Cherry Blossom Blooms

Hey guys,

I have always enjoyed Cherry Blossoms and other similar flowering trees. So I was wondering what places you have found to have good blooms?

I actually found some Cherry Blossoms blooming in Monterey this past weekend:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2010/11188550_FuRhA#784403237_NEwkp-XL-LB

In doing a bit of internet research I have heard these are good potential places:

1. Golden Gate Park
2. Fresno Blossom Trail
3. East of Merced
4. Antelope Valley

I found this incredible shot taken by Dave Weber last March. I had the chance to speak with Dave about his perfect timing (snow, bloom, etc...):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/weberd/3392024891/

Any other good blossoming tree locations appreciated.

Thanks,

Derek

Nice shot Derek, those things don't live very long.

There is about a billion of them on the way to Yosemite, anyway you go. Oh, and there is a few at the shell gas station close to home.

SS

Derek, check the website for the Fresno C of C or Visitors Bureau, there should be lots of info on the "Blossom Trail", a road trip on the back roads of the Fresno area during blooming season, pretty impressive from what I've heard and the pics I've seen.

I don't have any particular locations, but seeing this makes me look forward to hearing where the spring blooms begin to unfold. Thanks for sharing!

The cherry blossom trail in fresno has always been a treat!!!!!!!Additionally if you leave the trail in to the foothills trimmer springs, pineflat,up to black rock road. the poppies and lupen are amazing with lots of open land to check out.I was out there this weekend. No cherry/almond blooms but the poppies are startin to show although not ripping along yet.
Jay

here's a link
http://gocalifornia.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=gocalifornia&cdn=travel&tm=25&gps=336_351_1260_605&f=10&su=p974.1.168.ip_p284.9.336.ip_p531.50.336.ip_&tt=6&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.gofresnocounty.com/BlossomTrail/BlossomIndex.asp

There's a park near my office in Van Nuys that has some nice cherry trees, but I wouldn't want to be there after dark.

Jay,

I really think it will be an earlier than usual season at the Blossom Trail. Thanks for the link. I noticed a report from the locals that points to the possibility of an earlier season as well:

2/5/2010 - A few orchards have started to show blooms in the Reedley area, but expect another 10-14 days before the blossom trail is in full bloom.

10-14 days until Full Bloom? Even if that is optimistic it is still only 2 weeks away until things start really kickin' into gear!

Derek

The central valley in the area around Escalon is the almond producing capitol of the world, and the almond orchards are the first of the fruit trees to blossom, typically coming up soon...February to early March. I learned last year when I was considering getting a beehive, that some huge number, like 70% of the beehives in the United States, are trucked into the central valley for the almond blossom. FYI, the blossoms are white.

Derek I think you will have something to shoot for sure.As long as there are not any really nasty windy storms. Might not be top shape but plenty see...I imagine.

Tony I love going out to the Escalon /North Modesto are during his time it's just a dream. On a foggy morning the colors are super vivid the green grass and the blooms...that's good stuff.

Happy shooting!!!!!
jay