Prior to our final hike along the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains on 11/11, we were told that we would pass a ladybug lair.
Being the frustrated entomologist that I am, I was highly curious about this trail side attraction.
Just after someone announced on the walkie-talkies that it was 11:11am, on the 11th day of the 11th month on 2011 we hit the spot.

In a small grove of trees we found piles of these lucky beetles crawling all over the ground, trees and branches, apparently they were gathering for a winter diapause.
What a spectacular sight.
I am wishing you SWARMS of good luck for the New Year!
For even more luck, try this delicious and simple Texas Caviar recipe, featuring black~eyed peas.
I spent the day on Crystal Mountain, hiking Silver King Peak with Mr. Splendid and having a glass of vino at the Summit House {highest restaurant in the state} before our final descent. We have about a foot of new snow and the view was fabulous.
We served raclette for dinner and I loved watching the fireworks, beneath the half moon over the snow.
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Fireworks! Crystal Mountain |
Luck, be a ladybug this year!

Happy New Year to you, Emily!
Looking forward to 2012.
Teresa
xoxo
Wow what a magical day in every way!! Sounds amazing and I have never seen so many ladybugs!
Wishing you the best life has to offer in 2012!
Sounds like a wonderful day – your views of the peaks is gorgeous. Raclette is one of my favorite winter treats! Wishing you all the best for a fabulous 2012!! And thank you for the swarms of good luck Emily – I'll take it!
Amazing! I've never seen ladybugs like that!
The snow finally came!! Glad you were able to enjoy it, your photos are beautiful!
I'd feel very lucky indeed if a swarm of ladybugs such as these chose to descend upon our garden and all the aphids we seem to aquire during the summer…that way I wouldn't have to have them sent to us by post!
Wishing you the Happiest of New Years Emily…
xo Jessica
This looks wonderful…love ladybugs!! Wishing you all the best in 2012 ~
I'll take a swarm of good luck anytime…and love that you happened upon your ladybug lair at just the right moment.
I think this signals amazing things for you in 2012!
Happy New Year, Emily!
xoxo Elizabeth
Thank you for all of you nice wishes, I hope wonderful things come to all of you in 2012. xo ebh
Woww!! What an incredible place to spend the New Year! Lots of luch (you seem to have that already) for this year!!