Mining for gold in the canyons above Azusa

Of all the things I missed most about Southern California when I was living in Dallas, the mountains were at the top of the list (just slightly behind the ocean). Growing up in Pasadena and Arcadia, I was used to the San Gabriel Mountains looming in the near distance, snow-capped in winter and brownish-green the rest of the year. I have fond memories of heading up Santa Anita Ave to enjoy the mountains with their cooler air and gorgeous scenery.

I also have fond memories of the area above Azusa which, when I was a child, was undeveloped except for the odd store and a dairy farm. The latter had cows contentedly wandering free in the pastures--unlike many of today's horrendously cruel factory farm-type dairy businesses--and its own little store where we'd stop for ice cream. That area has changed dramatically since then, with hundreds of houses constructed all the way up to the very foothills of the mountains. Quite a culture shock for me, having not been there for many years!

But start driving up N Azusa Ave, which becomes N San Gabriel Canyon Rd, and once past the cookie-cutter housing developments you're on your way into the mountains. I'm happy to report that those haven't changed! You lose yourself in the beauty and tranquility, really forgetting that a megalopolis lies below.

My favorite route to follow is San Gabriel Canyon Rd to E Fork Rd, taking a right where they meet. You immediately go over a tall bridge and then you're on to a winding, narrow, two-lane mountain road. Keep going until almost where E Fork Rd ends--when you pass a large picnic area on your right, you're near the end--and pull over on the left. Once out of your vehicle you'll see some amazing scenery--just walk toward the edge of the dirt area you're on and look down! There's a steep hillside right below you, and if you make your way down the hill you'll end up at a beautiful creek. I've seen it in various stages of depth, ranging from really deep--enough for diving--to quite shallow, depending on rainfall and melting snow.

Once down there you're likely to see people mining for gold. Some of them have heavy duty equipment to help in their hunt for gold while others rely on a simple pan. You can't help but be reminded of California's history, i.e., its famous gold rush. I've never tried panning for gold myself but it looks fascinating.

This is a photograph taken in that exact spot. The miner was an interesting guy with tales to tell of his experiences mining for gold.



(Click on the photo for a larger version, 3008x2014, which you're free to download.)


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There's nothing like a California sunset

There are, of course, beautiful sunsets in many places around the world. I've seen my fair share in the various states I lived in after moving away from California. In fact, one of my favorite memories of living in Florida involved both a sunrise and sunset--over the water, in the same day. My friends and I got up in the middle of the night and drove from the Clearwater/Dunedin area where we lived to Daytona Beach to see the sun come up over the Atlantic. It was beautiful. We spent the day like typical teenagers, enjoying the beach and local sights, and then headed home. We got back to Clearwater and watched the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico. There was something magical about that day and it will always be one of my fondest memories of both my youth and my life in Florida.

But sunsets in Southern California are just different. They're always magical. There's something about the intense colors--the oranges, yellows, and pinks--that I haven't seen replicated anywhere else. They're more majestic, somehow. And when they're coupled with the Pacific ocean, they're just magnificent.

This photograph was taken as the sun was setting over Redondo Beach.




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Beautiful state, beautiful photos

After moving back home to California in 2006, having lived in several other states since the 1970s, I started snapping photographs like there was no tomorrow. I just couldn't get enough of the natural beauty I had missed so much while living in other states. The beaches, the mountains, the desert, the cliffs and canyons and palm trees and...on and on. After taking thousands of photographs it occurred to me that I should offer some of them on products for others to enjoy. I know that when I was living out of state I always thought about home, California, and missed its natural beauty. I frequently looked for web sites, calendars, magnets and so on with pictures of California beaches or other sights that I could enjoy. So here I am, back at home, hoping to serve as an eye for others who are displaced Californians, as I was for so many years, or who just love the sights of this beautiful state.

My plan right now is to post a photograph every day or so that I hope people will enjoy. If the photo is available on products in our shops at Zazzle and/or CafePress, links will be provided.

Comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated!

This shot of huge rocks being covered by rolling waves was taken at Santa Monica beach; it's available on a variety of merchandise in our Zazzle shop.

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