Old California

Old California still exists just a short distance from home. A couple of hours and worlds apart, the legacy of three centuries past is still evident in the quiet valleys speckled with mature oaks and highest peaks topped with sugar pines. Grinding stones and well worn rocks whisper about the native people who thrived here. A Franciscan mission provides a more recent connection, somewhat controversially, to how California used to look in the late 1600's. With the current burgeoning population it is a wonder to find these places hidden between the largest urban areas of our country.
The images are from a weekend with friends celebrating the passage of time.

All images can be opened to a larger format.

Fiscal Memories

Whoever said that change is the only constant had this year in mind. I'm not one to reminisce through my past 12 months, but the previous dozen have set the standard for "New Year".
Luckily for me I record most of it and get to take a visual look back to see how I got to now.
We each have our annual memory, mine challenged with important passages, losses and gains, and beautiful time with friends and family.
The images here are not so much a representation of my photography, but a thank you to all who helped me pass through the year. Each friend is held closely, remembered for the time we spent, and for the year we have spent together.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year as we continue forward. Good health, laughter, love, and plenty of time to enjoy them all.
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January:

 California Storms

Santa Rosa Creek

Pacific Latte

Morro Bay Breakwater

February:

Herb Moss, 1917 - 2017

February 21, Palm Desert

Women's March, SLO

The Galley

 March:

Celebrating a life

Family

 April:

Spring in the Eastern Sierra

A record snowpack

Cottonwood Lakes Road

May:

Immigration, a Father's Return

June:

Graduation

July:

Reunion

 August:

Mt. Whitney

Sisterhood

Early Fall Color, Colorado

Racoons, photo: Xavi Fane

Morning Commute

Aspen Trees 

An Invitation

The evening ritual with friends

Rest stop on top

Taking care of his flock

Monument Valley in the distance

 September:

Another Passage, San Luis Obispo

Moonstone Beach

October:

In the Water, photo: Natalie Michaels

November:

Piedras Blancas Motel, the end of an era

Stormy days

December:

Santa Ana Winds, Piedras Blancas

Fire

Sunset near the end of the year.