A sea of orange

DSC_0224, originally uploaded by kkathy.

OK, so I missed Halloween by a couple of days. These pumpkins can work for all of Fall!

Smoke

DSC_0262, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The smoke was so thick it blocked the sun

Fire Storm

DSC_0263, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Sunday, smoke from the fire near us.

View of San Francisco from Alcatraz

View od San Francisco from Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

San Francisco is a long swim from Alcatraz.

The Yard at Alcatraz

The Yard at Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Look at the view from the yard! Probably made it even worse to be in lock-up. Stretch your legs a bit....

Behind the Cells at Alcatraz

Behind the Cells at Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

If you want out, you'll have to dig through your back wall. From there you will enter this hall, it's up to you now to find your way out.....

Up the Hill

Up the Hill, originally uploaded by kkathy.

OK Back to San Francisco and Alcatraz....

The cell block tour is 1/4mile from the dock and a 130ft elevation change.


Start walking.....

Yo Ho Yo Ho!!

Pirate Cruise!, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Ahoy! In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day me hearties!!! Now go out and spread the Arrrrrs!!!


We now return you to your regularly scheduled photo blog................

About to tour Alcatraz

About to tour Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Everyone gathered at the dock to listen to the rules and regulations speech and to hear about the basic History of the Island before we headed off to tour.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

In October 2006 we went to San Francisco for a few days. We flew in to SFO, got our car and checked in at our Hotel. From there we drove up to Fisherman's Wharf to have the most amazing Clam Chowder in a bread bowl and take Photos. This is the first one. Alcatraz!

Hummingbird Lunch

Hummingbird Lunch, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The little bird buzzed in for her lunch, then buzzed off again.

Squirrel Lunch

Snacking, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The little tree squirrel sat next to the park bench eating its acorn.

Mockingbird lunch

DSC_0809, originally uploaded by kkathy.

As I got a closer look at the mockingbird I noticed that it had a small green worm in it's beak. Lunch?

Charlotte

Charlotte, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The cat sat, slightly hidden by the grasses, watching for prey.

Leafy Sea Dragon

DSC_0513, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Floating along serenely, the leafy sea dragon blended in with his surrounding. His fluid movement was barely noticeable and it was difficult to see him from afar. This amazing sea creature is docile and can easily be mistaken as a plant. This beautiful creature is a protected species because of threat of extinction.

Diver

DSC_0482, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I walked down to view the gallery tank from below where the diver talk about the sea life and feed the fish

Unicorns do exist!

DSC_0510, originally uploaded by kkathy.

In the large gallery tank I spotted Unicorn Fish. Can you see their horn?

Ray

DSC_0470, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I strolled out of the Lorikeet aviary and over to the little pool that held some other creatures. The sting rays were swimming around allowing everyone to touch their smooth skin.

Keeping watch

DSC_0459, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Other Lorikeets were walking around on sentry duty, keeping a close eye on anyone or anything near the nest.

Lorikeet

DSC_0449, originally uploaded by kkathy.

His little beady eyes watched as I passed. I did not know at the time, but below him, in a small nest dug under a rock, were eggs.

Sunset Clouds

Sunset Clouds, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The sun sets, illuminating the clouds, bringing and end to another beautiful day.

End of Spring

DSC_0028, originally uploaded by kkathy.

As I left the pond area I walked past the tall grasses and noticed that their once lively blooms had faded to drying pods of seed.

lizard

lizard, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Near the edge of the pond there were blocks of granite where statues rested and lizards played.

Pond plants

Pond plants, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Near the little white flower floated some water plants that looked like four leaf clovers. A little fly was sunning itself on one of the plants.

Flower and Fish

Flower and Fish, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The little white flower caught my eye. It was about the size of a dime and was isolated from the rest of the flowers in the pond. The little fish was darting around the base, eating the things that little fish eat.

Lily Pads Part 2

Lilly Pads, originally uploaded by kkathy.

As I got closer to the pond, I noticed that under the lily pads the water was clear. The pod was filled with plants and tiny fish that were darting about. The world below the surface was completely unaware of the vastness above it.

Lily Pads

Lily Pads, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Through the tall grass I could see the lily pads, with their purple flowers, basking in the sunlight.

Rose

DSC_0803, originally uploaded by kkathy.

6:00am, the sprinklers had just shut off. The droplets of water looked like tiny gems covering the roses.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This beautiful Bird of Paradise is so colorful and tropical.

Fred

DSC_0055_Fred_face, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Today's shot is of Fred. Isn't he handsome!

Sunflower

Sunflower, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Looking up I saw the biggest sunflower I had ever seen! The stem, rising nine feet in the air, was as big around as my forearm. The beautiful flower was just past its prime and was leaning over as the seeds began to ripen.

Itch

Itch, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Today's photo is the baby from yesterday. This little one had an itch on his head.

Mom and Baby

Mom and Baby, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Welcome to my photo-a-day blog.

This is a doe and fawn that were wandering around the mall area eating Jacaranda blossoms. This baby is one of the three that I have seen this year. The other two appear to be twins.