Priscilla: Dragon Queen

Isn’t she great?  Her full name is Priscilla, Dragon Queen of the Sierras.

A friend and I spotted her as she prowled the pastures on the east side of I-5, just a bit north of Yreka, California.  If the day had not been so hazy, Mt. Shasta would have been visible in the background.  Our best guess is that she is a cousin to Elliott, Pete’s Dragon.  She is a wonder!

Photo by Linda Richter

Ralph Starritt is the Yreka Metal Sculptor who created her—as well as some other life-size creations. Just south of Yreka is Moo Donna, a life-size cow and her calf.  He has also created a life-size Bigfoot, placed on Highway 96 near Happy Camp, California.  This photo of Bigfoot was taken by Linda Richter; she posted it to the Siskiyou Shutterbugs Facebook page.  I know I plan to visit this guy when I am next in that area.

The following video gives you an introduction to the remarkable artist Ralph Starritt.  It highlights his training and work, showing some of his “smaller” works of nature’s creatures, including people and wolves and eagles and fish.  They are incredible.  The Starritt Studio is in Yreka, California.  This place has been added to my to-do list as well.

I love art and surprises and nature. I just love Priscilla!  Don’t you?  

This post is my contribution to Cee’s Odd Ball Photo Challenge.

SMILE!

This is my entry to Cee’s Odd Ball Photo Challenge 2015 Week 13.

I was traveling in the Alabama Hills the other day, heading up into the Eastern Sierra Nevada toward the hiking trail up to Mount Whitney.  It is a glorious drive.  This time, I noticed a new creature that had never been visible on other trips.  I was a bit taken back at first, hoping that this animal was not some distant cousin to the monsters shown in the odd little movie Tremors.  It is not.  At least, if it is, it’s a friendly cousin.  I think this one just wanted a little attention, as she willingly posed for a couple shots.  And I think she even winked at me as I moved on back down the mountains.

I think I will call her Trudy, since she is much more than just some strange creature!