The wind is your friend.

That’s what the spray-painted sign said as I drove along Highway 138 on my way to visit the Antelope Valley this morning.  Inspired by Phil Colla’s lovely poppy photos from last week, I decided to make a trip up there this morning for some much overdue wildflower photography.  I only hoped the sign would be wrong, and the wind would go away for the morning.

The poppies were present, but unfortunately the wind was as well when I arrived at a location near the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve State Natural Area (near Lancaster).  We had a front pass through earlier in the week, and I think the winds were still with us, making for difficult photography.  Between gusts, I was able to capture a few still flower portraits, but poppies tend to not open up when the wind is blowing like it was today, making them slightly less attractive, in my opinion.

California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) with Owl's Clover (Castilleja densiflora) during a break in the wind

Something more abstract...and appropriate for the day

Despite the tough conditions, it was a fantastic morning to be out of the office, and in the field.  There are still many poppies blooming (some are a bit past peak, some were blown away this week, but many are still working towards peak bloom) if you have a chance to visit the Antelope Valley.  The next week or two should still be very good!

And, just as a reminder, being outside is always better than being at my desk…

Better than work