Tag: Landscape Photography

Coastal Serenity: A Tranquil Afternoon at Spooner’s Cove Picture of the Week - Morro Bay, California

A serene view of Spooner's Cove beach and the hazy Santa Lucia Range in the distance.
Coastal Serenity: A Tranquil Afternoon at Spooner’s Cove – Experience the tranquil beauty of Spooner’s Cove, where gentle waves kiss the sandy beach under the hazy skies. The distant Santa Lucia Range adds a touch of mystique to this serene coastal scene. #Spooner’sCove #MorroBay #CoastalBeauty

I want to provide some relief from the daytime temperatures clawing past the century mark this week. Let me transport you to a secluded beach, where cool sea breezes caress your skin and the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against golden sand will lull your senses. In this week’s photo, we find ourselves just a stone’s throw away from our previous location, Montaña de Oro State Park, south of Morro Bay, where a picturesque cove straight out of the movies awaits your exploration.

This lovely piece of real estate is Spooner’s Cove, and I know how your mind works. You’re thinking, “It got that name because horny lovers come here to be alone and watch the offshore submarine races.” Well, you’re wrong. This gem, nestled along the coastline, derives its name from Captain Spooner, an early settler in the region. While historical records and accounts don’t offer many details, the Cove’s designation pays homage to Captain Spooner’s presence or influence in this coastal region.

Spooner’s Cove is an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area offers various hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the coastal bluffs and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. It is a paradise for photographers, with its breathtaking coastal scenery and opportunities to capture the interplay of light, water, and land. Whether you’re seeking solitude, a romantic outing, or a peaceful day by the beach, Spooner’s Cove offers a serene and captivating experience that showcases the beauty of California’s coastline.

In this photo titled Coastal Serenity, we are presented with a secluded beach gently kissed by the receding tide. As your gaze extends beyond the sandy shore, the town of Morro Bay discreetly hides behind the bluff, concealing its iconic rock that typically graces the horizon. Across the hazy backdrop, the majestic Santa Lucia Range emerges—the coastal mountains that stretch from Morro Bay to Carmel. Serenely tracing the base of these mountains lies the Pacific Coast Highway, a dream route for sports car enthusiasts seeking the thrill of a scenic afternoon drive.

I regret that Queen Anne and I didn’t have more time at the Cove. It would have been nice to bring a food basket and a bottle of wine for a romantic picnic on the beach. Who knows, that secluded moment may have resurrected our libidos, and we’d be carried away—perhaps channeling the legendary scene enacted by Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the 1953 film From Here to Eternity (YouTube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzu_LezGQYQ ). But then, for the rest of the trip, I’d have had to hear her griping about all that sand in her bloomers—so, maybe not.

You have a couple of options to view a larger version of Coastal Serenity. Visit its dedicated webpage by clicking this link: (Webpage link: https://www.jimwitkowski.com/newWork/coastalSerenity.html). For a more detailed image examination, head to my posting on Fine Art America: (FAA link: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/coastal-serenity-jim-witkowski.html ). On the Fine Art America page, hover over the image to reveal a green square; clicking inside the square will grant you a one-to-one preview, allowing you to explore the intricate details of the photograph—an indulgence we photographers often call “pixel-peeping.”

We are delighted you joined us on this journey to Spooner’s Cove and hope you find solace in its beauty and tranquility. Stay tuned for next week’s installment as we draw our June project on San Luis Obispo County to a close. Keep your camera ready; the next breathtaking moment awaits your lens.

Till next time
jw

Techniques: Creating Depth with Atmospherics: Suggesting Distance in Your Photographs

Have you ever come across a photograph of mountains where the details appear to fade into the distance? Despite the lack of intricate features, the image still conveys a remarkable depth. This optical illusion is achieved through a technique known as atmospherics. The front mountains are rendered darker by utilizing varying tones and colors, while each subsequent layer of mountains behind gradually becomes lighter. This interplay of light and shadow creates a visual depth that immerses viewers in the expansive landscape.

Atmospherics, such as haze, fog, or mist, can be powerful tools in photography, enhancing the depth and suggesting distance within your images. This technique finds its roots in the works of impressionist painters, who often employed it to create a sense of three-dimensionality.

To maximize atmospherics, focus on weather conditions that offer the desired effects, such as misty mornings or hazy afternoons. These conditions can add a subtle veil to your photographs, softening distant elements and creating a gradual transition from foreground to background. The haze layers can suggest depth, guiding the viewer’s eye through the scene and immersing them in its captivating atmosphere.

When composing your image, consider how the atmosphere interacts with the elements in your frame. The distant mountains or shoreline can appear more subdued due to the atmospheric effects, creating a sense of distance and vastness. Leading lines or prominent foreground elements can further enhance the depth perception, drawing the viewer into the image and inviting exploration.

Experiment with different compositions and perspectives to emphasize the effects of atmospherics. Capture scenes where elements gradually fade into the distance, highlighting the layers of mist or haze. By balancing the interplay of light, shadow, and atmospheric conditions, you can create evocative photographs that transport viewers into a world of serene beauty.

Valencia Peak Vista: Capturing the Essence of Montaña de Oro Picture of the Week - Morro Bay, California

Landscape view of Bluff trail winding through grassy field with majestic mountains in the background at Montaña de Oro State Park in California
Valencia Peak Vista: Capturing the Essence of Montaña de Oro – Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Montaña de Oro State Park as you follow the beautiful Bluff trail, surrounded by rolling grassy fields and towering mountains. Discover this hidden gem’s serenity and natural wonders on California’s central coast.

Welcome back to our San Luis Obispo County project. As I tried to explain last week, it’s one of our favorite spots on the planet. Usually, the purpose of our trips involves wine tasting, so we spend most of our time traveling the roads that run past the vineyards and traverse the coastal mountains—the Santa Lucia Range. With an extra day set aside for photography, Queen Anne and I made a pact to explore places in San Luis Obispo County that were new to us.

On the morning of our shoot—after I dragged her majesty out of bed while we ate breakfast—I showed her a road I found on our California Gazetteer. It began in Morro Bay and made its way along the coast on the Montaña de Oro headlands to Pismo Beach. I told her my plans to drive down to the resort town and then return via the 101 Freeway. She thought that was a great idea as long as there was a candlelight dinner and a glass of Chardonnay at the road’s end. However, halfway through the drive, we found a locked gate preventing us from going further. It turned out that someone built the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Generating Station in our way and closed the road—how inconsiderate.

Our day wasn’t a total loss because, between Morro Bay and the gate, we drove through three nature preserves: Morro Bay Estuary, El Morro Elfin Forest, and Montana de Oro State Park. Since we had to double back, I’d have to settle with subjects along our route—oh, pity the poor photographer because each place is worthy of an afternoon—if not longer.

Morro Bay Estuary: A coastal wetland teeming with diverse wildlife and stunning vistas. A network of trails to explore that wind through the estuary offers opportunities to spot various bird species, including majestic herons and graceful egrets. If you remember to bring your mukluks, you may even try digging for clams or annoying the critters you’ll find in the tidal pools.

El Morro Elfin Forest: Unique and magical woodland. Marvel at the twisted, dwarfed trees that named the forest, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Stroll along the well-maintained trails, enjoying the tranquil ambiance and the delicate balance between the forest and the surrounding coastal dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for rare plant species and enjoy the peaceful serenity of this hidden gem.

Montana de Oro State Park: A coastal paradise of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and sweeping vistas. Hike along the stunning bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, witnessing the power of crashing waves and the dramatic coastal scenery. Explore the tide pools, where you can encounter a fascinating array of marine life, and venture further into the park to discover hidden coves and secret beaches.

I took this week’s image at the Bluff trailhead in the State Park. From the parking area, we had a choice of taking the trail down to the ocean or venturing across the street to embark on the course that led us into the majestic mountains. As we made our way along the path, the peaks rising to Valencia Peak stood before us, their commanding presence adding a sense of grandeur to the surrounding landscape. Amidst this natural beauty, my attention was drawn to the display of a bright orange Indian paintbrush. I knew that capturing this scene would encapsulate the essence of Montaña de Oro’s breathtaking vistas.

We invite you to visit the web version of this image, where you can view a larger version of Valencia Peak Vista: Capturing the Essence of Montaña de Oro. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, the rich colors, and the sense of serenity captured in this image. It’s a visual testament to the beauty in San Luis Obispo County.

Mark your calendars, and come back next week for another captivating tale and image. Until then, keep exploring, keep capturing moments, and remember that every step you take can lead to new and remarkable discoveries.

Till next time
jw

Techniques: Utilizing Leading Lines in Your Photographs

Leading lines such as the trail, the line of peaks, and the swale in this week’s image are powerful compositional elements that add depth and guide the viewer’s eye through the image. They create a visual pathway, drawing attention and creating a sense of movement. Whether straight, diagonal, or curved lines enhance the overall composition and introduce a three-dimensional quality.

These lines don’t have to be literal; the arrangement of objects or elements can imply them. By utilizing leading lines effectively, you can elevate your images’ impact and storytelling potential, inviting viewers to explore and discover hidden depths within the frame.

You can transform a simple scene into a captivating visual story by incorporating leading lines into your photography. Experiment with different types of lines and their placement to create a dynamic narrative within your image. Consider how leading lines interact with other elements and the mood they evoke.

Slope Serenade: A Symphony of Shadows and Light Picture of the Week - Cambria, California

A captivating landscape photo of Adelaida winery's orchard on a hill, with rolling grassy hills in the foreground, under a clear blue sky in San Luis Obispo.
Slope Serenade: A Symphony of Shadows and Light: This scene captures the heart of San Luis Obispo – Adelaida winery’s neatly arranged orchard rises towards a clear blue sky, contrasted with rolling grassy swells and randomly placed dormant trees in the foreground. The late afternoon light casts deep shadows, enriching the colors and depth of the scene.

It was that transition period between when the dream ended, and my brain realized that none of it made sense. Even though my eyes were still closed, I could tell it was getting light outside. The sparrows that live outside our window were bragging to the world that they had survived the night with their monotonous and repetitive one-note song. Their cheerfulness was annoying, and I wanted to get up and prove them wrong. My eyes opened, and I was startled to see a pair of terrifyingly familiar green eyes inches from my face piercing into my soul. “Where are you taking me for our anniversary this year?” she declared.

And so it began—our yearly Where-We-Going debate. It always starts with me suggesting picturesque destinations where I’d love to capture photos. In response, Anne dismisses each of my ideas with a wave of her hand and a flimsy excuse for why it won’t work. Eventually, the routine is settled when her eyes turn to her computer screen, scanning her travel-deal website. She comes to me with deals she’s found online, and we pick the best-sounding offers. But, when one of the Cambria hotels flashes a special offer, the debate ends abruptly, and we always seem to put it above all the others. I sometimes wonder why we even contemplate other locations. Cambria has our hearts, and with each visit, our love for it grows.

San Luis Obispo County holds a special place in our hearts, like a second home we never owned but always felt belonged to us. Each visit brings a sense of familiarity, a comforting assurance as if I’m retracing steps I’ve walked in another life. You see, there’s something about the central coast that’s magnetic. Its diverse landscapes, from the untamed coastlines where waves crash like thunderous applause against the rugged cliffs to the vineyards cascading over the rolling hills like emerald tapestries, invite us to immerse ourselves in a masterpiece of nature’s artistry.

Among the many charming towns in San Luis Obispo County, our favorite home base is Cambria. Nestled where the majestic pines meet the sea, Cambria embodies a unique enchantment. It’s coastal charm and small-town atmosphere create a perfect backdrop for our adventures. From strolling along Moonstone Beach, where the waves gently caress the shore, to exploring the quaint shops and art galleries in the historic East Village, Cambria feels like our personal sanctuary.

Honestly, the natural allure of the trip is the wine tasting—that’s a given. But if I negotiate an additional free day, the photographic opportunities in San Luis Obispo County are boundless. Nestled between the valleys of the inland and the majestic Coastal Range, San Luis Obispo County unfolds like a treasure trove of visual poetry, offering a kaleidoscope of subjects for my lenses to capture, each frame a brushstroke on the canvas of memories.

Securing that additional day, it’s a win-win for both of us. We get to explore fresh corners of the county, indulge in yet another incredible evening of indulgence, and gather a trove of memories to share with you; in the end, everyone’s content. And as they say—a happy wife means a husband that gets to live another day. We always leave with smiles and anticipation for the next visit.

And it’s not just the visual and culinary delights that captivate us. The welcoming spirit of the people we encounter during our visits adds an extra layer of warmth to the experience. From the passionate winemakers eager to share their stories to the locals who greet us with open hearts, their genuine hospitality further enriches our journey.

Thank you for taking the time to join us on this journey and being part of our story. This week’s photograph captures a piece of the enchantment that San Luis Obispo County holds for us. The orderly orchard, the wild grass, the deep shadows under the trees… It’s a tale of balance and contrast, where the ordered and the wild coexist. You can check out Slope Serenade’s web version here (https://www.jimwitkowski.com/newWork/orchird.html).

Next week, we’ll delve deeper into our adventures in San Luis Obispo County, sharing more stories and photos from this beautiful part of the world. Until then, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and remember every journey starts with a single step.

Till next time
Jw

Technique: Learning to See Light and Shapes

This week’s photograph shows how paying attention to light can make your pictures more interesting. The photo was taken in the late afternoon when the sun was starting to set. This type of light is often called “golden hour” and casts long, deep shadows under the orchard trees. Those shadows add depth, making the trees look more three-dimensional and the scene more dramatic.

When taking a photo, it’s essential to consider how the light interacts with your scene. In this picture, the golden hour light highlights the rich green color of the orchard, which stands out against the more natural, brownish color of the wild grass in the foreground. That contrast helps to separate the two areas and draw attention to the orchard.

Dancing Petals: A Burst of Mexican Poppies in Full Bloom Wickenburg, Arizona - Picture of the Week

A captivating view of Mexican Poppies in full bloom, resembling a lively dance of petals.
Dancing Petals: A Burst of Mexican Poppies in Full Bloom – Witness the graceful dance of Mexican Poppies as their vibrant petals create a mesmerizing spectacle of colors.

May has arrived, and so far, it has left the 100° temperatures in a closet at home. To take full advantage of this comfortable weather, we threw open the curtains and windows wide to let in that fresh warm air, allowing the breeze to blow away the stale air that had settled in our home over the long winter months. As I breathed in the cool fresh air, I couldn’t help but notice the unwelcome grime that had accumulated on the windows over the winter. I thought, “Geez, it’s already time for spring cleaning.” Armed with the remains of a five-year-old bottle of Windex, I dove headfirst into restoring our crystal-clear view of the neighbor’s houses. When finished, I still had the energy to waste, so I turned to my recent photography files. You see, not everything I shoot fits neatly within a scheduled project. The subjects sometimes catch my eye purely because they’re pretty, colorful, or bask in the glory of captivating light. These may be image orphans, but I must share them with you. As a man of ridged habit, I occasionally gather and present these gems in their project, Odds and Ends. So, over the next four weeks, I invite you on a journey through a series of unrelated shots I took. They may not fit a specific theme, but they’re worth interrupting our regular schedule to share with you.

Thanks to this winter’s abundant rains—the perfect recipe for a natural phenomenon known as a ‘super bloom’—it was no surprise when the buzz of a colorful and vibrant floral display echoed through the air. I couldn’t help but share my enthusiasm, goading you to grab your camera and join in on the Great Flower Hunt of 2023. I hope you took up the challenge and immersed yourself in the joy of capturing nature’s stunning tapestry or at least romping through fields of wildflowers. Even the weather forecasters can’t resist showcasing fantastic flower shots as their backgrounds.

In this week’s photo—Dancing Petals—I present a patch of Mexican poppies, their bright petals basking in the warm afternoon light. These pretty little flowers, known for their radiant shades of orange and yellow, grace the landscape with their delicate beauty. As I stood above this scene, capturing the poppies from a downward angle, their unique characteristics came into focus. You may wonder how Mexican poppies differ from their close relatives, the California poppies. While both belong to the poppy family, they exhibit distinct but subtle traits. With their bright and fiery colors, Mexican poppies often cluster together in patches. The outer edge of their petals is rounded.

In contrast, California poppies display a softer and more muted palette, with shades of golden yellow and orange. Their petals are more uniformly arranged, creating a charming carpet-like effect across fields and meadows. These subtle variations in color and growth patterns add to the intrigue and diversity of the poppy world, reminding us of nature’s endless ability to surprise and delight.

Living in the Sonoran Desert with its unique diversity, we are accustomed to a world that is harsh and colored in shades of brown and muted green. But when the spring blooms come, they bring a welcome burst of color to our arid landscape. The rich oranges and yellows of Mexican poppies, the electric pink of hedgehog cactus blooms, and the striking white of saguaro flowers create a dazzling and surreal tapestry. However, the ephemeral nature of these blooms reminds us to cherish their beauty while we can, as they wither and dry all too soon. Their transient nature only adds to their preciousness, inviting us to pause and marvel at nature’s fleeting creations. In the desert, where the dry underbrush seems to beckon wildflowers to replenish the soil, these blooms represent a delicate balance of resilience and beauty, a reminder that even in the harshest of environments, life finds a way to thrive.

A mesmerizing tapestry of mesquite trees and Mexican poppies, weaving nature's colors across the Sonoran Desert canvas.
Nature’s Tapestry: Mesquite Trees and Mexican Poppies Painting the Desert Canvas – Witness the masterpiece of nature’s brush as mesquite trees and Mexican poppies paint a vibrant tapestry across the desert canvas.

If you’re eager to see a larger version of these Dancing Petals, you can check out the photo on the web by clicking here. Stay tuned for the next installment of Odds and Ends, where we’ll explore two different eras of farming equipment. Join us as we travel through time, delving into the captivating tale of an abandoned grain hopper that stands as a testament to a bygone era and the shiny new silos that mark the modern age of agriculture. Through these odds and ends, we’ll unravel the mysteries and stories within these two vastly different pieces of farm equipment. Until then, cherish the beauty around you, for it may be as short-lived as the delicate dance of the Mexican poppies.

Till next time
jw

BTW:

Queen Anne must not be feeling well. She didn’t get out of bed at 2 am and watch the coronation of King Charles throughout the night. She settled on watching the reruns—without wearing her usual Tierra. You should offer your wishes if you bump into her along the road.

Vintage Charm: A Festive Window Display Bisbee, Arizona

A festive window display showcasing a vintage Chambers gas stove and Christmas decorations.
Vintage Charm – Step back in time with a charming window display featuring a vintage Chambers gas stove and festive Christmas decor.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure as we take a bite out of Bisbee’s culinary scene. My first visit to the old mining town was on a double date with another couple. In the Phoenix paper, we read a feature story about the Copper Queen Hotel restoration that convinced us to explore it firsthand. After checking into the hotel, Dick and I went out to find a beer while the girls refreshed themselves. We only walked a block to the Brewery Gulch corner before we were overcome with the aroma of tortillas fresh off the press. We went inside the tortilleria and bought a half dozen—still warm—a couple of Fantas and a stick of butter. Since there weren’t any tables, we sat on the front stairs, let the butter melt on the warm corn delicacies, and then wolfed them down in a few bites. That delightful moment sealed my love affair with Bisbee.

Let’s be honest; I’m a foodie. I know that because when we redid our kitchen, I insisted on a six-burner gas stove; I replaced my college-era Farah Fawcett poster with one of Alton Brown; I buy cookbooks and never use them. My cupboard is full of spice jars arranged in alphabetical order. Maybe, one of the reasons why Queen Anne and I have stayed together for 35 years is a vow that she cooed on a date, “You cook, and I’ll clean.” By sharing my dirty little secret with you, I hope you’ll understand why we try to discover the best local cuisines during our overnight photo trips. As I’ve previously written, it disappoints us when our choices are limited to Burger King, Taco Bell, or Pizza Hut. Bisbee doesn’t disappoint.

When I checked TripAdvisor this morning, there were over 30 Bisbee restaurants, and the list didn’t include the dozen or so food trucks operating in Cochise County. That’s too much food for one man to tackle, so I’ll share a selection of places that Queen Anne and I recommend.

Breakfast— Bisbee Breakfast Club (TripAdvisor #3): Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club, a must-visit spot. This local favorite serves delicious breakfast and brunch options, including pancakes, omelets, and breakfast burritos. The Breakfast Club is down Highway 80 in Lowell at the head of Erie Street.

Lunch—Le Cornucopia Café (TripAdvisor #1): An American café that features soups and sandwiches. Its customers rave about the fresh ingredients, generous proportions, and friendly staff. The café is located downtown on the main street (In last week’s picture, it’s the third building from the left). They’re open for lunch on most weekdays, dinners on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday Brunch.

Dinner—Café Roka (TripAdvisor #2): Known for its upscale dining experience, Café Roka offers a seasonal menu featuring creative fusion cuisine. Their dishes incorporate local ingredients and flavors, resulting in a memorable culinary experience. This is my go-to spot for an upscale dinner in Bisbee. While it leans toward the pricier side, it’s a YOLO experience. Café Roka is also on Bisbee’s main street, almost directly across from Le Cornucopia.

Bar Food— Old Bisbee Brewing Company (TripAdvisor # 8): If you’re a beer enthusiast, stop by Old Bisbee Brewing Company. This local brewery offers a range of handcrafted beers, including IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews. Pair your beer with their pub-style food for a satisfying meal. The brewing company is a short walk-up Brewery Gulch.

Mexican—If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, Douglas and Agua Prieta are only 30 miles away, and Naco is even closer. You can’t get any more authentic Mexican food than in Mexico—where they just call it food. As a word of caution, stay away from unbottled water and ice, and wear a bulletproof vest.

Before I move on, there’s one more place I think you should experience. It’s the Spirit Room at the Copper Queen Hotel. The restaurant is low on the TripAdvisor totem pole because the food isn’t inspiring, but I feel that the hotel’s grand history and mystique are food for the soul, so you should try it at least once.

You may wonder what sparked our appetite to delve into the delectable world of Bisbee’s culinary scene. Well, let me introduce you to this week’s featured image—Vintage Charm: A Festive Window Display—a captivating glimpse into the heart of Bisbee’s gastronomic heritage. This charming image invites us to take a step back in time, where the centerpiece is an old Chambers 36″ wide gas stove, an emblem of vintage cooking prowess. With its unique features, including the pointed handles and the accompanying seasonal cookware, this snapshot serves as a delicious reminder of the rich traditions and joyous moments associated with home-cooked meals. Wouldn’t this be the perfect gift for a chef with a retro kitchen?

The historic Phelps Dodge Company Store, an Art-Deco gem, with an American flag waving proudly.
Art-Deco Delight: The Historic Phelps Dodge Company Store – A glimpse of the historic Phelps Dodge Company Store, a stunning Art-Deco building adorned with an American flag.

As we bid farewell to Bisbee’s culinary adventure, we end our month-long exploration of this charming town. We’ve taken a Technicolor stroll down Tombstone Canyon, delved into the fascinating history of Bisbee’s Pythian Castle, immersed ourselves in the vibrant art scene, and marveled at the exhilarating coaster races and stair climb. It’s been a captivating journey filled with diverse stories and visuals. But fear not; our exploration doesn’t end here. Next week, we’ll embark on a new project, uncovering the secrets and wonders of a different location and theme. So stay tuned for more exciting adventures! In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the larger version of the captivating Vintage Charm: A Festive Window Display photo on its webpage by clicking here. We hope you’ve enjoyed our Bisbee tour and that it inspired you to visit this great town.

Till next time
jw

San Jacinto Field Temecula, California

San Jacinto Field - The snow covered San Jacinto Peak dominates the skyline near Temecula, California.
San Jacinto Field – The snow-covered San Jacinto Peak dominates the skyline near Temecula, California.

Long before I moved to Arizona—before my time in the Army—I used to enter rallies driving my 64 Ford Falcon. For my non-gearhead readers, a car rally is a competition where the hosting club plans a pleasant drive through the countryside. A driver’s job is to follow directions at a given speed and arrive at checkpoints on time. At the same time, the event chairperson purposefully writes the instructions as vague as possible for back roads that are impossible to drive at the speed they’re talking about. Each team is scored by how many seconds off you arrive at checkpoints behind schedule—if you can even stay on course.

I mention this because, in last week’s comments, our friend Gary brought up an “uphill-in-both-directions-in-the-snow” moment—in other words, his later recollections of Temecula Valley. It reminded me of the only previous time I visited the farms and fields of Riverside County was during one of these rallies.

In the October between high school graduation and joining the Army, we’d pilgrimage to the legendary Riverside International Raceway to attend the annual Can-Am race sponsored by the Los Angeles Times. In those days, Can-Am cars were the cutting edge of racing technology, having big brutish American engines shoehorned into tiny European chassis. I was an apostle. I didn’t know it then, but in 1969 Uncle Sam was reaching for my shirt collar, so my teenage days were numbered.

As that summer ended, I was already planning a long October weekend at the racetrack. The So-Cal Sports Car Club was staging a pre-race time-distance rally in Riverside, culminating with two laps around the track. I don’t remember why my usual navigator wasn’t available, but I recruited the older brother of one of my friends because he wanted to see the race and said he could read directions.

For brevity’s sake, all I will say about that event was that it started in the Shakey’s Pizza parking lot across the street from Riverside’s stunning Mission Inn on a cool, damp, and foggy Sunday morning. The course layout took us past Hemet, Moreno Valley, and Perris towns. We couldn’t see more than a thousand feet of road through the grey murk. We missed the mountains, fields, and trees dotting the countryside, but we did pass cherry stands that I was sure I’d return to someday. My navigator and I got hopelessly lost and behind schedule, so we threw in the towel and drove to the last known checkpoint with our tails between our legs. We rejoined the group at an infield staging area and thought, “At least we’d get a couple of timed laps around the track.”

You already know what’s next, don’t you? The laps weren’t time trials as I had imagined. It was a painful parade of rally drivers behind a slow pace car at 25 mph. Everyone was holding back to get a run at the turns by the second lap. The pack of cars looked like a hobbled caterpillar trying to make its way along a cherry tree branch. At the time, it was genuinely humiliating. I wanted to show Jim, Dan, Mark, Bruce, and Roger how good I was. Now, it’s amusing.

As Gary mentioned last week, that part of California is different now. The two-lane back roads we sped down are now eight-lane freeways with crowded off-ramps. The rural fruit stands have been replaced with Costco, CVS, LA Fitness, and car dealerships. The pristine mountain ridges are lined with rows of McMansions that look like pop-up targets at a rifle range. With clusters of boxy tract homes, Temecula Valley has become another typical So-Cal suburb.

Queen Anne and I spent time driving between housing developments during our January visit and saw a glimpse of the past. In this week’s photo, you can see the open spaces we found by Lake Skinner. In the shot that I call San Jacinto Field, the foreground is dominated by a field left fallow this season. In the near background, you see low-elevation mountains—Bachelor Mountain (2470) on the left and Black Mountain (3051) on the right. Covered in the snow in the far distance is San Jacinto Peak (10,834), which is over 50 miles as the crow flies. It’s much further if you walk. This photo was taken a month before California recently got slammed with two heavy snowfalls. I’m sure the top is even brighter white at this writing.

Wine Glasses - A sample of red and white wines while enjoying lunch at one of Temecula's Vineyards.
Wine Glasses – A sample of red and white wines while enjoying lunch at one of Temecula’s Vineyards.

Like always, you can see a larger version of San Jacinto Field on its web page by clicking here. Be sure to return next week when we drive up the wine-country valleys and visit some vineyards.

Till next time
jw

Winter Trees Temecula, California

Winter Trees - I picked this photo from our Temecula trip to clearly mark a change from the historic cars and buildings that we've been showing the past few months.
Winter Trees – I picked this photo from our Temecula trip to mark a change from the historic cars and buildings we’ve been showing the past few months.

If you’re a devout idiom believer, March’s weather should be enjoyable. It indeed “came in like a lion.” Here in the Weaver Mountain foothills, snow fell twice this week. With the surrounding mountains covered in white and our rooftops under a blanket of snow, it resembled Colorado around here. You should have seen Queen Anne covering up her plants with wet sheets. I should have taken pictures, but I didn’t want to get my toesies all wet.

As you can see from this week’s picture, we’re taking a break from old cars and buildings this month. Instead, I’ve given you quite the opposite—pure nature. Well, it’s Southern California farmland, and the trees were planted in a neat row. If you look closely, a half-dozen more have been chopped down. I’m not privy to why a farmer planted deciduous trees or the cause of their demise. I stopped the car for this photo because I liked how the dormant trees looked on the sine-wave grassy landscape. It reminds me of the Windows 97 background pictures. I call this photo Winter Trees.

We were driving around the rural Riverside County back roads because we decided to take a break from our hectic schedule of watching I Love Lucy reruns and go on a wine-tasting tour. It’s one of the few road trips we enjoy, and Her Majesty will put down her Kendal and get out of the car.

Decades ago, when I lived in Scottsdale, I had dinner with a restaurateur friend, where he shared a bottle of new wine labeled Calloway. That name should seem familiar because the family makes golf clubs. It was a charming Fumé Blanc. It didn’t come from Napa but from Temecula Valley—a small town north of San Diego. Over the past few years, we’ve tasted some lovely wines from that region and read a few articles praising the area. Since neither of us had visited Temecula, and it was only a four-hour dive, we turned the TV off, hopped in the car, and spent a few days exploring the town.

If you’ve ever driven from Phoenix to LA, you know Mount San Jacinto—the mountain towering over Palm Springs, whose feet begin below sea level, and its peak is 10,834 feet high. A tramway on its east face will take you to the top, and I guarantee you’ll need a jacket once you get up there, even if the temperature is over 100°F below. Temecula is on the other side of that mountain, and to get there, you take US60 to Riverside, then turn south on Interstate 215 and continue on Interstate 15. Even on Wednesday afternoon, you’ll run into traffic—it is California, after all.

I’ve been tasting wines from around the globe since I was wet behind the ears, and Queen Anne and I have continued that journey since she joined me thirty-five years ago. We have witnessed extreme changes in our tasting experiences as the years passed. Some of them have been good, and others have been a disaster.

Queen Anne in Temecula - After visiting a few tasting rooms, this is the look on Queen Anne's face. It means that she needs to be fed before she does a face-plant on the table.
Queen Anne in Temecula – This is the look on Queen Anne’s face after visiting a few tasting rooms. It means that she needs to be fed before she does a faceplant on the table.

When we started so long ago, a vintner’s profit center was selling cases of wine. The tasting bars were a marketing tool used to show off their product. If you liked the wine, you bought a bottle or a case if you were flush. Then the Napa area got uppity and started charging visitors for samples. At first, your charge was applied to a purchase, then you got a glass memento, and finally, you paid to play—period.

Other wine regions eventually followed suit. Today if you want to enjoy the experience of tasting limited-production wines, you can expect to pay from $20 to $30 per flight—per person. Of course, two people can share a taste, but the pours have become stingy. We experienced those prices in Wilcox, Arizona, of all places. Today, a vintner’s profit center has moved to the tasting bar—somebody has to pay for those elegant buildings. It’s discouraging for us poor little winos to have fun anymore.

Do you think that’ll stop us? No way. Life’s too short not to have fun, and during March, we’ll share some of the sights and tastes of Temecula. Maybe we’ll talk about what to look for in fine wines and call out swill for what it is. Meanwhile, clicking here lets you see a larger version of Winter Trees on its Webpage.

Till next time
jw

BTW:

I was pleased with all of last month’s participation. I hope you’ll join in on the conversations if this month’s topic interests you.