Sunday, March 13, 2005

Poppies! Poppies!



The one good result from all the rain we've been getting is the plethora of spring wildflowers that are blooming here right now. One thing we've never done is to see the poppies at the poppy reserve in Antelope Valley, about a hour and 15 minute drive from us. It's amazing how quickly you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere on a Saturday morning (forget about driving there during the week!).


The thing about poppies (which is California's state flower) is that they only bloom for about a month each year. So you have to catch them pretty quickly. They say that the peak blooming time will be later this month, so if you get a chance, go! go! go! We didn't think we'd have time to make it there later in the month. Just be sure to go on a sunny day. As the day went on, the poppies opened up more and more. Their color is so bright it almost hurts your eyes.


It's amazing to look out onto the landscape and see the hills painted with color. So pretty!


There were lots of bugs and lizards. And a bird that kept whistling the theme to "Sanford and Son". Go on, sing the first four notes of it! That's what it kept singing.


The weather was perfect, started around 70 degrees and was up to 80 by about 11:00. We made it there around 9:15, and when we left there was a line to get in.


It was slightly surreal to come back home with the clouds and fog. There was a 20 degree difference between here and there. So, if you have an inkling for some pretty flowers, I highly recommend going.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos, I love the one of you amidst all the poppies. And comments sure keep the blog going, thanks for all yours!

Sarita said...

Wow! Amazing! We went for a hike today too but I was all bundled up with a scarf and hat - the scenary is still the many shades of gray. Great photos! I can't wait for spring to come here...

robtk said...

To get to the poppies from LA,

take the 405 North, to the 5 North. Then take the 14 North...

Directions from website.
The Reserve is located 15 miles west of Lancaster on Avenue I. Take the Avenue I off ramp from the 14 Freeway, head west 15 miles to the Poppy Reserve.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

As soon as you get off at Avenue I, there are signs to follow and it is super easy to find.

huay in LA said...

that's hot!
su and sue and me were also hot in anza borrega - the land of desert flowers!
i will figure out how to post images and i'll show you what we saw.

huay in LA said...

that's hot!
su and sue and me were also hot in anza borrega - the land of desert flowers!
i will figure out how to post images and i'll show you what we saw.