treat. Something I have been wanting to do since I moved here. My body healing and getting strong, what a climb!   A pine supports a oak, a steady buddy upholds on a steep incline. A turn of the switchback and  only pines grow. Views so divine. Windmills, desert to the East,  Monolith Cement Plant, Angelino's tread what's left of that mound in a land miles away. The Norbertine Monastery and Brite Lake below.      A storm the day before, icy tree tops crown Her glory. The frozen wind crackles the limbs and chunks of ice hit the forest floor. I reach the summit and enjoy a granola bar, it was nearly frozen. Yeah, it was brisk! How I love this place!  Soul renewed, body feels blissful, alive and revived. Thank you Great Spirit. Related Reading Mountain Top   Mountain

      Sometimes you're at the right place, at the right time and you get a perfect shot you have been wanting for a long time.   The large, silver celestial orb that illuminates the night. Dipping behind the horizon, leaving the sun to shine its way. Thinking thoughts bigger than ourselves, our condition.  The mighty oaks. Ancient. Rooted. Timeless keepers of wisdom and endurance.  The greening of the hills, the return of Spring. The world is ready for rebirth. Somewhere between heaven and earth, humans make their way.  Life, Alleluia.

  A silhouette I did not recognize.  Larger, steadier than an eagle. Come closer my soul beckoned. Massive, looming, it hovered above the pasture. I saw the great bird fly.  A leading edge of Ivory on its midnight wings. Cruising closer, he hears the unspoken request. My arms outstretched skyward. A waggle of his wings as he flew over me.  Just like my late brother Bob did when he used to fly by us "groundlings" in his beloved planes. A tear in my eye, a deep gratitude for all the ones that sunk their hearts to make sure this blessed Condor would be born.  Snatched from extinction, our hearts melted in elation.   Flight so different from Eagles, Hawks and Vultures. Riding the tide of what is provided. A single flap of might wings and over 100 miles covered! The mighty bird flew large graceful circles, forming figure 8's. My enormous friend headed westward into the setting sun. A wingspan close to 10 feet. A day so complete, nature's encounter so sweet. The Sacred Bird