We are parked at Solano County Park which is located on Putah Creek. We drove up the creek to the dam at Barryessa Lake which discharges water into the creek. On the one side we saw verdant life along the creek. Across the road we saw the devastation from last year's fire. In several areas there have been fires on both sides of the creek.
Those three dots at the bottom of the image . . . in the creek . . . they are beavers at play.
Some trees are dead. Other trees flaunt green leaves.
Some trees are partially dead, confused but trying to live. Others are very much done with life.
As we got close to Berryessa Lake we began to see moss on trees. I was surprised. There is about 24.22 inches of rain, mostly in the winter. Plus, a marine layer exists that finds its way as far as the dam. Both weather factors support some moss on trees.
Sunrise on Putah Creek from the bridge.
The burned hillside gives a pink glow at sunrise. The left hill is recovering from a fire two years ago and the right side is burned from the fire just one year ago. The creek supports a narrow verdant world for birds and beavers.
As the sun rises . . .
While the RVs camp on one side of the road, day use picnic revelers have the spot across the road. The whole complex is huge. There is a boat ramp and I have seen kayaks or canoes for rent but not when Tom took this image.
Budgets are tight and this Nature Center appears to be unmanned most of the time. There is space inside for classes.
There must be 30+ peacocks freely roaming the park. We have little puffball babies and ugly adolescents. The males are molting and any attempt to display is probably met with total disinterest at this time.
All for now. We are happy campers with large trees on both side of our home. When I look out the front window I feel like I am living in a tree house!