Female Slender Salamander

Of the Genus Batrachoseps, the exact species is unknown, however. Found in Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve last Sunday while hiking. And no, they are not typically found on rocks like this, that was just for the photo op. Usually you have to look under rocks to find em!

Respect

I am convinced that if you are sincerely good to nature, it will repay you with the only thing that it truly knows: beauty.

Pants

I find it kind of funny that the last paper I ever wrote in high school was about how I did not like pants. And if you know anything about me, you know I much prefer shorts and will wear them whenever I can.

You Can Hike Near Davis???

I know, I was surprised too, but yesterday (Sunday) I went with a group of fellow wildlifers to go hiking in Stebbins Canyon Reserve, which as it turns out is probably about 25 minutes away by car. So, since I rarely drive anywhere, that means its only an hour or so away by bike! I fully intend to head back there at some point while the weather is still this gorgeous.

Anyways, it was a beautiful day and I got to see a bunch of new herps and birds. Got to see a Lewis's Woodpecker for the first time which I was super stoked on! The coloring was magnificent.

So, over the next couple of days, don't be surprised to see some wildlife popping up on here. At the moment, here is a shot from the top of the ridge, looking out towards lake Berryessa.

Climbing Trees

Early yesterday morning I decided to go on a nice photo adventure to get some more shots. Around 8ish or so, I stopped in the UC Davis quad and had the sudden urge to climb one of the trees. This is fairly common for me, so I take off my shoes, jacket, backpack and all other things unnecessary and head up one of the red woods. Well, I just kind of kept climbing and before I knew it, I was at the top.

At the top of this tree was almost like a miniature shrine. The tree forms this natural seat a few feet from the top where someone carved a heart and "live." There were also various trinkets and things such as a bell and a piece of cloth. I intend on going back to leave on of my many bandannas up there.

It was so serene up there. Breezy too. A little bit frightening. But very, very necessary.

The Last Mushroom

After having probably near a dozen shroom shots up on my site, I have finally run out. So, here is my last one, at least for now. It was pretty small and was slimy and falling apart when I found it. It was at the end of the line, its spores had been liberated from the fruiting body, and hopefully went on to successfully germinate.

So now that my mushroom series is over, check them all out here! Maybe i'll get lucky today and find some new specimens to shoot, who knows?

A Mason Jar

With some extra dramatic lighting. Enjoy.

Moleskine Pocket Notebook

This was taken in the midst of a summery winter day when I was walking to class (a very rare thing, you see, I usually skate). Suddenly I was struck with some inspiration and decided to take a seat in front of the Tri-Co-Ops and fill out of few pages. I ended up staying there for two hours. This guy has been getting me through some rough times recently. Really glad I have somewhere to write and draw.

Slacklining

I'm actually surprised I don't post more about the slackline since I spend a great deal of my free time on one. I usually try to set up the public line in front of Davis Outdoor Adventures around noonish everyday that it isn't raining (which has been a lot these past two quarters). Anyways, ya, super fun to do with a group of friends who push you to do crazy things or just do all by yourself. For me, it's all about getting into a sort of trance when on the line. I assume it is because I try to dedicate a lot of myself to the art of balance and the slackline is the perfect place to practice.

One day I hope to harness the energy of the lemur. Those guys could rock the line so hard.

You guys should come join me. Slackers unite!

Time Well Spent

I spend a lot of time in Dome 6. Always full of lovely lovely people and good conversations.