Good gather yesterday, branding calves this morning at the Paregien Ranch before the forecast rain.
While making a last circle in the Kubota, I had to stop to photograph the red lichen here at Windmill Spring, headwaters of Ridenhour Creek that contributes to Dry Creek, a mile and 1,500 feet down the canyon. There used to be a hand-dug well and windmill here, the latter disassembled and sold down the hill by a previous lessee, the former filled-in to keep cattle out. Good, dependable water, nevertheless.
Though I have no explanation, scientific or otherwise – lichen this red is rare around here – worth observing, occurring only one other place that I’m aware of at Effie’s (Hilliard) Spring on the Antelope Valley side of the Paregien Ranch, a stone’s throw from Wuknaw, the Creation Place for the Yokuts according to Frank Latta. And like any place with good water, there are native grinding holes atop these rocks.
With ample wonder and speculation, the stories come easily.
drycrikjournal 