#pinnacles national park
Yesterday, while doing homework at school, I had the not so surprising urge to go hiking. I’ve been wanting to go back to Pinnacles since I first went a little over a year ago, so I packed up my boring school supplies, hopped in the car and drove off.
About ten feet from the park gate, I saw a bobcat and was able to follow it down into a bushed area by a creek, where it hung out and let me take some portraits. Hiking up to the rock formations I passed a photographer climbing down and he asked if I was planning of take photos of the full moon. I didn’t even know there was a full moon that evening, so of course I said, heck yeah!
I was in a frenzy trying to find the perfect spot for a moonrise, but in my frenzy, I lost track of time and just missed the moon coming up, over the mountains.
I had to use my headlamp back down the mountain and spotted an eyeball on the trail. It was a Poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii (a first for me)! Then, on the drive home, two coyotes were running around in the streets and quickly dispersed as quickly as I saw them.
All in all, my day yesterday was fantastic! I highly recommend a trip to Pinnacles National Park if you’re anywhere near the place. Or even come visit California, and check Pinnacles out!
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The Bobcat finds a cool place to rest in the thicket next to a tiny river. Nesting birds make their alarm calls as the bobcat observes their movement. She has no chance to catch one now, so she sits and waits for the perfect opportunity. Pinnacles National Park
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Full moon, Pinnacles National Park
The beautiful rock formations which make this park stand out are a stunning example of our earths tectonic plate movements. Granite and breccia rock formations tower the landscape which also makes great night quarters for birds such as the endangered California Condor. This evening I pointed my camera East where the setting sun splayed colors of yellow and red, as the full moon began its early rise.
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PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK
Is one of the newest National Parks and it’s quite remarkable and fun to visit. When we went it was relatively empty besides a few rock climbers. We’re glad we brought our head lamps because there are some really cool caves to check out. Parts of the cave system close and open through out the year due to weather and bat activities so check the cavesite.
There are two separate entrances, east and west but no road connects the two together. We do plan to hike the circumference of the park one day.
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