Things derive their being and nature by mutual dependence and are nothing in themselves. —Nāgārjuna, second-century Buddhist philosopher The Meditation (My Trip into Crazy Town) Truth is a provisional construct, the integrity of which is only as good as the reliability of the source. We all know this on some level. Without some basic agreement… Continue reading Winter – 2020 Trail Observations
Pacific Pea and California Hedge Nettle
Etz Meloy is one of my favorite trails, but I decided to hike Backbone in the opposite direction yesterday. I followed the trail until it came to an intersection with the Zuma Ridge trail, then continued on Zuma Ridge up to Buzzard’s Roost, then turned back and retraced my steps. Just after I started walking,… Continue reading Pacific Pea and California Hedge Nettle
Urbane Digger Bee and Sleeping on Flowers
Among the several native bee species that showed up to forage for pollen and nectar in our yard this summer was the Urbane Digger bee, Anthophora urbana. The first individual I observed was working the flowers on a couple of large Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) shrubs that I planted three years ago. Cleveland Sage is… Continue reading Urbane Digger Bee and Sleeping on Flowers
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
A Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) feeds on Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) flowers in Sapwi Trails Community Park in Thousand Oaks, California.