Sea Gulls to the left, right, straight ahead and behind. It seemed like a scene straight out of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds”.

In case you haven’t seen it, it is a movie where the gulls and other birds mass and attack people and buildings. It resonates with me especially since Chris and I were married in the Church at Bodega and lived in Bodega Bay (where “The Birds” was filmed) for two years. But no, I was only on Anacapa Island and the gulls didn’t draw blood. They did let you know when they thought you were invading their territory by making noise and strafing attacks.

On May 17th, Glenn Olson and Lyle Trusty lead a local field trip to Willow Springs.

This was one of the largest attended trips in a long time. Somewhere around 40 people signed up to go and I believe about 30 showed up.

I think the huge attendance was a combination of the fact that it was fairly close to home and held on a Sunday when most people were available. The free admission that Glenn had arranged didn't hurt either (a $10 benefit).

Great trip, great photographs.

David Wilkins, our trip leader, led fourteen LPA members, on a four day photography adventure to Death Valley. David did his “homework” (I’ll give him an A+) and planned the trip around the Full Moon, very seasonable/nice temperatures, and a hopeful show of Wildflowers.

Sixteen LPA members met at the entrance to the Huntington Gardens in San Marino, before the noontime opening, and got the group discount for entry ($4 off per person).

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens are located on 207 acres in San Marino.

As we headed up the 14 to start this trip, there was an ominous feeling in the air. The wind had been blowing non-stop for several days and the car was working against a strong headwind. Sand dunes seemed to be the wrong place to be heading in the middle of a windstorm. The forecast was for calm later in the day, so we had to believe it would work out. When we arrived at the Eureka Dunes, 4 and ½ hours and 240 miles later, we found no wind. It was a calm, balmy afternoon and we were the only ones there. Dave Anderson, my wife Chris and I were the only ones foolhardy or brave enough to make the trip. We like to think we will do almost anything for the shot.

Fall color up Bishop Creek was at it’s peak! Some said “the BEST they’ve ever seen”.

Most of our LPA group of 26+ met on a warm 90 degree Wednesday afternoon at the Galen Rowell’s Gallery in Bishop to get the latest fall color update, and field trip plan from Dave Anderson.

Fields of yellow mustard surrounded the now quiet town of Mentryville as LPA members gathered at the entrance for the tour of the town.

Our guide was Duane Harte of Friends of Mentryville who told us about the history of Mentryville and the wildcat driller Alexander Mentry.