April Amblings, Part 1

Flowers keep popping up in the meadow where a controlled burn was carried out last fall in Sierra Azul.

Speaking of burn zones, we (unexpectedly) found the aftermath of a wildfire on a hike in the Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve. Following a trail through there was another matter. (When I met a couple of rangers later, I suggested some signage—even temporary—would be helpful. They agreed.)

I was excited that our group agreed to hike here, well outside our regular territory; most of us had biked to the visitor center many times. We knew there was much to explore, and it was fun to get a different perspective on the Calaveras Reservoir.

Our group split, with some choosing an extended route. One person stayed with me (more or less), on a shorter 4.2. mile version. With one weight-bearing misstep, I'd recently injured an ankle. Flexing my foot to walk uphill is painful; I'd babied it on a recent bike ride, but it takes a lot of mindfulness. Same with hiking.

What am I to do? Sit at home? [Nah.]

Point the foot to avoid the flex; basically, walk tip-toe.

Choose a shorter route, with less elevation gain. We'd heard that lots of flowers were blooming in Ed Levin County Park. And they were ... mostly invasives. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. It was a lovely day, though, and another 4.2 mile hike for me.

My next hike rewarded me with a special find: a checker lily in full bloom. Up to that point, I'd only found these plants budding or fruiting.

Lest you think it's all about the flowers, trees can be magical, too!

Unless, well ... stay tuned.