High Desert Life

Off to Kodiak and Kenai!!!

Posted by: calpoppy, 5:16 PM GMT on July 17, 2012

Llano is a little known unincorporated area of Los Angeles County that has mostly open land. With only 1200 residents it is a place you can drive or hike for long distances before running into any houses. We are one of those places that its elevation is higher then it’s population. It has quite a large area, 112.90 sq. mi. There is no town center or business district, only a Post Office with the name Llano and the zip code.

Many years ago the Los Angeles county supervisors created a law preventing any building in areas with no water or in cases where there is a water district, water that is agricultural only. Which to my knowledge are all the water districts in Llano. This kept Llano from the building boom, and kept our privacy. Some people have wells but they are far and few between. The higher your elevation here the deeper you have to go for water. For us to drill a well at our age would not be cost effective so we have a truck come in with 3625 gallons of water to fill our 5000 gallon water tank. The water in itself is cheap, the trucking charge is not.

Llano’s elevation goes from 5500’ down to 3200’. We sit at 4200’ with the mountains to the south of us and an amazing view of the desert floor to the north of us.

Llano’s most famous resident was Aldous Huxley (Brave New World author). He also wrote ‘Crows of Pearblossom’ a children’s book, which we have. Mr. Huxley also had a residence in Wrightwood, the mountain town to the south of Llano.

Llano De Rio was a socialist colony that started back in 1915. They were able to obtain water from Big Rock creek and that sustained their colony for a few years. Eventually dissent amongst their ranks and not being able to build a dam to sustain their growth dissolved the colony. But you can still see some remnants of the colony as you head west on the Pearblossom Highway. Many residents of Littlerock and Pearblossom used the stones that built Llano De Rio to build their own houses.

Crystal Air is a glider company that gives lessons and glider rides to many people. It is fun to see the gliders. I was hiking up in the mountains once and was standing on a ridge when a glider suddenly appeared very close to me. It really scared me! I hit the deck and even my dog took off running!

There are other ‘airports’ on the desert floor (the low elevations areas). Ultra light airplanes are popular. Some residents down there have their own runways. You generally see them flying in the fall. They are slow but they certainly have a great view of the area from above.

A golf course is also in Llano, right by Crystal Air Gliders. This is also an area, which I would term almost residential. Mostly populated with retired folk they are very involved in their community and have fought for Llano. In one instance they saved us from a very noisy dirty operation that would have destroyed our creek. A gravel company was going to put in an operation right at the creek. With this very vocal and savvy group of people fighting against it, the gravel company lost and we kept our quiet place.

The worlds ‘Smallest Airshow’ is also in Llano. Always during Memorial Day weekend. It features ultra light aircraft and is down at a u-pick orchard and ultra light facility, Brian’s Ranch.

The residents of Llano are an eclectic bunch. From people who have no electricity or water, to middle class individuals with nice houses. Many of Llano’s houses were old homestead places. Back in the 1920’s people were given a chance to basically get free land out here if they built a structure and did a certain amount of upkeep to that structure every year. Our place was on of those homestead cabins. Originally 400 sq. ft. we increased it by 200 sq. ft. Now a 600 sq. ft. one room cabin, it is actually very comfortable and unique! You see many remains of old homestead cabins out here and in surrounding areas.

Working in a town that is 12 miles from Llano, I am frequently asked where I live. When I reply Llano they in turn ask where is that!!! Part of it is pronunciation; they pronounce it with the l sound where it should be pronounced with the Spanish y sound. So it should be yano not lano. The other people who don’t know the town just have never heard of it!

I love the uniqueness of Llano, the quiet and the privacy. I don’t need curtains on my windows, nor do I need to worry about being seen by my neighbors in the morning, LOL! Llano only has two paved roads, and they aren’t very long! So we have a network of dirt roads not maintained by the country. It does keep the tourists away!

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51. calpoppy 9:05 PM GMT on August 09, 2012
I am at work, but Mr. P just called to tell me the rain rate per hour was 4.124 at the cabin. We have 1/2 an inch now, plus plenty of thunder and lightning. Member Since: February 18, 2008 Posts: 33 Comments: 2431

52. GardenGrrl 9:16 PM GMT on August 09, 2012
Hooray, the monsoon cometh. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7247

53. sp34n119w 9:50 PM GMT on August 09, 2012
Woohoo! I have the Mt Wilson cam up and just saw the clouds so had to come and check on you and the radar. Looks like the storms are skirting the stoopid mountains, for a change ;) Member Since: January 27, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 4049

54. WatchinTheSky 10:31 PM GMT on August 09, 2012
I was just checking radar and thought maybe you were getting rain! I guess so!! Yay. Sounds like maybe not sp, not here, but I can see clouds to the north - maybe yours.. Hi Ylee - that would be about right, I mix 4 cups/gallon but have not weighed 4 cups yet. My wallet needs to put the birds on a diet :) Member Since: September 20, 2005 Posts: 115 Comments: 811

55. Ylee 10:47 AM GMT on August 10, 2012
Thanks for the cam link, sp! I'll have to check it out when it's daylight there! Glad you're getting rain, cal! Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11299

56. MissNadia 11:02 AM GMT on August 10, 2012
Good Morning Mrs. P When you get to Alaska, please do me a favor and thank your son for his service. Member Since: July 27, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2674

57. Proserpina 11:15 AM GMT on August 10, 2012
Good morning. That's a lot of rain! We still are waiting for an appreciable amount of rain, sprinkles just do not take away the thirst of the land. My flowers and anything living in the yard are in distress due to the heat. Our lawn is a carpet of dead grass and dead leaves! The leaves on the Tulip Trees have turned brown and the leaves are coming down as if it were Fall. Happy celebrations of birthday and visits. Did I understand it correctly you are going to Alaska? Wishing you a good and beautiful day. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

58. OGal 7:44 PM GMT on August 10, 2012
Ditto to what Miss Nadia said. Member Since: August 28, 2005 Posts: 72 Comments: 19170

59. Proserpina 1:14 AM GMT on August 11, 2012
Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

60. calpoppy 2:51 AM GMT on August 11, 2012
Hi GG! The monsooooon did come and left 3/4 of an inch of rain. It finally gave us moisture after all the teasing it has done!!! Hi SP! I just love that dinosaur!!!!! I am here to update, pretty isolated t-storm, a mile away no rain. thought today was going to be promising but nothing. Even the scientific discussion guy was surprised at the lack of build up today. A beautiful sunset (clouds sure help those along). I am going to take a pic of the scarf sometime before I go, it is going with me on the trip. I really am proud of it, and found out how much I like knitting. Little beanies for Brody would be fun to make! Hi WTS! All the orioles are gone :((( So sad to see them leave so early, but the bees were just to much. Speaking of bees, we had a hive in the lumber yard at work, it was in one of the containers. The comb was just hanging out of the bottom, pretty cool to see. Well, the had a new lumber guy and had him clean up in that area but failed to tell him about the hive. The next thing was this poor guy running around the lumber yard, tearing his shirt off and headed to the nursery for the hose!! We had to find his hat and his glasses, around his glasses was a single bee just waiting for that guy to come back, LOL! The poor guy had 8 stings! Hi Ylee! Yes, rain!!!! What makes it so great for us is the fact that we won't have to water the trees before we leave!! That saves us MONEY! Miss Nadia and OGal! I sure will tell him!!!! Thank you!!!!! Hi Pros! Having no rain in the desert during the summer is one thing the plants are used to it, but where you live they need that moisture!! Sad to here about the tulip trees, they are such a pretty tree. And being in the poplar family they need their water. Thank you for the roses, I am partial to white roses but that bi-color rose, Double Delight? is beautiful! Got to work tomorrow and Monday then off Tues then flying out Wednesday. Why is it the airline that you will be flying in on vacation is the one that is making the news lately???? A hole in the wing? And no cabin pressure!!!! Hope the bugs are out by Wednesday, LOL!!! Member Since: February 18, 2008 Posts: 33 Comments: 2431

61. Ylee 4:34 AM GMT on August 11, 2012
Cal, I'm sure the airline has patched the holes in that plane before you fly in it! If they didn't, take along a roll of duct tape! :) Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11299

62. calpoppy 10:49 PM GMT on August 11, 2012
Hi Ylee! We used to have a retired aircraft mechanic work here, her said he only used duct tape to fix the planes, lol! This is one of those weather days that we weather nerds love. Cells popping all over the place!!! Thunder, lighting, rain and power failures. And it is still going! Member Since: February 18, 2008 Posts: 33 Comments: 2431

63. sp34n119w 11:24 PM GMT on August 11, 2012
Looks awesome on the rgb loop! Some mesocyclones out there so watch out. And have fun geeking out :) Member Since: January 27, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 4049

64. SBKaren 12:02 AM GMT on August 12, 2012
We went to the beach to go boogie boarding and we could see those thunder head clouds. For a while, I even thought we might get some...but probably not. But you know what? It's hot here too!!! Member Since: February 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14182

65. RobDaHood 12:31 AM GMT on August 12, 2012
Thunder, lighting, rain and power failures, and duct tape! Take good care my friend! Member Since: September 2, 2008 Posts: 78 Comments: 25913

66. BriarCraft 6:54 PM GMT on August 12, 2012
Got to work tomorrow and Monday then off Tues then flying out Wednesday. Why is it the airline that you will be flying in on vacation is the one that is making the news lately???? A hole in the wing? And no cabin pressure!!!! Hope the bugs are out by Wednesday, LOL!!! Think of probabilities. 1 out of every 100,000 flights (or whatever) has a problem. If the problem happens before you fly, isn't that a good thing? I mean, really, now the probabilities are definitely in your favor. Good luck on spotting a puffin and/or a wolf. Remember, no up-close-and-personal with predators that are bigger than you!!! You've got to be counting the hours, rather than the days, at this point. I'm guessing you'll be spending more time in airports than in airplanes, waiting for connecting flights. Here's hoping your luggage makes the same connections you do. Have a great trip, a wonderful visit, take lots of pictures, and post them in WUville when you return. Member Since: June 21, 2004 Posts: 49 Comments: 2412

67. calpoppy 11:29 PM GMT on August 12, 2012
First the weather, holy cow what a day. We had a mesocyclone sit on top of us for over an hour. Thunder, lightning and .82 inches of rain. Plus I had went outside and there was a strong smell of smoke, very acrid! Lightning had hit close, luckily the rain came down in buckets, 11.81 inches per hour rain rate! Still smelled the smoke for at least 20 minutes after the rain. We will have to look sometime tomorrow or Tuesday to see what it hit. Another bout with thunder and lightning and rain! Of course I am on my phone looking at the radar, the culprit cell of the day was L3. When I thought it was over I went outside and just was going to open a door when lightning and thunder at the same time happened. I think I jumped a few feet and scooted back inside. All and all a really great monsoon week!!!! Hi SP! The rgb loop was cool! I thought I saw a cell east of Ventura, did you get anything? Hi Karen! Boogie boarding sounds fun, but I am not a water person so I will leave it up to you!!! Wouldn't it be unusual for Seal Beach to get T-storms? Hi Rob! I have been over at your blog listening to music, you all have great fun!!! Nice to have friends all over!!! Hi Briar! I'm not a nervous flyer, I thought it was funny that Alaskan airlines was in the news twice this last week! I always like it better when a airline I am not flying on is having problems. I will be good about the predators ( I have Mr. P with me, so I will behave and not get eaten). Before the storms we were packing and I was getting my camera gear ready. I will upload pics when I am there. Evenings and early mornings are nice to browse through the photos and upload if good enough. A puffin and a wolf, oh and Musk Ox! The Musk Ox for sure we will see, as we are going to a ranch. The puffins should be at the Alaskan Sea Life center. Though wild puffins, wolves and musk oxen would be cooler! Member Since: February 18, 2008 Posts: 33 Comments: 2431

68. SBKaren 3:01 AM GMT on August 13, 2012
Hi Karen! Boogie boarding sounds fun, but I am not a water person so I will leave it up to you!!! Wouldn't it be unusual for Seal Beach to get T-storms? Yes, it is very unusual for Seal Beach to get t-storms, but we have gotten them. I took a video once and put it on YouTube. I could look it up. Both hubby and I are water people, which is one reason we live so close to the beach. Other than Seal Beach, we lived in Lake Tahoe, which you probably well know has a very large body of water. Have to be near water! Have a great trip in Alaska. I know you are going to visit son/baby, but I'm envious. I keep saying one day I'll get there...I just don't know when. Maybe when I retire....who knows. Here's my vid....about 4 months ago! Member Since: February 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14182

69. GardenGrrl 11:52 AM GMT on August 13, 2012
Almost ready to launch. Really am pulling for you to see a puffinery of puffins. Love the sound they make. Was driving the critters and other human crazy walking around doing puffin imitations...aaaur aaaaurrrrr ah aha ah ah ah ahahahah. Kidz got to play. Have a great trip! Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7247

70. SBKaren 11:20 PM GMT on August 13, 2012
The clouds look even bigger today....I wonder if you got more! I wouldn't mind a little rain shower....but only if it cooled things down and didn't make it all muggy!!! Am I asking too much??? LOL Member Since: February 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14182

71. sp34n119w 5:12 AM GMT on August 14, 2012
Thanks for the monsooooon update :) Sounds wonderfully scary! Last night Fritz said no more monsoon but it looked like there were a few storms that popped up today. Here we just saw the clouds over the mountains and to the east. The Pacific won this round, as it usually does. Can't wait to see the scarf - if you don't get a pic before you go, well, you can always wear it in a pic you share when you get back! Little beanies for Brody would be fun and fast - sweaters, too. Anything Brody will be fun, I'm thinking - have a great time and stock up on baby giggles :) Member Since: January 27, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 4049

72. OGal 11:50 AM GMT on August 14, 2012
Alaskan Airlines is the best in the business. Enjoy. I would chose them over everybody else. They love to fly and it shows. Member Since: August 28, 2005 Posts: 72 Comments: 19170

73. MissNadia 11:54 AM GMT on August 14, 2012
Quoting OGal: Alaskan Airlines is the best in the business. Enjoy. I would chose them over everybody else. They love to fly and it shows. I will second OGal's thoughts . Member Since: July 27, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2674

74. calpoppy 1:57 PM GMT on August 14, 2012
Hi Karen! Thanks for the vid! We did get more t-storms yesterday! It has been quite the week, another .46 inches of rain. This time it wasn't the gully washer like Sunday's was. When does your school start? The school district out here starts back up the 16th of this month. Hi GG! A puffinery of puffins would be great! My son sees them all the time when he is fishing in the ocean. He says they won't get out of the way of the boat! I love all the different words they have for flocks of birds. Pelicans are squadrons! I could go on and on about all of them, it is fun! Hi SP! Stoopid Pacific!! More rain yesterday, it has been a great monsooooon week. It has made up for the disappointing Fabio. I hope to get a pic up today of the scarf. I started a new scarf and then bought more yarn for another. How many scarves can I wear, LOL! Brody is so adorable right now! His parents are planning an escape while we are there, I hope they come back!! I guess they have had to much adorableness! Hi OGal! Alaskan is a nice airline! I had more fun on the combi out of Anchorage to Kodiak. The steward and stewardess were so much fun!! Hi Miss Nadia! Alaskan treated me well when they cancelled my flight out of Portland last year, so I have no complaints. Don't like that luggage charge though!!!! Lots of rain in the weather forecast for our trip. That's okay, we are ready. Lots of ziplock bags for my camera, LOL! I decided to make Brody's 1st birthday card. Sounds simple doesn't it!! $32.00 later at Hobby Lobby I had what I needed for a card!!! At least now I can make more and maybe one day break even, LOL!!! It was fun and it came out cute. Between the puffy stickers and those special scissors and the special craft glue and the pretty paper and the special wrapping paper with the really special ribbon and more puffy stickers, I had a card and a pretty package! We got Brody carhartt overalls and a piggy bank. Isn't that an adorable pig! Talk with you all when I come back!!! Member Since: February 18, 2008 Posts: 33 Comments: 2431

75. PugetSoundPost 4:55 PM GMT on August 14, 2012
Maybe I am just in time to give you a very big Good-Bye on your Alaska trip!!! You must be so excited after all the planning and long wait!! I sure hope everything works out wonderfully, and you do all that you have been dreaming of! Wish I was going soon! Take good care... Member Since: October 8, 2001 Posts: 155 Comments: 612

76. Proserpina 5:33 PM GMT on August 14, 2012
Wishing you a super fun time on your trip. Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

77. SBKaren 3:04 PM GMT on August 15, 2012
I know you probably won't see this until you come back, unless you get on the 'puter while there. When does your school start? The school district out here starts back up the 16th of this month. We start on the 29th. I believe LA started yesterday, the 14th. Not sure when Long Beach starts, as they are one of the closest districts to us. All I know is that the beach wasn't nearly as crowded yesterday as I've seen in the past. Have a GREAT time -as if that needs saying!!! LOL Here's my grands. Getting all grown up and ready to start first grade!!! It's actually a family photo from their recent camping trip to El Capitan - up near Santa Barbara. Member Since: February 21, 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14182

78. Ylee 4:52 PM GMT on August 15, 2012
Have a great trip, Cal; take plenty of pics, have fun, and please, do mind the bears, lol! Member Since: February 3, 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11299

79. GardenGrrl 5:13 PM GMT on August 15, 2012
Let the Puffin chase begin! Be safe, have fun, make great memories. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 218 Comments: 7247

80. Proserpina 1:12 AM GMT on August 18, 2012
Member Since: May 6, 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16723

81. WatchinTheSky 8:59 PM GMT on August 18, 2012
Hope you're knee deep in fun! Can't wait to see the next Alaska blog :) Member Since: September 20, 2005 Posts: 115 Comments: 811

82. sp34n119w 9:08 PM GMT on August 18, 2012
PICTURES! Calpoppy has two sets of beautiful pics up, already! Go see :) Member Since: January 27, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 4049

83. WatchinTheSky 4:43 PM GMT on August 20, 2012
oohh, very nice photos! More please. Member Since: September 20, 2005 Posts: 115 Comments: 811

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