"The Antelope Valley is aflame with poppies, so for the first time I decided to go see some. For those of you not here, the entire west end of the valley is a gorgeous shade of orange (what isn't being used for solar power is, anyway). It's so pretty and when you get close it smells amazing, anyone within driving distance should come check it out.

However you might want to get out there early. A) it's getting warmer and warmer with each day, and b) people are flocking here and clogging roads out to see the bloom.

If you do come out, pay attention to what you're doing. Pay attention to the small two lane road out to the poppy reserve. Pay attention to pedestrians trying to get out and hike near the flowers. And for the love of all that is holy, PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOU STEP! Don't ruin these flowers to procure "the perfect selfie", don't smash and ruin these because you want a spectacular shot. You're not the last person to see them, others will be here this year, so don't be selfish and ruin their experience just because you want to be surrounded by the flowers, or your kids surrounded by flowers.

And if you ignore my pleadings please remember, the flowers are flourishing because of the rains, which allow the insects to flourish, and that in turn allows the mice and lizards to thrive. All those little things feed big rattle snakes, and if you ruin the flowers, I hope one photo bombs your picture mid strike."

~Jimmy Miller