03/30 - Fernandez Ranch

 

There were only 7 of us on this hike as allergies, appointments and other personal issues took their toll. We hiked the reverse of our usual route, going out Windmill Tr to the top of the steep hill and then following Woodrat and Whipsnake trails across the long southern portion of the ridge and down to meet Black Phoebe trail for the last level portion. It is still quite green, but the ground is cracking in many places. There were lots of downed trees, too. Ranunculus and owl's clover were the most abundant flowers. Just under 3.5 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/t86pD7

03/23 - Redwood

A nice group (12 hikers and 4 dogs) today on what had been forecast to be extra warm. Instead it started foggy and cool. But it turned into a perfect day for walking and we saw flowers we rarely/never see. Trillium ovatum was the flower of the day!! Under 3 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/R3ko28

03/16 - Mt Diablo (Green Ranch)

 

 

 

This was the first hike on Mt Diablo this year, and the earliest in the year we have done the Green Ranch hike. As usual we started from the Oak Knoll picnic area, walked out the Green Ranch fire road, and after a stop for snacks at the old house site, returned via the Oak Knoll single track. It is a hike of under 3 miles but everyone on the walk will claim it felt much longer!

Plenty of green, but the south facing slopes are drying fast. Flowers are all mixed up as to bloom time and many/most which are blooming are quite small. It seems likely that that is a result of our continuing  drought. At lower elevations, along the drive up Northgate Rd, the lupine were amazing, but by the time we were above 2000', they were scattered at best. It was the same with the poppies.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/j29mL8

 

03/09 - Shell Ridge

 

It was a gorgeous spring day as 7 of us walked a clock-wise lollipop route around Fossil Hill, SE along the Briones-Mt Diablo Trail and back along Indian Creek (already dry). There was time for individual exploration of the glorious bloom in the Fossil Hill Native Plant Restoration area. 3 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/857uMs

From a Feb 18th visit to the restoration area:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/0ja7DA

03/02 - Lime Ridge

 

As far as I know, this was the first time we had done this route and tho the up seemed to go on forever and the down was really down, it was a good walk. We walked CCW up Ohlone, Paraiso and Manzanita Trails to the spot at the top of the ridge where 6 or 7 trails come together; then down Manzanita and Ohlone for the return. There were some interesting flowers (Pickeringia, a Eucrypta, fruit on the Marah, lots of fiddlenecks and Zygadene...) and lovely views. Just over 3 miles (3.15) tho the 970' + elevation gain/loss made it feel much longer.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6K33A0