2/15 - Black Diamond Mines

 

9 of us braved a chilly spring day with a biting wind to look for our favorite flowers at Black Diamond. Not much luck; things which had been in full bloom a week earlier in Feb 2022 were barely in bud. It took a good deal of mind work to identify some of the leaves and sharp eyes to spot plants we always look for.

Once again we followed Lee's favorite trail, a single track which leaves the Ridge Tr just past the gate indicating the end of equestrian access. It rejoins the Ridge Tr about .1 mile to the east of the intersection with the eastern leg of the Chapparal Loop Tr. We continued to the west and returned to the cars via the western leg of the Chapparal Loop (downhill from the bridge at Manhattan Cyn). About 2.5 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/3M1R695186

2/8 - Mt Diablo "Manzanita Row"

 It was a glorious early spring day! 9 of us walked from Curry Point, out Knobcone Point Rd. Half made it to Balancing Rock, the others stopped before the long uphill section. The timing was good: the manzanitas were in full bloom and we even saw the Pedicularis and Cardamine (Dentaria). The grass is getting green and it was altogether lovely. About 3.8 miles

The park people have been doing a good deal of cutting, we surmised it was a fire prevention measure. There were stacks of dead material along the trail and many plants marked "do not cut" with tape There were some major slides on both Southgate and Northgate Rd, reducing the road to one lane in places. It will be a big project to get them fixed.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/hi829h1s7n

02/01 - Crockett Hills

 

There were 7 of us and two dogs for the Edwards Creek/Wood Rat/Crocker Ranch CW loop. It was cold, blustery and beautiful. In places the trail was muddy and slippery, in others perfectly dry.

The Dirca in the usual spot was spectacular with more blooms than any of us remember seeing. Lots of new green growing things. 2.5 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/k1N0808N61

1/25 - Lafayette Moraga Trail

 

There were 11 of us (plus Oscar and Sunny) on a bright, beautiful morning. We met at the parking lot across from St. Mary's and walked an out and back along the recently reopened section of the Lafayette-Moraga Trail, past the waterfall, turning at Lucille Ln and retracing out steps. There was lots of evidence of the results of the torrential storms. 2.7 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/2U69829Q6o

1/18 - UC Botanical Gardens

 

This was our annual visit to see the botanical art exhibit at Julia Morgan Hall. This year's theme was drought resistant plants. A bit ironic after the last few weeks of intense rain. A dozen of us viewed the exhibit. Many thanks to Lee for arranging it, sharing guest passes and giving us a good beforehand talk. About half of us wandered in the garden, too.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/Erj9y3rZ13

end of 2022

12/14 was the Christmas Luncheon at the McDougall's.

12/21 Phred and Elain led a hike Mt Wanda and Almond Ranch

12/28 uncertain weather and holiday exhaustion so no hike

12/7 - Carquinez Regional Shoreline

 

We walked from west to east on the paved George Miller trail along the cliff above the Carquinez Strait. this was the first time since Nov. 2014 that we began the walk from the Port Costa staging area. It was quite brisk (43 on the car thermometer) but good for walking, and a good choice after our rainy days. 6 people, 3 dogs; 3.7 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/YM5wg559AN

In planning the hike I came across this wonderful bit of local history (the hikers have already had the link, non-hikers might enjoy it, too). The Carquinez Scenic Drive (the basis of our hike) was the route of US 40 in the early 1900s:

https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/11/the-original-alignment-of-us-route-40.html