The wildflowers, even the California poppies, were everywhere during my recent visit to Buena Vista Park in Vista, CA. My timing was perfect because, in a couple of months, the park’s two miles of hiking and biking trails won’t be nearly as colorful.
A quick getaway to Buena Vista Park
I recently had a couple of days when I just wanted to get away. But rather than having to drive hours to get to someplace with some solitude, I grabbed my trusty Nikon and drove the mile and a half to Buena Vista Park. I was greeted by the ducks, geese, and swans who make this their home. Check out the mug on this guy, though. I think he was begging me to take his photo.
Being determined to find solitude, I left the main trail and headed for a path that was less traveled. I quickly found some visual treasures as I wove along the banks of Agua Hedionda Creek, including several burned-out tree stumps hidden in the shade. Each of those stumps looked like it could be a sculptor’s inspiration.
Less than fifty feet later, I discovered a tree that some inspired artist had painted. I’m not sure if this was a single painting or the work of multiple artists. Either way, it was remarkably well-preserved for something out in the elements.
And then along came the poppies
The California poppy was selected as the state’s flower in 1903 by the California State Floral Society. The thing about this perennial is that it reseeds itself. Because it can be so prolific when it gets water, it’s sometimes considered a weed. Here, however, it was a welcome addition of color.
Did you see last week’s entry? You can find it at Let’s celebrate a scarecrow festival!. Click here to view more Friday Morning Post entries, or you can follow me on Instagram.
