Ramrod Ranch 2011

 

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Local Corner of Paradise

From many  of us, we see far away places as enticing, exotic and out of reach.   But many times we do not see the wonder of our own backyard, even as we gaze upon what eludes us.   The scenes are part of our everyday and could not possibly hold anything exciting, or be worth taking some time to experience.   Ramrod Ranch is one of these places.   Situated in the Carmel Valley along the coastal mountains, it is another part of  this spectacular state that reveals  itself along a winding country road.

I was fortunate to get a glimpse into this isolated paradise thru an invitation by one of my mentors, Christopher.   He started me on a path towards photography, not by teaching all there is to know, but by instilling an appreciation of the power of photography and how it can transform an image floating in your mind, that has presented itself in the viewfinder, into something that can be touched and shared.   Photography showcases your inner mind and thoughts to the outside world.

I have given you the Where (sorry, no GPS coordinates for this one) and the Why, now for the Who and What.   First some shots of the grounds and landscape!                       

Carmel Valley Jun 2011 Photo Set Up Jun 2011 Blinds at Pond Jun 2011 Blinds in Field Jun 2011 Rustic Ranch Jun 2011

Carmel Valley

Photo Pond

Blinds at the Pond

Blinds in the Field

Rustic Cabin

The Birds

The main attraction to this coastal spot is the wildlife, mostly manifested in a healthy bird population.   This is home to foxes, coyotes, mountain lions and a bevy of other four footed creatures, but the birds are drawn to this spot.   Whether it is the quiet wide open spaces, the year round playground afforded by a temperate climate or the fact that there is a bird feeder every ten feet and at least a ton of high quality bird feed available.   In either case, they like it here!

Flycatcher Inbound Jun 2011 California Quail Jun 2011 Scrub Jay Jun 2011 California Towhee Jun 2011

California Thrasher Jun 2011

Ash-Throated Flycatcher

California Quail

Scrub jay

California Towhee

California Thrasher

The Company

No getaway weekend is complete without a band of merry men!   Bruce our host, thanks for the accommodations and invite.   Christopher, the keeper of a sourdough starter from the Sierra foothills that turns into killer flapjacks or pancakes, I can never get those straight.   And Crocker, who drives a ton of miles just to be with the other two to see what mayhem they can raise.   There is a lot of jesting, good nature joking, reminiscing old tales from  the Photo Wars and adult beverage consumption, with an ample supply on-hand at all times.   And to round it out, a larder that contains consumables that could be candidates for the Antiques Roadshow. Cheers to you all!

Parting Images

Cattails Apr 2011 Fence lizard Apr 2011 Merriams Chipmunck Apr 2011 Ghost oak tree Apr 2011 Relaxing on the ranch Apr 2011

Cat Tails

Fence Lizard

Merriam's Chipmunk

Oak Ghost Tree

Relaxing

May our paths and errands meet

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