I didn't know California had places like this!

I AM A RELATIVE "NEWBIE" TO CALIFORNIA. I was actually born in Simi Valley, but we relocated to Oregon when I was 2. That was many years ago. 3 years ago, I packed up and moved, with my wife, to Santa Clarita, CA. Now, Santa Clarita is great, don't get me wrong. But, its desert. I came from green, rivers, lakes, fish, camping, hunting, hiking, and yes, rain.

LAST WEEKEND, I WENT TO JUNE LAKE FOR A FAMILY AFFAIR. June Lake Loop has 4 lakes, and a creek connecting them. The picture to the right is the creek we fished at sunset. Absolutely stunning.

I KEPT READING THESA'S POSTS ABOUT HER BEAUTIFUL NECK OF THE WOODS, and found myself jealous and missing my home in Oregon. Little did I know that paradise lie just a short drive away. Ok, about 4 hours, but down here, that is a short drive.

ON THE WAY THERE, WE PASSED LITTLE GEMS DRIVING THROUGH THE DESERT. One of them is Red Rock Canyon Park. Now this park was beautiful, in a very different way than June Lake, or Oregon. But, it was beautiful none-the-less. We stopped for a few moments, let the dogs out, stretched our legs, and then headed out on the road again. The weird thing was, Red Rock Canyon Park had a campground. A tent campground. I don't know that I could camp in 115 degrees, but somebody could. We saw 4 occupied sites as we drove through. Crazy. Anyway, enough rambling.

As pretty as that little desert location was, it really didn't compare to June Lake. AND THE FISHING WAS GREAT, BUT THE CATCHING SUCKED. Oh well, it was one of the nicest times I have had since I moved here.

Something about being on the water in a little boat, or casting a spoon across that little creek and letting it drift downstream, watching the trout dart out of the shadows to investigate, but just as quickly dart away.

Something about the way the air TASTES when you breathe in crisp, thin, mountain air at daybreak.

Something about the color of the sky, its a little bluer.

Something about the color of the trees, they are a little greener.

Something about the people, they seem a little nicer.

Something about the beer, it seems a little colder, smoother, tastier.

WE FISHED. SOMETIMES WE TALKED AND SOMETIMES WE DIDN'T.

When we came home, I was a little sad to be back, but happy to have gone. I dare say, it won't be my last trip. Enjoy the pictures.