Last Friday some friends invited us to lunch at our usual place down in Colusa, that place over on the slough that changes names every couple years.


It was an Incredibly wonderful day, far too nice for February but the Perfect day for a drive in the country. Temps in the mid 60sF, No wind, bright sun. In a word, Perfect!

Almond orchards were in full bloom, the whole valley is a sea of white and pink, and the air smells like honey!

3 varieties are grown locally, usually interplanted as pictured, and right now you can see all 3 in bloom at once. This is done to insure good pollination and better crop yield. By next week so many petals will have fallen it will look like snow.


Closeup of a bunch of Almond blossoms.

It was Just what we needed, all 3 of us! 170 miles behind the wheel on the open road, I-5, light traffic, 75-80mph, very few clogs caused by what we call Truck Races, one slightly faster Big Rig passing a slightly slower one stacking up traffic behind. Not much of that at all. Nix was SO happy, she puurred all the way with that very nice low V-8 growl.

Lunch was way more than adequate, we brought back enough for our supper and lunch next day.

And Nix, driving in those conditions, made an Astonishingly good 18.7 miles per gallon! I can only imagine the numbers if the locking torque converter worked.

(';')

 

I'm envious of your early outing, Elinor. Our trees are a little behind yours in coming to life, but that will turn around in another month or so. We've had steady snow/rain for the last 10 days, it's snowing as I write. Nix, as usual, is a parking lot show-stopper.

Dave

 

Several years ago we drove through that area. I was amazed at the endless miles of those orchards. It must have been fantastic seeing them in bloom. Here in Ohio we have another 6 weeks until things start to bloom.

 

I was thinking spring is a ways away!

 

thanks for the almond education. i've never seen an almond grove. beautiful. especially with viewing your pics through tired, michigan wintery eyes. it's great that you got to stretch her legs (and yours). i was feeling pretty good that i got to drive in my sub after i borrowed my fiance's flower watering cans and washed my cat in 40 degree temps. now i'm crushed after seeing your pics:}

 

Good day for a drive. The weather has been playing games with us here in NC (60s one day, 30s the next) like it always does this time of year. Blue Six has carried me through the work commute slog without complaint but she cries out for her paint job (delayed due to other projects and, not the least, the weather). Hopefully she'll clean up like Nix.

 

This weeks temps here, but no driving for me!!! Still don’t have differential back to put rear end back together yet!!! I’m more than a little jealous!!

 

FAKe sprimg last week around here. Winter is back. A fire in the fire place feldt greqt last night.

No out door projects of any consequence for today or the next few.

Carl

Billy and I. Alas, he has passed.

 

carl: your goat billy made me remember a xj6 i was considering until i saw the passenger side. it was full of dents and the culprit was a goat that kept head butting it upon seeing his reflection. the owner was not sure why the goat only went after that side.

sorry to read about the loss of billy.

ren