Saturday morning and early afternoon we went to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve 15 miles west of Lancaster. The poppies and goldfields and lupine were in full bloom and the desert was carpeted by nature's most gorgeous jewels.

The wind was fierce, so the poppies remain tightly furled in protest, except in some protected locations. However, we stood entranced by the waving fields of flowers, yellow and gold. To my eyes, early spring is the only time the desert is beautiful.

On the way back to Los Angeles via the Antelope Valley Freeway, we were so hungry that we reached behind our seats, pulled out our lunches and started to eat. Just as my navigator got his mouth full I spotted the exit to Vasquez Rocks Park, and took it. As soon as he swallowed, I asked him if he wanted to eat lunch at Vasquez Rocks. He said, "Uh, yes, I guess I do."

You know Vasquez Rocks if you've ever seen a western movie, especially one made in the 40's and 50's. That 45 degree sandstone upthrust is the scene of the entire history of the cowboy in the western U.S. All of the old west action took place right there. Bet you didn't know that.

I climbed a bit of the way up the rocks and my navigator climbed a lot more. Some intrepid souls (or stupid ones) managed to get to the top of the sheer face. *shudder*

Today I went to Sunday services and then in the afternoon took part in an anti-war demonstration at a major intersection. Nearly every passing car gave us the high sign, tooted the horn or flashed the peace signal. Even LAPD, though surreptitiously. My sign said, "WAR: EVERY CHILD LEFT BEHIND."

It was a really nice weekend.