and picnicking,
are perfect during a pandemic.
No one here but us turkeys.
Well there are lots and lots of coyotes skulking about….
and cacti blooming everywhere.
The pasture below The Holler is happy due to all the rain,
and this is our peaceful morning view.
Cheers to you, from all of us, hunkered down at The Holler, with hopes you are staying safe and well~
Girlfriend, we would have fun hiking together. π
Come on over. This is truly wild hiking. No people at all, only game trails, animal tracks and scat. We love it this way! α
I hope we will have the chance to do that one day.
I hope so too, when the world returns to some semblance of safety, security and sanity…. α
Don’t need a mask out there! I must mention, turkeys are not the prettiest birds to look at. Nice pics Cindy.
Laughing….Turkeys have faces only a mother could love!! π
Beautiful photos!
Thank you Sheree & happy weekend α
You too Cindy
So beautiful and peaceful. I’m envious!
Awww, thank you. Just add rattlesnakes and black widow spiders to the equation and you will get the full picture! π
How close were you to the coyote when he trotted by? (Very nice photos!)
Thank you. This capture was taken by my wild life cam. You can see how aware he is of the camera. Coyotes are so smart. This particular coyote is always jumping the fence and coming too close for comfort. The cam catches him at all times of the day and night, often in a place seconds after one of us leaves it. He is a pack reject, meaning he is a young loner, rejected by the pack, and has taken to hanging around The Holler.
Interesting for sure!
αα
What a lovely area to stay isolated in Cindy.
Leslie xoxo
Yes. Thank you. It is perfect for a pandemic. Cheers to you my friend α
Wild and wonderful views!
Love to you and your family Peter α
I hope you enjoyed your picnic amidst all this beauty in your home base,
We heading off hiking and picnicking regularly now due to the pandemic. It is welcome respite α
very beautiful landscape and some special animals π
Thank you very much & cheers to you! α
thanks for the mini tour.. are there lots of coyotes? do they come close to you?
Yes, we have multiple packs of coyotes at The Holler, more than anywhere I have ever been. And yes, they sometimes come too close. The one photographed here keeps jumping our fence and I see him at odd times which worries me because we have 20 month old twin grandsons. He is a loner, not part of a pack, and he is always around. I catch him via wild life cam, seconds after I leave an area at all times of the day.
That coyote is a show stopper…great photos.
Thank you so much! Much appreciated & cheers to you α
It looks really green. I love wild turkeys. Coyotes seem to skulk about everywhere. There’s been sightings of a mountain lion in the bosque over the past several weeks. I about got T-boned by a coyote running for its life last year. It was probably running from the cougar.
Wow! I would love to see a mountain lion from a safe distance. All I ever see are tracks and kills. I have talked to orchard workers who describe what you experienced, being basically run over by a coyote pack either in pursuit of, or escape from, something. It would be terrifying. Can you set up a wild life cam to capture the lion?
The other day there was I group of people gathered by the gate to the bridge that crosses the ditches and allows access into the bosque. They warned me that one of them had just seen the mountain lion. I asked where, and I hurried off in search of it. I didn’t find it or tracks, either. When I came back they acted like I was crazy. I explained that it probably not attack me unless I really threatened it. I keep looking for Bobcats also. It’s amazing how these large animals can stay so well hidden.
Yes, we have bobcats too, and they are elusive regarding sightings as mountain lions. I would have been right with you tracking the lion……
Just like you at the Holler, here in Worcestershire UK we’re happy due to all the rain of late. Glorious images, thank you, Cindy x
What a beautiful place!
I love the shots of the landscape and the turkeys. Thank you Cindy.
Great picture of the coyote. When we lived in the country that was one critter I never got a picture of. We did see the effects of their presence – they took down a deer on our pond in the wintertime. Mother Nature! My hubby hauled it off to the “back 40” with his John Deere…
Deer don’t venture here. The packs would mow them down in no time. My son and I did see some deer tracks a few days ago though, the first in many years, but my guess is they moved quickly through. α
Plenty of room to roam, ensconced in beauty – what a blessing! <3
Like you Eliza, I like nature and space around me, the more the better α
Youβve given me a peaceful respite from a hectic day. We are traveling to Nashville but weβre stuck in a very long line of traffic due to road repair, we think. At any rate, your post is the first thing I looked at, and the tranquility was just what I needed!! Rusha
Awww, you make me happy I posted. Stay safe and enjoy Nashville my friend. I would love to visit there someday α
Thank you. π Beautiful photos. You stay well, too.
Thank you Lynette & cheers to you α
A perfect place to spend during a lockdown. Gorgeous pictures.
Thank you Darlene. The natural space is a healing place to live. α
What a wonderful area for hiking!
The best part is that it is truly wild hiking. No people ever, game trails and animal tracks only. It is special, especially in Southern California α
Excellent and gorgeous hunkering out at The Holler!
LOL! Coyotes really do skulk, don’t they? Wylie Coyote got his persona from reality!
Enjoy your hunkering, Cindy!
Yes they skulk! And that is why we have so many roadrunners living within our fences and snooping at us through windows!! We leave the garage door open for them when it rains because they hate getting wet! α
Lol!!
Poor road Runners!
αα
Okay, I give up!
I’ve looked and looked, but can’t find that symbol in emojis. What is it? Do I keep not seeing it? βοΈπ¨β βοΈ
This is the artist in you. You see the awesome in simplicity. I love it too.
https://www.lennyfaceguru.com/text-symbols-heart.html
α
Ohhhhhh! Sweet!
Lovely photos, Cindy!!
Thank you Peter & cheers to you α
Such a gorgeous place you live in! We have had a momma turkey leading her 4 poults by our house. It’s such a delight to see them get bigger and bigger each day. I love coyotes. They are misunderstood and maligned survivors. The only sounds I don’t mind being awakened by in the middle of the night are coyote howls (sadly, we don’t have wolves here) and owl calls. π
I love the sound of the packs and owls at night too. It reminds me that I am where the ‘wild things are’ which is where I want to be α
Looks beautiful there.
Thank you. I like the empty spaces α
This is so beautiful!
Although I’m color blind, I see that wonderful landscape as a paradise. Well, maybe some overflowing gaps are missing, but in return, there is silence to listen to the music of your words.
I am so happy to hear you have rain. We have had more than expected this month and I’m delighted. We all need rain. How fun to see wild turkeys and even the coyote. I don’t hike except up the hill when I can and the scenery isn’t as lovely so thanks for sharing.
I don’t miss the human beeings on your gorgeous pictures! Very best regards and thanks
Martina
I feel just as you do. Be alone in nature is a glorious gift α
The horizon goes on forever…
Until it hits the sea α
Cindy, thank you so much for these lovely photographs!
Thank you more for your very kind appreciation Charles & cheers to you α
Beautiful landscapes – and I like the shot of the skulker!
It truly is beautiful!
Thank you my friend & cheers to you α
Where is the Holler located. Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. The Holler is in an unincorporated area in Southern California α
How beautiful. The turkeys are lovely but I adore the coyote. Such a wonderful photo. <3
Every time I see a wild critter, whatever they are. I am utterly thrilled with the privilege of the moment. Love to you Gigi α
Beautiful country Cindy, lovely and green. Even nature came knocking where you are, the coyote always knows where there’s people, there’s food π
Coyotes seem very wise to me, like birds. People, well, we have lots of room for improvement π
Thank you, Cindy for the beautiful hiking! Such a special place.
Thank you for joining me on our virtual hike Amy. You are good to walk with α
This is a switch! The Holler is green, and New Hampshire is brown. We’re desperate for rain. We had a brief shower a little while ago, but not nearly enough. Your mountain vistas are so beautiful! I can never get enough of them. As soon as I caught sight of that coyote, the following Shakespeare quote popped into my head: “Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look.”
Cracking up….You wise woman you! I know don’t what to respond to first…. It is a first, NH brown (my parents lived in Dover) and Holler green. Even I don’t get it, but hey, I’m taking it… So now, thanks entirely to you, our involuntary pet coyote has a name, Cassius. He does have that dissatisfied glare that made Caesar nervous….
Nice post Cindy..Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome Gary. Stay well α
Beautiful! Gobble gobble. Wily.
Wild turkeys, coyotes, my optimal neighbors! α
Best kind. I can relate.
Oh what a beautiful place.
We too are having a lot of rain – so everything is green green green. It’s the silver lining of a silver day. π
Alison xo
Green, green, green, is good exponentially. But here at The Holler, unlike BC, it is semi-desert, after horrid drought of years duration, it feels like a mirage on the horizon that is actually real. I love seeing the plants and animals revive and rejoice. Love to you Alison α
So lovely to join you today π
I love it that you came along. You make my everyday better. Be well my friend α
Wonderful!
Thank you Bette. I hope you are well and safe α
You sure live in a beautiful area Cindy!
Sometime, in our hopefully improved future, you should come and pay a visit to The Holler. I will call off the coyotes, so they will be polite. Stay well and safe Brad α
I would absolutely love to visit, even with coyotes!
I would love to have you here α
Cheers to you, Cindy, in your beautiful holler – enjoy every moment of the summer solstice today with the turkeys, coyotes and gorgeous scenery! Celebrate life, my friend.
I am doing so my friend, and I know you are too. We are both hanging out with the grandbabies. Nothing could put anything in clearer perspective. Babies tell us how we ought to behave. I wish we all would listen. Love to you Sheila α
That is the truth right there, Cindy!
We had the same idea Cindy! Get out and be safe. We saw a BEAR ! A wee bear but that meant a bigger bear was nearby!
Oh my gosh! Seeing a bear, a WEE BEAR, in particular! I am certain this means God loves both you, and bears! α I know how awesome this feels and I am happy for you, and for me, reading this!! α
π we still get a little jolt of electricity thinking of it. And thank you! <3
Loved your pictures.
Awww, thank you α
The Holler looks gorgeous, Cindy. Rain in summer is a blessing.
Thank you Audrey, and yes it is! Especially here. And now we are having cloudy day after day. Heaven for The Holler! My Sweet Peas are still blooming strong, the heat hasn’t hit them yet, which is remarkable. Stay safe my friend α
Thanks for these Cindy, bootiful!
Aww, you are very welcome my friend. I hope this day is kind to you α
Thank you, Cindy.
Your amazing views made me want to get out of isolation. Hehe!
I’m asking the Doctor on Monday if I can get out again.
I’m going to be busy when they say yes. Opticians, dentist, podiatrist. Diabetic lessons, and audio clinic ate all needed!
Hehehe!
Bless you, taketh care. β₯
Reblogged this on Echoes in the Mist.
Your advocacy earns my sincere respect Sharon. Thank you & be well α
Nature is always the best and so fantastic for meditating outside, taking in beauty and recharging the batteries. Stay safe Cindy
das ist wieder mal perfekt von dir, ich wΓΌnsche uns eine ruhige Woche nach diesem Sonntag, Klaus
The landscape is so inviting. Beautiful shots friend.β€
Expansive views, I could imagine having the expansive feeling and free when you are in such place. A place to drop worries for a little while…
A beautiful hike
Beautiful photos!
Such a lovely place to be hunkered down. So beautiful. π
A perfect place to soak in nature, Cindy. Your bubble is beautiful!
Yes. Thank you Jane. Bubbles are beautiful, fleeting, and ephemeral. Just like everything α
What a splendid view — no wonder you love the Holler so much, Cindy! That coyote has a wicked gleam in his eyes — perhaps he’s thinking turkey for lunch??
Laughing… Thank you! He definitely wants to kill anything for lunch. α
The coyote looks a bit emaciated like those here in Arizona. Think it’s fire displacement?
Yes, maybe, they often live and survive in a state of semi-starvation in the most hostile environments possible, like Death Valley and New York City. They are super smart and adaptive.
Fascinating. That a close coyote… ππ»
They are so adaptive and intelligent. They survive, even around us α
I hear foxes abound in London. I’ve seen raccoons and coatis in Yucatan, by the house we rented at Christmas. May they keep adapting.
Yes, thank you, may they keep adapting α
Those turkeys are magnificent! I’d steer clear of the coyote, though (and I bet the turkeys will, too. Lovely landscape you live in!
Yes! Turkeys are smart that way, and I so love you think they are ‘magnificent.’ I agree with you and thank you. Be well. Be safe α
Beautiful pics – thank you for sharing.
Thank you more for your kindness α
Wonderful shots! So peaceful…except the ‘Yotes. Wow. How close were you to it?
fabulous photos and fantastic neighbourhood! Wish I lived nearby! π
I wish you did too! We could go on a socially distanced hike. α
That’s a beautiful and lovely photos!
I am happy you enjoyed them & thank you Leif! α
Beautiful, beautiful. May you have a wonderful peaceful day πππ
Visa versa 2UX2 & thank you! α
Oh, Cindy, if you added some vineyards to the landscape it would look much like my village paradise… of course, my photos don’t measure up. β€
There is nothing quite like a French vineyard is there! Thank you Lea and take good care my friend α
As usual, you are correct. At least, in my book.
β°(*Β°β½Β°*)β―
Visa versa 2X2 Lea α
Cindy, merci beaucoup. Bisous et calins. β€β€
αα
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Lovely scenes taken by Cindy Knoke near her home in California.
Hugs and thank you Patricia. I hope you are staying safe & well α
Such peace and beauty!
Thank you Liza & cheers α
The pics are wonderful, Cindy, especially the first frame, and the cactus rose. Wiley Coyote looks slightly miffed that you saw him slinking around.
It’s been a little chaotic and crazy around here lately. First, Lilycat started having seizures and the vet, after tests, said she seems perfectly healthy. I’m not believing that at all – (getting another vet). In the middle of the cv-19 craziness, the kids/grandkids decide that they are coming to visit, then I got a leision on my arm that turned out to be a melanoma and the Dr wanted to remove it almost immediately. The bandages come off tomorrow and the stitches in 10 days. That’s how the past 2-3 weeks have gone. I need a break !!!!!!!
I sure hope you aren’t having this much fun. Really, Cuz, I hope you’re having a really wonderful summer. Hugs – xo
Oh, boy! So sorry about the melanoma but glad you caught it early. The same thing happened to my brother. Scary. I can relate to the grandkids too. I am going to be doing the nannying for my two 20 month old grandsons. They are adorable, but I am tired already! π Hugs to you cuz and stay safe & well α
Love the mix of distances in these gr8 views of a fine place to hike and hunker down.
Hiking and hunkering down in remote places is something I have always craved. Thank you my friend & stay well α
Looking at your pictures it seems to me the hiking is pretty challenging there. It suppose to be good work out.
Yes, I usually lose a pound or two doing these hikes, which means I can eat cake when I return π
ππ
Gorgeous photos, as always Cindy. I have to smile when I see wild turkeys because my Dad referred to them as “Flying Suitcases.” I can’t get that picture out of my head. π ~Terri
Laughing….Well, turkeys do carry more baggage than your average bird. Now I won’t be able to get this picture out of my mind either! Thank you & stay safe α
So beautiful Cindy! That coyote looks like he had his eye on you!
Thank you Lynn He definitely was looking at the camera! α
In such a wonderful environment/ landscape its wonderful having fun. Enjoy it Cindy, and spend a little thought on us, here in the ruraliest rurality ever. Lol Michael
Love to you Michael and your ‘ruralist ruality ever.’ It sounds like heaven, with challenges. Stay safe and well my friend α
“Heaven with challenges”. Lol Thats a good expression for this here. Could be a good book title too. All the best to you too, Cindy!
Visa versa 2UX2! α
The first image is just marvellous Cindy.β€
Ahh, thank you so much & much appreciated! α
I will take everything in that outdoors except the coyotes! π
I hear you. The coyotes warrant caution, especially when my grandbabies are here. Cheers to you and thank you α
That coyote looks like he could have benefited from some of your picnic! Glad he kept his distance, though. I loved the depth you got in several of the landscape photos–beautiful foregrounds, middle grounds, and mountains in the background!
Thank you so much Kathy. Your visual perceptions are much appreciated. And yes, this coyote is hungry and caution is warranted because of this α
What a treat to stroll through The Holler with you and meet your beautiful residents. What a gorgeous view. Thanks so much for sharing it! β₯.
You are a joy to hike with Niki! Cheers to you my friend α
Nice pictures π
Grazie mille α
I heard a child call a Turkey ‘tolotolo’ in an attempt to mimic the sounds they make. Funniest thing ever!
He is a clever child. He made his own onomatopoeia! α
Wow you don’t really see a lot of pictures of wild turkeys, so that’s very interesting (but then again one doesn’t often see such beautiful photos of flora and fauna such as those found on your blog!)
Just curiosity from a city guy who doesn’t get out in nature much: do you have to take any special precautions when out walking. That coyote looks awfully hungry haha, I hope that was a long zoom lens you used haha π
Hi Halim. Yes we take precautions. We wear rattlesnake boots, carry bear spray and a golf club, wear long pants, and avoid hiking alone in wildlife areas. A boy nearby was recently bitten by a rattlesnake, he survived thank God, so we are careful. α
Yes, thank God he survived, poor boy! That’s interesting and impressive, the precautions. They sound like common sense actions especially the avoiding hiking alone, but sometimes they just don’t cross the mind, like if one is new to the area, I imagine. Cheers, Cindy!
Cheers back to you Halim & stay well my friend α
Thank you for a beautiful virtual hike.
You are a wonderful hiking companion Jennie! α
π
How wonderful to use this crazy time for hiking and time in nature. Thank you for sharing the vistas with us.
Maria
Thank you for joining my on our virtual hike. You make the experience better! α
Must. Be. There. Now!
Please! Would love to hike with you! α
A true pleasure to take this hike with you Cindy, and all your wildlife visitors, too. Sanguine landscape, and luxuriously wild. Cheers to you, my friend.
Ahhh, you are such fun to hike with my friend. Thank you for your thoughtfulness & be safe α
Lovely feeling of space
Such spectacular views, Cindy. Thanks for bringing us along for this beautiful, peaceful morning hike. Hugs on the wing.
Your peaceful morning view is absolutely perfect. Thank you for sharing it! (I’m sipping a cup of tea while vicariously enjoying your morning…)
It was a real pleasure to share virtual tea with you! α
What a wonderful place to live, you bring this alive to me Cindy.
I am so glad. I wish you lived nearby. We would be out listening to your concerts! α
What a beautiful view for a hike!βοΈ
Yes, thanks, it is one of my favorites. Cheers to you & thanks for stopping by α
thank you Cindy. π
You are most welcome my friend α
That sure is a scenic view!
Room to breathe! α
Pingback: Holler Hiking~ β – Surest News
Thanks much & cheers to you! α
I love the landscape and you’ve captured it well in your pictures. If I may ask a newbie question . . . what’s a holler?
It’s a simple rural abode generally in the southern portion of the United States. The name seems to derive either from the word hollow meaning a lower portion of land usually with a spring nearby, and the ability to be able to holler from one holler to another! It was the first name I thought of when I moved here 12 years ago. I live in The Holler! My kids starting calling our home this too, for example, my daughter called me from The Holler in Southern California whilst I was hiking in The Grand Tetons, and told me, “The Holler just got struck by lightening.” At this point I realized the name had stuck.
I can holler from one neighbor to another but dont have a spring. I guess I’ll have to think of some other catchphrase for my neighborhood.π
Laughing….hollering back and forth is only impressive without electricity in response to vast empty spaces. Plus you do need the spring, otherwise it would be intolerable. Lovely to meet you α