Saturday's Hunting Trip

[shaklee909]

Since having a somewhat successful hunt the week before, I had been planning Saturday’s hunt all week. After spending hours reviewing the reports, looking at maps, and studying weather patterns, I plotted a course to the site that would offer the greatest chance for success.
I packed my Steed with all the necessary gear.
The tank was full. The air was cool. It is time to roll.


From my detailed and exhaustive study I identified the best spot to find and capture my prey. That spot is Hwy 223 between Hwy 58 and Arvin, a distance of 140 miles from my home to the edge of the most likely hunting grounds. In case of the unlikely event of failure I plotted my return route to take me past other possible sighting areas.

Riding up 15 to the 395 in the early morning is always a nice ride. In an hour I am at Four Corners at the intersection of Hwy 58 and 395. I didn't need food or fuel, so I pressed on to my first stop at Mojave.
Airline junkyard


My first sighting is a bit disappointing. Only a few blooms. But no problem, my real destination is still 30 minutes up the road.


After a quick stop in Tehachapi to fill the tank and pick up a bottle of water, I am about to enter my hunting grounds.
I make the left turn of the 58 and onto the 223 and climb to the top of the hill.





Success? No not really, I was hunting for a truly spectacular display of spring wild flowers.
In years past this has been the spot, but not this year, at least not today.
So I head down the road toward Arvin. As I make the turn in the road and start to descend to the valley I see this.



Hmmm starting to look good. Maybe my analysis wasn't so far off.

[shaklee909]

Further down the road I find the hunting fields I had read about.


My mounted camera is still snapping and catches me with my weapon of choice.


I am not alone in my hunting grounds.




But there is more than enough for everyone. And I pack up and head down to Arvin for lunch.


Arvin is a farming town. Not much here, but Burger King is here and I am very hungry.
After a quick lunch, feeling good about my catches so far, I head down to the I-5, and up the Grapevine to Hwy 138 to a State Park I had learned about during my research.
Author B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park.
I can't find much on it except for the Start Parks’ website where I learn the park is at the corner of 210st and Lancaster Rd. Here is what I find

I look back to see if I missed something.


Nope. Nothing there, so I just turn left to go back to the Poppy Reserve
But look what I find a quarter mile down the road.


The poppies at the reserve are starting to show, but still at least a week before peak.
I took a lot more pictures you can see here
http://www.kewlpics.net/stevea/Rides...1409/index.htm
My route
http://tinyurl.com/bpuuxa
A long day, about 320 miles and a lot of smiles.

[JimmieS]

Ahh, I've been waiting for the spring flower Pictures and Rides to show up! Good job

Thanks for sharing!

Cheers!

[an old mans eyes]

Steve it looks as if you did have success on your hunting trip. Nice pics, you can feel the riding season coming into bloom...Rick

[stephenwc]

Fabulous stuff Steve

Nearly didn't read this post as I thought it might be about animals...

I would have missed a treat.

This is my favourite shot - Would make a great jigsaw puzzle


Gorgeous sight.

Thanks for the hunt.

Stephen

[SklyWag]

Originally Posted by stevewc

Attachment 89725

Why do you post this stuff, who wants to see all these flowered fields, they just cause allergies and for those of us still fighting off winter cause unbelievable cabin fever.

Ok, so we are still dealing with winter & cabin fever but those are just some great shots.

I think we are going to need to make a sanity trip over the mountain.

[owrstrich]

nice shaklee909...

thanks for the heads up... gonna have to beat it up there before its too late...

fantastic shots... some of mother natures finest display of color...

j o

[MR.AJ]

WOW, cough, sniff, sputter, ahchoo... Aren't those flowers pretty? Nice shots Steve.
Mr AJ

[Ally House]

Nice post; love the tounge in cheek "hunting" reference. I love poppies, and with the cold rain from the weekend, your post was just what I needed.

[Catenaccio]

Amazing colors and great pics!