March Meanderings

A fanciful mural near Almaden Lake appeared some time ago (mirrored by another, across the road). Biking past on a cloudy day, I realized conditions were ideal for capturing it without shadows.

I returned to Rancho Cañada del Oro for my first hike of the month, the usual 4.1-mile loop. Expecting a flooded trail crossing, I tried (unsuccessfully) to lead our group on a parallel path. Fortunately, the crossing was passable. Not up for the extended version of the hike, a couple of like-minded souls stayed with me.

A week later, I took advantage of another opportunity for a docent-led, 4.8-mile loop in Sierra Azul. Clear, sunny skies this time!

Skies were overcast when I joined a friend's group for a hike up Mission Peak. Given the conditions (and the lack of a view), I was surprised how many people were snaking their way to the summit. I don't recall crowded trails when I last hiked here (almost 20 years ago!), but that was a different trail. I was carrying a loaded pack then, training for a hiking tour, and likely didn't aim to reach the summit. I do remember sharing the trail with cattle.

I stopped a few feet shy of the summit today, unwilling to join the long queue of people waiting for their turn to cavort for photos with the post at the top. (Whatever.)

A challenging hike for sure, with more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain over 6.5 miles (out and back).

Open space preserves, county parks, city parks ... we are fortunate to have so many places to explore in the Bay Area! When you think of a city park, a wild place like Alum Rock is likely not what you have in mind.

We reveled in the green hills and enjoyed some early wildflowers on our 6-mile, double-loop hike.

In the spirit of giving back, I signed up for a volunteer project removing invasive French broom from some land in Sierra Azul. I wasn't sure whether I could make a meaningful contribution, but the coordinator assured me I would be useful.

Then I met the Weed Wrench. And the oh-so-satisfying sound of thick taproots being wrenched (literally!) from the earth.

This being another closed section of Sierra Azul, it was unknown to me despite the countless times I've cycled past on the road below. A recent project to clear non-native, fire-hazard eucalyptus trees from the property afforded us a clear view of Lexington Reservoir and the ridge beyond.

Unaccustomed to sharing his territory with humans, a tom turkey paid us no heed as he strutted his stuff.

Rainy days have thwarted many plans for me to bike this month, so I was disappointed when my hiking buddies bowed out for the last day of the month. Looking at the forecast, and the weather radar, I reckoned an afternoon hike would be dry. I settled on a loop through familiar terrain in Almaden Quicksilver, a route that's convenient and popular for so many hikers.

I'd never seen those trails so empty.

As I made my way along the usual 4.8-mile loop, there were buttercups and butterflies, deer and quail, a bald eagle and Henderson's shooting stars. I met another hiker as a smattering of raindrops trickled down.

As I headed home, my windshield wipers got busier. I made it into the house just before the deluge ...