Taking Flight
California Poppy Reserve - 2008

One more for the road

Descanso Gardens - 2008

The Calm Before the Storm

Folks, this feature has now been running for almost one full year. Much as I hate to interupt the feature, I can't guarantee updates over the next few weeks. The Nature photo of the day will return to regular daily postings on July 21st, 2008.

Best wished to all of you watching

California Poppy Reserve - 2008

Los Angeles Zoo - 2008

Descanso Gardens - 2008

Los Angeles Zoo - 2008
or
"I'm a bear and they gave me kibbles and celery?!

California Poppy Reserve - 2008

Only 7 before the movers arrive

Los Angeles Zoo - 2008

Devils Punchbowl - 2007

Ever get the feeling you're being watched?...

Los Angeles Zoo - 2008

Given that southern California used to be a major oil producing region and there are many wells still operating here, I found it ironic to see a 60+ acre gasoline refinery completely decommissioned. The site was eerily quiet and surreal. Here’s the remainder of the site. Sorry for the delay, but getting ready to move is taking a large amount of time and planning.

The Refinery



( Industrial decay [13 behind the cut] )

Descanso Gardens - 2008

This is one of the reasons I will hate leaving my California home. The almond trees in full bloom in my back yard (March - 2008).

Given that southern California used to be a major oil producing region and there are many wells still operating here, I found it ironic to see a 60+ acre gasoline refinery completely decommissioned. The site was eerily quiet and surreal. I’m breaking the refinery pictures into two sets merely for size of the download.

The Refinery



( Industrial decay [21 behind the cut] )

Descanso Gardens - 2008

Los Angeles Zoo - 2008

Even with the mild distortion caused by the fence, I think I did this fellow justice.

Descanso Gardens (La Canada) - 2008

LA Zoo - 2008

California Poppy Reserve - 2008

Last summer badgerphone, my kids and I went out to meet and explore a site referred to me by horizon_eyes - an abandoned oil refinery. Given that southern California used to be a major oil producing region and there are many wells still operating here, I found it ironic to see a 60+ acre gasoline refinery completely decommissioned. We got there before our companions and had the chance to explore three houses which lay abandoned outside the refinery gates.

House 2 & 3



( Little (crack) house of horrors [20 behind the cut] )