Unusual Sightings in Idyllwild

Every time I go for a hike, I keep alert for the presence of snakes, especially rattlesnakes.  This past week, I spotted this poisonous Western Rattlesnake but instead of finding it on a trail, it was in our driveway!

It is not uncommon to hear the howl of coyotes in the distance but they are elusive so you don't see them very often. This one appeared at our back fence during the record breaking heatwave.

 The Green Tailed Towee lives at a high altitude. I have only seen it a couple of times when we hiked up to Tahquitz Look Out tower. I was lucky this day because it is usually hidden from sight.

On a recent hike, we came upon the rare Lemon Lily that blooms in the San Bernardino Mountains between 4,000 and 9,000 feet during July and August.  We saw only 2 of these flowers on the trail.

Although Smokey the Bear messages reminding us to prevent forest fires prevail, it is uncommon to see Smokey in person. We finally got to see him!

 Each year, a pair of Bald Eagles arrive at Lake Hemet to breed. 

Birders celebrate their arrival! Note the huge binoculars!

Near our house, there is a sign warning us that the Idyllbeast may cross the road at any time.

We finally got a glimpse of him. It's been a great week for unusual sightings!

Remembering Firefighters

The flags across the Nation are flying at half-staff to honor the 19 Granite Mountain hotshot firefighters who perished this week while fighting the wildfire in Yarnell Hill, Arizona. Each time there is a loss of life to a firefighter, the pain and sadness is shared by us all. However, very few of us can truly know the devastation that this loss brings to a family and close friends.

 

 On October 26, 2006, a similar tragedy came to 5 families and countless friends and coworkers in and around Idyllwild.The Esperanza Fire which consumed 41,000 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains was due to an arsonist, however, instead of a natural event.  Tragically, the entire crew of Engine 57 was killed on this day -

Pablo Cerda, Jess McLean, Mark Loutzenhiser, Jason McKay, Daniel Hoover-Najera

In January, we were privileged to be in the audience with family, friends and fellow firefighters to hear John Maclean discuss his recently published book. The book brings to life the men who bravely fought wildfires and the investigation and trial that resulted in the arsonist being convicted for murder.

Let us never forget to be grateful for the men and women who risk their lives fighting wildfires so our own lives may be protected.

The words on the plaque at the memorial sight where the men of Engine 57 died could be applied to those who recently died in Arizona.

"In loving memory of Engine 57 , who in the midst of chaos and strife, acted with selfless courage to protect life and property. We will always remember your sacrifice and valor."

Seeking Food, Water and Shelter

The weekend is predicted to bring a near record heat wave to Southern California. The Coachella Valley which includes Palm Desert may reach 122 degrees. Death Valley is predicted to reach 129 degrees which is only 5 degrees less that the highest recorded temperature on Earth . On July 10, 1913, Death Valley reached 134 degrees. Fortunately, Idyllwild will not get that hot.

The heat effects us all in different ways. The Mountain Quail breed less during seasons of high temperatures and low rainfall. I have seen a covey of 7 adults in our yard but no chicks. Yesterday, I saw a family - 2 adults and 6 chicks. The adults were on high alert one in the front and the other in the back watching for danger. When one of the adults made a special call, the chicks stopped foraging and quickly gathered together with the adults.

 Two deer came nearby as well . They seem to like the Manzanita shrubs that grow up here.

Manzanita is found everywhere on the mountain.

 In the Spring, small pink blooms appear and then are replaced with small fruit. The Spanish named this plant Manzanita for the "little apples" that appear.

 This male Anna's hummingbird is on full alert everyday protecting one of the feeders.  He flies aggressively at any other hummingbird that attempts to drink from "his" source.

It was exhausting for us to watch the other hummingbirds struggle for a sip so we put another feeder up on the opposite side of the house.

Since it is incredibly dry right now, I made a small fountain for the birds. The Mountain Chickadee was the first to figure it out. Even the Hummingbird has come and taken a bath in it. Pretty neat to watch! This can be done anywhere inexpensively.

Most people in Idyllwild do not have air conditioning since it usually does not get unbearable in the summer. This weekend, however, we might all start looking like these squirrels!

Open your eyes to your own backyard....there are amazing things going on!

"A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood."

Rachel Carson

A Sense of Wonder

Tahquitz Peak Look Out Tower

Once again, we headed to Tahquitz Peak Look Out early in the morning. This time we were planning on completing our final training to become official Look Out Tower hosts on Tahquitz Peak. 

Despite the lack of water, there are wildflowers that bloom along the trail like this Indian Paintbrush.

This is an old photo of the original Tahquitz Peak Lookout.

It's exciting to be a part of a historic tradition.

We spent a lot of the day welcoming visitors to this beautiful spot. I am quite inspired by those who hike despite their age. Today we had an 87 year old make the 8,828 ft hike. I hope I will be able to do the same when I am that age and older.

When there weren't visitors, we practiced using the Osborne Finder. It enables the host to locate smoke in relation to the Tower and other landmarks which assists the firefighters in locating the fire. We also take the weather twice a day since this plays a role in the conditions for fire as well.

 

Our Smokey the Bear mascot is a reminder that we all have an important role in preventing devastating  forest fires.  Currently, the drought conditions are severe in Southern California.  Open campfires are not allowed anywhere in the wilderness.

As the sun started to go down, the scenery changed including the appearance of these desert mountains.

 

The views east and west were completely different.

However, they both were glorious - A blessing to experience.

 

As the sun went down, the magnificent moon views took over.

  The wind blew strongly all night long. When we awoke the next morning to the sun coming up, the clouds that rolled in looked like the sea surrounding islands. It was like being in a lighthouse instead of a look out tower.

We are honored to be a part of the volunteers who look over this part of the forest and we welcome visitors to share in the beauty of this land.

A Trail into the Wilderness

 To celebrate Father's Day, we explored a new trail, the Seven Pines Trail.  From the start, the trail climbs steadily uphill with views of Fuller Ridge to the north.

We had a few obstacles along the way but nothing was insurmountable.

The trail takes you through a lot of interesting boulders.

If you look closely, you can see things that are hidden in the 

boulder formations like this fossilized Pterodactyl

dinosaur egg perched precariously on this high ledge.

Any ideas on this one? Bald eagle, I think.

This is the thinnest standing remnant of a tree any of us have ever seen!

Since there wasn't a lot of snow this year, most of the trails lack water but this trail crosses a small creek where flowers such as the Western Azalea and Red Columbine bloom.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines a wilderness "as an area where earth and its community are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." 2014 will be the 50 year anniversary of this legislation.

The San Jacinto Wilderness encompasses 32,248 acres of protected land withing the San Bernardino National Forest.

At last, the Western Tanager. I have been trying for the last month to get its photo since it arrived in the mountains for the summer. It has eluded me on every trail that I saw it including the Seven Pines Trail.Today I was lucky!!

"Take the time to open yourselves fully to the dynamics of wild landscapes and their effects on your mind, body and spirit. Become fully alive. These days you share with wildness are gifts you will treasure forever."

George Duffy

USFS Wilderness Ranger, Firefighter, Mountaineer

The Changing Colors of Blooms and Birds

Since Spring arrived, each time we visit Garner Valley, we see different flowers blooming and new birds have arrived for the summer.

The Western Bluebird is a year round resident here. His home is now being shared by a lot of other colorful birds, including the Bulloch's Oriole and Western Tanager.

The first migrant that I noticed was the Western Kingbird. They like the same perches as Bluebirds where they can be on the lookout for insects.

As the weeks have gone by, the yellow flowers have been replaced by purple, orange and red flowers. I haven't learned the names of the flowers, yet.

Recently, we went birdwatching in the valley and spotted this Lark Sparrow nesting in the meadow behind a Sagebrush. It was a great discovery since it was so well hidden.

Sometimes I see single, small flowers such as this Mariposa lily struggling to live in this dry environment. As Summer progresses, I expect to see less and less flowers so I am enjoying them as long as they last.

 It has been getting noticeably drier. It hasn't rained in over 5-6 weeks. Today when we hiked in the mountains, we noticed the dripping water from a water tank that is providing much needed water for the local birds. This Stellar's Jay was one of many birds who came to drink while we stood and watched.

I was hoping to see a White headed Woodpecker today. Lucky me, he was one of the birds that showed up at the dripping water. Watching the birds drinking from this spot, reminded us of the importance of protecting our natural resources. Water is something we all need and take for granted much of the time.