Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Henry Coe State Park - April 18, 2009
I took a brief trip up to Henry Coe State Park on April 18, 2009. It was my first trip to this park, but it won't be my last. It was a beautiful day, but I was running out of time, having stopped at Edgewood Park and the Presidio earlier, and I was getting tired and wanted to make it home before midnight (lol).
I didn't get to walk on any of the hiking trails, but I did get to stop and take a few pictures of wildflowers at several of the turnouts I came across.
Henry Coe State Park is located in Morgan Hill, CA.
For more info, visit their web site.... http://www.coepark.org/
Henry Coe State Park - White Globe Lily
I found a few of these near the lake, on the side of the road.
Henry Coe State Park - Shooting Star
I found a few good specimens of Shooting Star here, but most were past their peak. It was very warm this day.
Sequoia National Park - Lodgepole - April 11, 2009
As you can see, there is still a lot of snow in the higher elevations in Sequoia National Park. The market at Lodgepole is open, but the Lodgepole Visitor Center and the Cafe are still closed. I turned around and went back after I went here.
The fog made for some slow driving. Really slow driving! This one lady in front of me and another car was driving about 15 mph down the road, and she wouldn't pull over in any of the turnouts. Ugh. I thought I was never going to get home! Turnouts are your friend, slow drivers! Ok, my rant is done for now - hehe.
I am definitely going to make a return trip when King's Canyon and Crescent Meadow/Moro Rock Road are open. And hopefully, I will get a sunny day this time!
I posted pics more pics below, and pictures of wildflowers I found here in the foothills and around Springville.
Sequoia National Park - Pink Globe Lilies (or Fairy Lanterns)
I found some of these hidden in the grass across from the Foothills Visitor Center :)
Yokohl Dr - Blue Fiesta Flower
It was a very damp day near Springville when I went. These Blue Fiesta Flowers sport dew drops from the fog.
Yokohl Dr - Farewell To Spring Clarkia
This flower is called Farewell To Spring. Seems a bit early to be bidding a farewell to spring ;)
Yokohl Dr - Chinese Houses
Found lots and lots of these flowers on Yokohl Dr, and also on Balch Park Rd too
Yokohl Dr - Owl's Clover
Found some white owl's clover on Yokohl Drive. I had never seen it this color before.
Yokohl Dr - Ithuriel's Spear
Found a few of these on my drive and several other buds that have yet to bloom.
Carrizo Plain Ntl Monument - April 12, 2009
Padrone Canyon Road - Desert Dandelions
I visited Carrizo Plain again on April 12, 2009. It was a bright and sunny day...perfect photo weather :)
Padrone Canyon Road was a great find.Goldfields and Dandelions carpeted the ground, and further up the road, fields of Thistle Sage and a type of wild onion (?) could be found as well. The vast fields of color were almost gone on Soda Lake Road, but the roads leading to the hills were full of color.
Beware though: Rattlesnakes are out. I heard the unmistakable sound of a rattle in the bushes as I was on Padrone Canyon Road. Also beware of the mud! I got stuck in the mud on an unmarked dirt road and had to have a tow truck come pull me out. Talk about embarassing! Thank goodness for OnStar and Roadside Assistance!!!
I still had a nice day...despite the bad luck with the mud - lol.
Padrone Canyon Road - Redstem Filaree
Filaree is found in abundance on Carrizo Plain....as well as just about everywhere else I have been.
Padrone Canyon Road - Blue Dicks
I seem to find Blue Dicks everywhere. Carrizo Plain is no exception.
Soda Lake Road - Thistle Sage
Lots and LOTS of Thistle Sage was sprouting up all over Padrone Canyon Road. I found some on Soda Lake Road as well.
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