I just learned some very interesting (to me anyhow) facts about where we live.
We are at the foot of a hill, 347 feet high to be exact, that's eased to the county. It's aptly named Red Hill because of its soil color, which turned red when ancient volcanic activity deposited cinnabarite in the preexisting sandstone. Native American inhabitants called it Katuktu, which roughly translates to Place of Refuge. However, when the Spaniards came in, they dubbed it the less romantic Hill of Frogs!
It's a lovely hill, but it completely blocks our cell phone and television reception. Though this is not such a big deal because we communicate mainly via email/chat and have long since gotten rid of our television. Its true fault is that it makes us a fire hazard which scares off many home owners insurance companies.
That photo really illustrates the fire-prone nature of chaparral ecosystems. Or is it biomes? I can never remember which term is more appropriate!
