Bridal Veil Falls, Highway 50 near Fresh Pond, California

 

A number of waterfalls are named Bridal Veil Falls with at least two in California.  There's the more famous Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park and then there's this one along Highway 50 near Fresh Pond.  The highway goes right by this waterfall and there's a broad turnout for travelers to pull off and take in this view.

We stopped off to see this waterfall on Saturday, May 13, 2023.  Since California had gotten a lot of precipitation during a very wet winter season, this Bridal Veil Falls was gushing.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story.

Pigeon Guillemot seabird at Montaña de Oro State Park, California

 

The pigeon guillemot is a seabird that nests on cliffs and feeds on small fish. This bird is in its summer plumage, which is all black with white wing patches. The guillemot is in the Auk family (Alcidae) of birds. This photo was taken at Montaña de Oro State Park in Spooner Cove along the California coast between Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. The birds were nesting on the cliff below us and this one took a break from fishing to care for its feathers.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!

Phantom Fall with rainbow, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, California

 

Phantom Fall gets its name because it's seasonal and might not appear at all in dry years. We hiked out to see it the first week of April in 2023. We arrived just at the right time to see this rainbow form in its mist. The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, where the fall is located, is north of Oroville, California. The reserve protects a volcanic tableland that is level for the most part, but streams cut deep gorges in some parts. The water drops along the rock wall, then free falls in front of an alcove. There's a steep trail down to the base of the fall and we saw people walking behind the water.

Canon 70d, ISO 100, f13, 1/30 sec, 49 mm,

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!

Indian Lettuce (Miner's Lettuce) at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Spring 2023

 

This unusual plant has white flowers emerging from the center of a circular leaf. It was used as food by the native California people and the gold miners of the 19th century. So it can be called Indian lettuce or miner's lettuce. Its scientific name is Claytonia perfoliata. These plants are found all over California. I even have it growing in my yard, even though I made no attempt to cultivate it.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!