As noon approached on May 5 (yesterday as I write this), I stirred my lethargic legs, disengaged my brain from yet another YouTube nature/science documentary, and set out to make a short hike I had been procrastinating for a couple of weeks. I’m sure glad I did because… you never know what you might see.
Gansner Creek (see here for a topo map of same) is but one of many small tributaries flowing down the north-facing slopes of the ring of mountains that surround American Valley, CA. As a young boy I often played in and around this little creek where it flowed very close by my house, but for some reason never hiked up the old, now disused road that follows along it. Before I made yesterday’s hike I looked at it on Google Earth. It showed a small pond about a mile up. Have camera, will walk.
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The first thing I came upon of photo interest was Mountain Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) in expansive spring flower. It grows in profusion around here.
Just a bit further on I discovered this old bridge spanning Gansner Creek. I wondered about its purpose. It was by no means ever strong enough to support a log truck, but it was certainly built sturdy enough for regular vehicle traffic. I didn’t cross it to see where its road went, but I will return some day just to find out.
One thing I do know about Quincy’s history is that Gansner Creek provided water for generating the town’s electricity way back in the day. This is a photo of the building where that generator was housed. I’ve been inside many times; all the foundations for the machinery are still there.
But I digress. This hike was to get some photos of the flora and fauna along the way.
And then there were these. OH MY!
This, I did not expect. Although bears are very common and well-populated around here, being wary and shy of humans they are not seen that often. Before this encounter I have seen a bear only twice since 2005 and then only at a glimpse as they immediately made an exit run. For these bears to be apparently unaware of my presence (I was, fortunately, downwind and about thirty yards away) was a most serendipitous occasion. This is my first photograph, ever, of a bear, not to mention a family of bears.
I snapped this photo, and then very quietly sat down to go for another. In the few seconds that elapsed the bears were gone. So I count myself very, very lucky to have got the one.
The end of the trail was only about five minutes away. When I got there I found further quite recent evidence of these bears, but for those who are not comfortable with animal scatology I will forego the photos. Suffice it to say that my prying curiosity allowed me to conclude that the bears were feeding on grass.
I would like to close with a couple of photos of the pond and a few words about its unnatural structure.
So, like I say, if you get out and about you never know what you might see. Don’t forget your camera.
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Now It's Your Turn
What have you noted happening in your area or travels? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.
Thank you.