Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Place: Ramble in the creek.......

There is a sea fig-infested creek near by our apartment. Hundreds of California ground squirrel inhabit in that thickets. On either side of the gully there are huge pine trees. The ground below squishy with the thick quilt of dried needles topped with abundant cones create a magical picture. The distant end of the creek is shadowed by a grove of red ironbark trees. In winter the towering trees bloom clusters of pink flowers and look amazing. The ground below is carpeted with profusion of low-lying shrubs with dense yellow flowers. This wild patch is sandwiched by freeways, yet pristine in its own right. I love exploring it and watch the fiery orb sinking behind the trees.

Last time when I had explored the area, it was winter. So, obvious changes were visible. The thick carpet of sea fig was no more lush green and the flowers had long withered. However, the orange-yellow ground cover had its own appeal. I spotted countless burrows on the adjoining area, but sadly, not a single ground squirrel showed up. The creek bed was dry but myriad shapely pebbles could be found. A fence lizard was sunning on a stump. Approaching towards the low-hanging pines, I saw a falcon flying by. As I stepped on the squishy needle carpet, it felt cozier than a mattress. The sea of scattered cones looked inviting as if calling me to pile them up and play with. From the countless spider webs on the needle carpet, it was evident that hardly anyone drops in here. I walked towards the iron bark gum grove. The clusters of red flowers abounding in winter had turned into capsules. The low-lying prostrate acacia looked dull as well without the flood of yellow blossoms. Nothing extraordinary to see, yet it made a refreshing, invigorating ramble.....
Sea-fig carpet in summer..........

Ground squirrel dens.............

The dry creek bed.........




Rows of pine trees......

Scattered cones on the needle blanket............

Countless spiderwebs.........

Low-lying prostrate acacia.........

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