4/6,

Another quiet day allowing me to catch up- it's amazing how much catching up is needed!

There's a billion flies making my life a little challenging.

I think a few more birds, bats or lizards would be nice- take out some of these pests. At least they're not biting pests!

Another distraction- jets just flew over- fun! On the way into Ridgecrest, a F18 came over the ridge, treetop level and flew down the road towards me- cool! Just one.

Yesterday I found my way to the Olancha pass trailhead. It's a nice place at the base of the Sierras. The trail is steady and steep, yesterday was 2.5 miles, 1800 feet elevation gain, that's a workout. There are plenty of wildflowers, but they're miniature for the most part. There seems to be a competition between the desert and alpine zones for the most miniature and dispersed wildflowers.

Last night the stars were amazing! When they're so clear and bright, I can see how they were used for navigation, which is mindboggling in its own.

I'm enjoying watching the birds, and using the Merlin app to help identify them. Most are pretty common, but that's still fun. Somehow they know when the app is open because they quit talking.

It's stunning that Diesel is around $7.50 per gallon- I was complaining when it was over $5. the tools that we have are amazing though, with the gas stations including prices available on google maps. That sure helps optimize the trip and minimize the cost. I really don't like to be chasing around for the lowest price, I end up spending the $ on extra fuel to find fuel…. It's hard to imagine navigating and planning without google maps any more.

Ok, let's find some pics….

The desert wildflowers , much like alpine flowers seem to hide in plain sight. Miniature, sparce and often lost in the rest of the shrubbery.