Spectacular Fall Color

We returned from the Eastern Sierras not long ago, staying for the first time at Twin Lakes Resort in a cabin. This particular cabin was a remodeled house moved from Bodie and we found it very charming and comfortable. The fishing season was still open so most of those staying at the Resort were fisherpeople.

Shasta and Cathie enjoying the sunshine
and spectacular Fall color

The BIG attraction for Shasta was all the deer that arrived mid to late afternoon.
Unfortunately we saw a buck with an arrow between his shoulder blades.
What was the hunter thinking leaving the buck in this condition?

The first full day we drove down the mountains into Bridgeport where we ate breakfast in our favorite spot: The Hays Street Cafe, visited the library where Shasta was welcomed with treats. An awesome dog book fell into my hands: The Possibility Dogs by Susannah Charleson and I checked out and read Luanne Rice's latest book: The Lemon Orchards which I highly recommend. We visited with friends we've made over the 20+ years we have spent time in this tiny town.

We took some hikes, mostly in our favorite places.

Shasta and Cathie along Lee Vining Creek.

Mono Lake as seen from the Lee Vining hike from
the town of Lee Vining to the Visitors Center,
which was closed at the time of our visit due to the craziness in our Nation's capitol.

Another view of Lee Vining Creek on our returning trek.

A lazy afternoon stroll along the Eastern end of Lower Twin Lakes.

A view of the Sawtooth Mountains from the Western end of Lower Twin Lake.

Aspen trees in all their splendor just a short hike from our cabin.

The full moon rising over Mono Lake.

And the full moon risen above Mono Lake.

Our very favorite canyon we visited, as well.

The beaver pond in Lundy Canyon.

Stunning color in Lundy Canyon.

Dwight looking out over Lundy Canyon.

Mono Lake as seen exiting from Lundy Canyon.

While taking in the beauty of these pictures

Celeriac and more

Celeriac root is now ready for harvesting. Celeriac root can be eaten in a variety of ways: soup, mashed like potatoes, fritters and, of course, salad. It has a mellow celery flavor which I prefer to celery.

Celeriac planted companionably with leeks

Two celeriac roots just harvested

Roots up close

Once harvested the fine hairs are to be removed as well as the tops.  Wash all the dirt off and bring inside.  Peel the root once you are ready to add it to the recipe of your choice.  Here are two of my favorites

Celeriac Salad Remoulade

• One large (about 1 1/4 pound) celeriac root
• 6 T. organic kefir milk
• 6 T. organic mayonnaise
• 3 T. organic Dijon mustard
• 4 T. finely chopped organic fresh parsley
• 4 T. finely chopped organic fresh chives
• 3 T. finely chopped organic onion
• Sea salt and freshly ground organic pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients except the celeriac root.  Wash the root, trim off the tops and peel. Grate the root and mix with all the other ingredients. Prep time is about 30 minutes.  Best if sits at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Fresh Herb Celeriac Fritters

• One celeriac root about a pound
• 2 organic duck eggs, beaten
• 1/2 C. finely chopped organic fresh chives
• 1/2 C. finely chopped organic fresh parsley (or arugula)
• 1/2 C. organic sprouted bread crumbs (I dry ends then whirl in food processor)
• OR sprouted spelt flour works also

Prepare and add all of the ingredients except the celeriac root to a large bowl. Wash the root, trim off the tops and peel. Grate the root and mix with all the other ingredients. Fry in a bit of organic olive oil at a lower temperature than potato pancakes or zucchini fritters. Simply delish with a bit of organic kefir cheese mixed with fresh organic herbs OR Dwight enjoys with homemade ketsup.

Fall visitors

Stunning color of two Roger Red grapevines

A few mornings after our return from the Eastern Sierras while preparing Shasta's breakfast at the kitchen sink I noticed four bluebirds, one mockingbird and a gold finch all companionably enjoying the succulent grapes.  What a colorful sight!

Fall now past, Winter arriving.