A New Year's Hike in Ojai

Fingers swollen
Sun in our eyes
We finish a few brisk miles
In the shadow of the Topa Topa bluffs.
A few more hours the sunset will 
reflect off the rugged slopes 
Making them appear the hue of "purple mountain majesty";
"The pink moment" is how it is marketed to tourists.
These mountains encircle the lush avocado-citrus Ojai valley, like an
unrelenting hug.

Oranges hung temptingly over the barb wire fence.
"Take..eat.. " they enticed us.
40 minutes in the wilderness 
Without water; 
We lost our resolve.
Sour!
Duped!
With sticky hands we chucked the inedible sections
Next to a multitude of their fallen
Rotting brethren.

At the car 
We are greeted by a fluffy cream-colored cat with 
Eyes bright blue; a perfect 
Match for the cloudless sky.
He trots across the street quickly
Avoiding oncoming cyclists
Mewing politely.
After giving our legs a congratulatory rub, with a twitch of his tail, 
He sniffs our pilfering fingers
Allowing us only briefly to pet him.