A Walk in the Sun

No Sun for days......the *Mini-Winter* held those of us who live in San Francisco *prisoner*.  Today, though, the Sun arrived!  Of course, I dashed out, camera in hand, to hike and *breathe* the Sun, take some photos - and share with you!  So, come along...

Sun sparkling on a small waterfall at Lucas Studios.  (Yes, that's George Lucas of *Star Wars* and *American Graffitti*!)  He built a multi-complex area in what use to be Letterman Veterans Hospital in the Presidio. It's lovely, inviting and open to everyone - not just employees. After hiking though it, I am just a block away from the Palace of Fine Arts and.....*My Swans*.  
I immediately began looking for the parents and the six Cygnets.....

One Grey Cygnet

One Grey, one White....look at those relaxed feet!

Okay...everyone is here!

The Swan Flotilla!

 A Blue Heron in repose.....  he thought he was *hidden away*....but I found him!  A-ha-ha!

Concentrating on finding .....LUNCH!

Back at Lucas Studios......I fell in love with these lovelies....

I know, I know, I should have saved this for Animal Wednesday.....but, I couldn't wait....I had to share!

It's amazing what a little sunshine can do to bring a smile to ones face!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Colours - Blue

Living in a City surrounded by water on three sides....there is a lot of BLUE to be found.  (Of course, not always in the grey, foggy *Summer* sky!) But, whenever one encounters anything BLUE, it really brightens one's spirit, don't you agree?

At least three shades of BLUE in this photo !

This little Guy IS a Blue Bird...his feathers underneath are blue, blue, BLUE!

I took this from my roof last October - it' s the BLUE ANGELS flying in a Blue Sky!  I had to use it!

I wish I didn't find trash in every colour I post about....people are so lazy and thoughtless!
I did pick this up and remove it!

Delighted to find a Blue Austin Cooper!

And.....for my "Piece d'Resistance*...  Mr. Stellar Blue Jay...isn't he the most beautiful shade!!!

 I hope this homage to BLUE brightened your day!  It did mine!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Birds of a Feather

I've had a busy few weeks....with *guests* from Holland and Norway.. did a LOT of climbing, walking, walking, climbing....and now, for the first time in months, my knee (remember my torn knee ligament?), hurts.  I need rest....but it's impossible as the Water Department is in the midst of tearing up my street and replacing the Water Pipes.....  NOISY is an understatement....so, from 8-6...I must flee....
But, before I limp off into the morning, I want to share some photos of Feathered Ones I *met* these past few weeks.

Fresh (really fresh) Dungness Crab!

The Palace of Fine Arts Swans and their Six Cygnets.. 2 months old!

Hmmm...does anyone know what this fellow is?  Sized like a Blue Heron, but he's  brown and spotted!

Mama and Baby Gull on Alcatraz

Cormorants *guard* the Rock!  Sorry it's blurry...

Look closely.....I captured these Blackbirds in mid-air!  Love this photo!

Mr. Red-Winged Blackbird

Mr. Muscovy Duck

Ah, my beloved Stellar Jays......I am so enthralled with their beauty - and their intelligence!

The Jay on the right was talking to his friend....they were having a little argument about Peanuts!

I stashed some peanuts hollowed-out tree....Mr. Jay found them in 10 seconds!

Enroute to Baker Beach, this little one *posed* for me....you can't tell in this photo, but when he spreads his wings, all his inner feathers are as blue as the Stellar Jay......let me know if you *recognise* him!

Okay....the pounding outside has begun.....time to go!

HAW!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

"The Rock"....

We opted for a *Night Tour* of Alcatraz...this enabled us to see a little more than those people who visit during the *Day Tours*.  As we began the rocky climb to the actual prison, the clouds parted for a minute and a bit of blue peeked through.

Alcatraz is home to many different species of Birds........but on this very cold and late day, I only saw the current *Sentinels of the Rock* - Seagulls!
There were hundreds of them...their cries filling the darkening sky as they soared through the clouds - or stood watch.

Still climbing upwards....I heard a *Caw - Caw*....and a Raven landed!  Look closely amid the greenery and you will see his shiny black feathers!  Lo, you send your emissaries everywhere!

Almost to the top entrance where prisoners entered and were led to their cells.

Although I have grown up in the *Shadow* of Alcatraz.....I had no idea of how utterly grim it was inside.  The cells were unbelievably tiny.... a large man would have only a few feet to move about....I was almost overcome by the still-stifling rows of tiny, airless cells.  It was a sobering experience.

In the only area with some room....the "Library"....  three tired visitors....

I didn't know if I would have the courage to actually enter one of the isolation cells....but I decided I should...this was shot from the back of this very tiny, dark cell.  Imagine spending months in here....

Putting on a *Brave Smile*....but I really couldn't wait to get back outside...

 The view across the Bay to San Francisco......

 The Lighthouse....

Outside, though, I found some incredible beauty (yes, really).....  for one thing, there were many Baby Seagulls....fluffy and peeping away.....

Beautiful, lush banks of Wild Flowers......

As we began our descent to the Ferry back to San Francisco, the Sun actually appeared for a Golden-Rose minute - casting warm rays over the Bay, Angel Island...and even Alcatraz.

I think we all were ready to leave.....  it was a somber experience.....but one that also enlightened.  Now, we returned to San Francisco for a late, but welcome dinner.  It has been a very long, cold day.....but spending it in the company of wonderful, warm friends guaranteed it to be a memorable day - always.

I hope you enjoyed visiting *The Rock* with us!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥