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Hills ablaze with poppies - Valley's reserve opens early
Valley Press ^ | on Saturday, March 12, 2005 | JULIE DRAKE

Posted on 03/12/2005 9:46:12 AM PST by BenLurkin

LANCASTER - The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is open and ready for visitors. State park officials opened the reserve on March 5, the earliest it has opened for full operation since 1976.

"All kinds of people are coming," said Judy Elgin, a senior park aide with Mojave Desert State Parks.

This year's California poppy crop is especially big and bright, a result perhaps of the blossoms receiving more nutrients that allow them to grow better, Elgin added.

In addition, many other wildflowers are in bloom such as owl's clover, lupines and cream cups. Wildflower displays are expected to peak later this month.

The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

The 1,745-acre state reserve, nestled in the Antelope Buttes 15 miles west of Lancaster, is on California's most consistent poppy-bearing land.

To reach the Reserve, go north on the 14 Freeway to the Avenue I exit and go west to about 150th Street West. Parking is limited on weekends so visitors are advised to come early in the day. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking fees are $5 per vehicle, $4 for seniors. Passenger buses are $30 for up to 24 persons and $60 for more than 24 persons.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; US: California
KEYWORDS: aerospacevalley; antelopevalley; poppies; poppypreserve
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1 posted on 03/12/2005 9:46:13 AM PST by BenLurkin
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To: BenLurkin
"NATURE'S SHOW - Poppies bloom at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve west of Lancaster. The reserve opened for full operation March 5, the earliest opening since 1976." ROB LAYMAN Valley Press
2 posted on 03/12/2005 9:47:34 AM PST by BenLurkin
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To: BenLurkin

Aaaaarrrgggghhhh!

I'm sitting here watching the snow fall AGAIN in Massachusetts and you had to tease me with this?

Looks absolutely delightful.


3 posted on 03/12/2005 9:49:51 AM PST by Mears ("Call me irresponsible".)
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To: BenLurkin

4 posted on 03/12/2005 9:50:04 AM PST by billorites (freepo ergo sum)
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To: BenLurkin

The wild flowers are beautiful this year. However, watch for rattlesnakes-NOT Joking!


5 posted on 03/12/2005 9:50:11 AM PST by AEMILIUS PAULUS (Further, the statement assumed)
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To: BenLurkin
perhaps of the blossoms receiving more nutrients that allow them to grow better

Including CO2.

6 posted on 03/12/2005 9:52:00 AM PST by DManA
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To: BenLurkin

By the way. Take the 14 to the avenue D offramp. Then go west about five to ten miles. One will find many square miles of flowers,no traffic and no fees.


7 posted on 03/12/2005 9:54:26 AM PST by AEMILIUS PAULUS (Further, the statement assumed)
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To: BenLurkin
This year's California poppy crop is especially big and bright, a result perhaps of the blossoms receiving more nutrients that allow them to grow better, Elgin added.

Afghani warlords take note.

8 posted on 03/12/2005 9:56:27 AM PST by Freebird Forever (Support your local gunsmith.)
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To: Mears

My thoughts exactly! :-(


9 posted on 03/12/2005 9:56:57 AM PST by no more apples (Is my fack red?)
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To: BenLurkin
*AAAAACK* At first glance I thought that read, "Hills Ablaze With Puppies"
10 posted on 03/12/2005 9:57:10 AM PST by martin_fierro (Le Bling-Bling, c'est moi)
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To: billorites

The flying monkies can't be far behind.


11 posted on 03/12/2005 9:58:56 AM PST by keithtoo (Kennedy says he's Irish, but we all know he's full of Scotch.)
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To: martin_fierro

A hill ablaze with puppies would do it for me too---wet,messy kisses and wagging tails.


12 posted on 03/12/2005 9:59:51 AM PST by Mears ("Call me irresponsible".)
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To: BenLurkin

Area around Pine Flat Reservoir and Kings River (Fresno area)has been gorgeous this year.


13 posted on 03/12/2005 10:03:05 AM PST by stboz
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To: BenLurkin


Time to get out the poppy and feather Easter bonnets, eh?

Black-skirted performer with poppy and feather-tipped headdress at entrance to roundhouse; attendants arranging costumes; Big Head Dance

May, 1923

14 posted on 03/12/2005 10:07:02 AM PST by hedgetrimmer
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To: Mears

If it's any consolation, I wish WE had snow in Seattle...we are heading into a horrible drought...there is no snow in our mountains at all....


15 posted on 03/12/2005 10:08:49 AM PST by paulat
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To: AEMILIUS PAULUS

Thanks for the advice. I'm planning to drive out tomorrow, camera in hand. It sure is wonderful to see this desert blooming.


16 posted on 03/12/2005 10:36:07 AM PST by Blue Champagne
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To: BenLurkin

Poppies and other wildflowers aplenty in Arizona this year, too.


17 posted on 03/12/2005 11:11:00 AM PST by Jeff Chandler (Tagline schmagline.)
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To: BenLurkin

After years of trying to get some to grow from seed, I finally had some poppies two years ago. Then the durn rabbits ate them.


18 posted on 03/12/2005 12:10:37 PM PST by Professional Engineer ("No! Not without a washer.")
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To: BenLurkin

Hey Ben-lurkin, I won't be at the Poppy Festival this year but I wish all a great Show at this years "POPPY FESTIVAL" at Lancaster Ca.
Uncle George


19 posted on 03/12/2005 12:12:22 PM PST by Uncle George
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To: BenLurkin

cool.......used to live in Victorville several years ago and went to see the poppies all the time.......they are also a plenty up in Nor Cal as well.....


20 posted on 03/12/2005 12:46:49 PM PST by NorCalRepub
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