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Picture of the day -
November 12, 2006
Cows-Eye View Of The Sierra Nevada Range
The image that most people have of California is one of large,
sprawling cities and heavily-populated metropolitan areas that go on
for miles and miles. And that is indeed a fair image since the state
is home to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and numerous other
smaller cities and towns. But there is a lot more to California than
just its sprawling urban areas.
For example, the state of California has millions of acres of
farmland which produce everything imaginable that we humans love to
eat. In fact, the huge San Joaquin Valley produces such a large
quantity and variety of food that it is commonly called the "breadbasket
of the world". If it's in your pantry, there is a good chance
that it was grown in California!
Of course everyone is familiar with the famous beaches of
California's west coast. Their golden sands and gigantic waves have
long been fodder for stories and legends, many of which have been
depicted on the silver screen. Swimming, fishing and surfing are
more than simple pastimes in California - for many people they are a
way of life!
California is also home to the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
which forms much of the state's eastern border. Within the Sierras
are some of the most beautiful peaks and interesting peaks on the
planet, including Half Dome, Eagle Peak and the towering Mount
Whitney, the highest peak in the continental U.S. at over 14,000 ft.
The 400 mile long Sierra Nevada range was quite an obstacle for
California's early settlers. Most chose to make their way around
either the northern or southern boundary of the Sierras, but a brave
few who were in a hurry crossed at one of several mountain passes -
or died trying.
For centuries, California has been a land of promise and
opportunity, drawing pilgrims of all backgrounds and from every
corner of the planet, and it remains that way today. I just hope the
burgeoning population doesn't ruin the rural areas that help define
all that is good about the Golden State.
About the photo: Amy and Gene took this picture of a herd of
cattle grazing while enjoying a magnificent view of the Sierras
during their recent California vacation. They encountered this scene
while driving up State Highway 395 just north of Mono Lake.
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