Edison Point Trail, Pine Lake Flat, California

 We ( my husband and me) actually watched the sunrise today ( Sunday morning) as we were returning home from the almond groves. The day was just getting started! Before 7 am we were home.

I was changing out of the white saree into home clothes when my friend Sonia texted me saying “ Madhavi if you plan to go out today check this place out. The wildflowers are in bloom over there right now “. And she sent me a link she had come across on instagram. Pine Flat near Fresno in Central Valley of California, about 2.5 hours from my home. I looked at the pictures and texted Sonia back “ do you want to go?”. When two women crazy about flowers have a free day and find out about a place of their dreams they don’t think. They act ! By 9 am I had served dosas to my family ( mom, husband and son) and bid them farewell. My quick thinking son packed a couple of energy bars and filled a bottle of water for me before I left home.

I was behind the wheel and Sonia was the navigator. With a brief stop to fill gas we were soon on the freeway. We were talking about our kids and  gardens and movies as we passed by the familiar sights on either side of the freeway. About an hour and a half later when we took the exit was when the drama really started. Mother Nature was in her best form of the year wherever we looked. Rows of white and pink blossoms spread across acres of land in the valley while rows of snow covered peaks lined the horizon at the far end. Sometimes the almond, peach and pear blossoms were interrupted by orange orchards. Sometimes by small towns with their dainty homes and ranches. Further in the drive we left these agricultural lands behind and started climbing up the rows of hills covered in green with patches of yellow flowers( fiddlenecks and poppies). Slowly the road took us 

to an elevation that offered a glimpse of a lake on the other side. We reached the trail head. A few cars were parked there. Ours added to them and we set on foot.

A dirt road that was initially wider climbed up the hill and curved around it getting narrow and steep while opening the view with every turn to the blue waters of the lake below and a carpet of flowers on its slopes. Higher up,the poppies had company of lupines and popcorn flowers . The deep blue sky was inviting to sailing clouds here and there. I lack words to describe the experience of that trail. I will let the pictures do the talking. 

After a good 2.5- 3 miles of hiking, soaking in the scenery and taking dozens of pictures we made our way back to the car and took the road home, just in time to serve dinner to the family. 

The entire day feels like a dream……

Saree is one of the finest of ikats you can find anywhere. Created with really fine tie and dyes this was created using natural dyes and inspired by Indonesian design.