Same Mountain - 3 different hikes

 

                         

Took a hike  each day, three days in a row -- two different towns in the county, all miles apart. Yes,  being a relatively tall mountain in the area helps. As does the weather. Refreshing geographical marker with each view. 

Cooper's Hawk, Band Tailed Pigeon

 

I was walking around a local reservoir, and a Cooper's Hawk scooted from one tree to another along my route. Thought was that he/she might have prey, as wasn't flying away.  Just a minute or so later on the trail, all the sudden I hear noises -- branches snapping-- and -- BAM -- inches from me, this band tailed pigeon falls from above. Since I had just washed my hair, I was very grateful for the inches. (Yes, that is a joke, even if I was a dirt ball, I wouldn't want the headless bird to fall on me). Have witnesses -- it was inches. Feather fluff flying. 

Black Mountain bowl and balls

 

Used Black Mountain clay for the first time in my memory. Wanted the contrast with white family glaze. I had thrown a simple bowl to hold my test tiles (balls).  Had planned 8 balls, but ran out of class time. Found that my hand was big for the ball shape, could have done it on hump, but was trying to regulate my shape, so keep the amount of clay the same by measuring prior....the hump might have given me too much flexibility, giving my balls too much freedom to come out same ballpark shape. I think there is pun potential there, but enough close calls. :)