One of the reasons we decided to move to Auburn was because of it's proximity to the the great outdoors. Auburn just happened to be our gateway to Gold Country, rivers, lakes, the Sierras, and a long list of other adventures. As an avid skier, I had visions of weekly trips to the slopes with the family and in the off season - backpacking, camping, boating, and you know...adventures.
Another reason we moved here was because of its relative closeness to the Bay Area. At the time, I was commuting to Palo Alto and because it's only about 1.5 hrs away (and the weather is always perfect) driving was never a problem.
However, since we've been here, our adventures have taken some different turns. At the time, our first daughter was about four, my wife Kelli was expecting our second and since we've been here, we've doubled that! So now we have four...girls that is, plus Kelli makes FIVE. Yes, I am the lone wolf in the forest of estrogen, without a compass (or GPS).
"God, if you're listening, it's not very funny...that's not what I meant when I was praying to be surrounded by beautiful women" ...but I digress.
Now more to the point. What I've realized is that moving to Auburn has brought me to nature's doorstep. I might not (at this time) be doing and experiencing all of the adventures I had envisioned, but everyday is an adventure and nature is as close as my front doorstep.
Case in point #1 - When we first moved here we planted a modest garden with tomatoes, cukes, squash, watermelon, all pretty standard stuff. Then I left the gate open and by the next morning the deer had wiped out most of our garden. All I could do was laugh at myself. Nature is at my doorstep.
Case in point #2 - On a cool early summer's eve enjoying a glass of wine on the deck and all you can hear are the crickets chirping, the faint and distant humm of traffic on 49, an occasional car driving past the house and what the heck is that screaching sound (nearly spilling the wine). Quick grab the flash light something's going on around the corner of the house...relax, it's only a mother racoon and her cubs fleeing up the tree from the grey fox. Nature is at my doorstep.
Case in point #3 - Having your friends visit from the Bay Area because your house is a refuge from the rat race of Bay Area life. There's nothing better than sitting on the deck sharing stories, reminiscing about old times and watching a doe and her fawn saunter past without fear of us. Nature is at my doorstep.
Just so you don't think I'm kidding, here is a picture of a couple of grey fox kits that have made their home in our front yard or rather I should say, we have made our home in their front yard. Nature is at our doorstep!
Here is a link to some of my other photos (not all of which are from Auburn) on Flickr
Do you have a Nature Story to tell?
UPDATE: Just added this new picture:
