poppies

Tom and I took a drive to Lancaster today to experience some California poppy action. We drove an hour to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve to experience what was touted as peak blooming time and we were hell-bent on getting some kick-butt photos.

We were not disappointed. Well, maybe just a little. Although the hills were ablaze with the delicate red-headed beauties, high winds had caused the flowers to become shy and close themselves up. Still the experience was akin to a scene right out of the Wizard of Oz. But instead of curling up and taking a snooze amongst the firey blooms, like Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion, we found ourselves being literally pushed and tossed about by what must have been at least 60 mph winds.

One poor chap had his glasses blow right off his face and spent quite a bit of time searching through the shrubbery to find them. It was as if Mother Nature was playing hide and seek with him. Not sure if he ever did find them. Chalk one up for Mama Natch.

Meanwhile, Tom and I took turns standing with our arms outstretched, like a couple of goofy kids, leaning forward and letting the wind hold us up. It felt a bit like flying, flying over a red carpet of paaahhhhhhhppies!

So, if you’re ever in the area, say around April, you really must stop by and see this wonder of the natural world. But hopefully, for your full enjoyment, the winds will be a bit more tame and the wee poppies will be coaxed into opening up and showing their full glory.