Donnell Vista - II

While you can see that the water level is down here, in the lake between Angels Camp and Sonora, New Melones Lake, the water level is down drastically; perhaps 50-75 feet as measures along the ground. Here, it is significant, but noticeably less.

Two interesting things about the eastward view. First, this mountain has a curious shape at the top. Can't really imagine what caused that. Secondly, there are clouds! We cee a few wispy clouds at sunrise or sunset some days, but there quickly disperse in the sun and leave us with empty blue skies all day long. But over the crest of the Sierras we do see clouds in the afternoon. The sun is sucking water out of the lakes and the trees.

Down where we are, there is life. This small lizard came out say hello.

Near the parking lot is a large, old tree lying on the ground. It has been there long enough that all the bark is gone. What is left is a weathered log polished smooth by time. It is interesting to see that the scars under the bark left by insects as they burrowed around for food.

Perhaps the burrowing insects were among those sought out by the woodpeckers that make the holes around this limb.

The swirling shapes of the wood grain here bring a kind of modern aesthetic to this old stick of wood. What goes around, comes around. There is nothing new under the sun. The ancient designs look just like what we create today.