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The New Year Awaits, Santa Monica Pier


Warm greetings and Happy New Year!

In late December, I traveled to Southern California to work on a children's education and entertainment consulting project.  All went well. 

Late one evening, I drove to the beach in Santa Monica to walk in the soft sand, listen to the waves, and gaze at the stars.  To be clear, I was searching for twinkly lights in the sky as opposed to coveted sightings of those elusive celebrities rumored to live in L.A.
 
The image above arrives courtesy of my very soggy sneakers.  I had the chance to dance with the ocean while juggling my camera.  On several occasions, the water rushed in much faster than I rushed out.  Good fun. 

As reflected above, Santa Monica Pier was alive with motion, color, and the familiar sounds of an amusement park.  An iconic roller coaster clicked and clanked.  A ferris wheel turned slowly in the cold night.  A Christmas tree with hundreds of bright purple lights stood tall.  Screams of fear and joy pierced the night from guests on fast moving rides.

While I stood on the beach, my thoughts returned to teenage years and summer nights at the tattered Boardwalk Amusement Park in Santa Cruz.  I was reminded of hours of playful meandering with friends, excitement from an absorption in "the moment," and many bone-rattling rides and adventures. 

This picture may bring back memories for you as well. 
         

Celebrating The Holidays, Venice Beach Canal District


When I left Santa Monica Pier, I drove south along the coast to Venice Beach to see the Venice Canal District at night.  The image above reflects a large home on one of the canals. I was captivated by the white, glass lanterns glowing in the dark blue night under the tree.

If you get a chance to wander about in this area in the evening, especially during the holidays, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity.  Proximity to the Pacific Ocean, glassy channels of still water, and a mixture of modern, bohemian, untamed, and traditional architecture combine with sprinkles of palm trees, soft light, and a mellow flow of life.  It's a unique setting.

On December 31st, I finished my consulting project and headed north.  The New Year awaited.  I felt a pull toward the wilderness and the sense of spirit I often find in raw, open spaces. 

I decided to explore Sequoia National Park.  Two days without a plan in this open space felt like a gift.  This was my first trip to this area.

The gateway to this national park is "Three Rivers," a small town with a few scattered stores, several gas stations, local stores, and colorful diners. 

As I drove east into the foothills, the last remnants of fall colors were evident.  Deep red and orange tones linger. 



Morning Light, Fall Colors, Foothills Near Sequoia National Park


To arrive at Sequoia National Park from the west, one follows a very windy uphill road that extends from Route 198.  The terrain undulates and rises toward snowy peaks and tree-lined valleys.  Pale green and brown earth tones, bare tree trunks and bushes, and rocky, weathered landscape emerge.



Foothills, West Edge, Sequoia National Park


Snow and ice became part of the journey at about 3,500 feet.  Chains and four-wheel-drive requirements were in place.   

I spent two nights in a small motel near the entrance to the park.  

During New Year's day and January 2nd, I explored trails and the park's landmarks with snowshoes, rubber boots, and a joyful heart.

Most of the park is situated at 6,500 to 7,500 feet in elevation - plenty of thin air to challenge this sea-level oriented boy.

You may enjoy a few images from the park.



Standing Tall, Winter Colors In Sequoia National Park


Many of the sequoia trees in the park are over 2,000 years old and stand over 250 feet tall. 

It's incredible to reflect on the life experience these trees hold.



Soaring Cathedral, Sequoia National Park


The above image was taken on a five hour snowshoe trip into Crescent Meadow. 

Producing a picture with your back on the soft snow is great fun until you try to get up on your feet. You then search for a firm surface and recognize you are not likely to gain standing form for some time.  Laughter is helpful.


Crescent Meadow, Sequoia National Park


The View From Below, A 270 Foot Tree's Root Structure, Sequoia National Park

Tracks On The Snow (Around A Large, Frozen, Hershey's Kiss!), Sequoia National Park


Sunset Through The Grove, Sequoia National Park


Inner Strength, Tall Trees Loop, Sequoia National Park


Frozen, Sequoia National Park


Wrinkles Of Wisdom, General Sherman Tree, Sequoia National Park


The image above is from the tree skin at the base of the "largest tree in the world." 

The General Sherman Sequoia is reputed to maintain the greatest "mass" of any living tree.  Yes.  This tree has "girth" and height to impress. 

I wonder what my skin would look like after a few thousand years of winter, lightning strikes, a gazillion hours of sunlight and dry wind, and limited access to Botox?  In truth, General Sherman is doing quite well.

At the end of my second day, I stood in the snow on a ridge at the western edge of the park for about an hour and a half watching light shift and fade as sunset emerged. 

Mist and haze rolled into the canyons.  Peaks and valleys softened.  The colors shifted from gray and blue to orange and red.  Loved it.



Sunset, Western Ridge, Sequoia National Park


I was home in S.F. later this same night.  I left this remarkable open space with a desire to return.  The scenic trails, vivid color, way tall. crazy beautiful trees, and unique landscape captivated my spirit. 

I hope your holidays were wonderful and wish you well as we ramp up for 2013.

Jeff 


About Jeffrey Davis

Jeff is an award winning public television producer, documentary film director, passionate photographer and advocate, nonprofit fundraiser, management consultant, wilderness fan, athlete, and lifelong student.  He brings twenty-five years of marketing, general management, and strategy experience with leading commercial and nonprofit organizations to his work. 

Jeff's photography website is at: www.jeffreydavisphotography.com