"My Paradise"

Absolutely outstanding! Is this up there in our favorite little spot? I think, based upon your sunset photograph, that this too was taken up Breckenridge Road. Terrific composition and exposure. You sure found a nice patch of blooming fiddleneck flowers. Great clouds and sky too! You always get the clouds and skies (sigh). Any sign of poppies yet? Cheers! Chris

Thanks for looking and offering yor thoughts and impressions!! The Larger view works best.

Thanks Chris for the comment. I refer to this area as "My Paradise" because every time I have travelled here to explore, I have never encountered another soul, maybe a cattle farmers truck going in the opposite direction, but never anyone recreating or, for sure, photographing these marvelous hills just outside of Bakersfield. The Breckenridge Road travels up the side of Breckenridge Mountain. At over 7 grand, it is one of the predominent mountains in view from Bakersfield. The first 15 miles pass through cattle grazing pastures that display "No Trespassing" signs and barbed wire fences. Beyond that point, however, there are ample locations that offer no resistance other than the occasional Rattler. For this reason, I consider it mine as a photographer and you will need to consult with me before any day use. I will surely grant permission!!

Well, I am asking for forgiveness (for poaching on your ground), my friend. I went up here on Sunday. You're right, all the 'No Trespassing' signs are a bit off-putting; but I made the best of it. You were also right about the rattlers. I ran into three as I wandered about the landscapes on Breckenridge; and then two more over on 'my ground' on Bear Mountain. Geez, they were all lean and mean and thoroughly pissed off. A couple of 'em were only three or four feet away from me by the time we both realized we were in each other's way! Are you back from St. Louis yet? Cheers! Chris

SoCal Chris is by all means exempt from permission, except for the occasional Rattler. I have no control over their disposition. My disposition, however, is that you were here before me. Maybe not this particular area, but the overall region is yours before mine. You put before my eyes the character and personality of the southern california flow, the SoCal elegance that so few seem to recognize and embrace. We embrace what is right before us, maybe a bit untidy, a bit dry and desolate, a bit unsavory, but right before us, honest and forthright, a region that posseses a personality unique from all the rest. You and I and a few others can see what so many others are eager to look past. If they could only take a walk with us in our shoes and see the real beauty, while perhaps without an apparent connection, the real world without the ornaments of nature, only the purest and most simple of elements. I like this place as well as you do. A pissed Rattler just makes it more interesting and intrigueing.

Fine detail with a oh so wonderful composition. Very well done, Mark!