WILDFLOWER REPORTS - 2010

This will be the permanent thread for wildflower reports for 2010. This is not intended as a place to share images for critique, etc., but feel free to include an image to show the bloom in a particular area.

I sure hope the rains will give a great year for flowers!!!!

Thanks Harley,

2/14/2010

I went out to Fresno Blossom Trail. Only a small showing in Sanger (frankwood /180 )area.
Poppies and Lupen with some Blue Dicks showing on Trimmer Springs rd Kings River area near Dalton's store Piedra. Nothing super "On Fire" but enough of a showing to keep you busy for a little while.
Jay

Jay, sorry - what is the "Fresno Blossom Trail" ?
Specific directions, please?
Thanks -

Sandy r

Jay, thanks for the update!!! I'm keeping a close eye on it. Peak bloom season shouldn't be too far off.

Sandy, I am looking forward to seeing it this year as well. Here is some info I have gathered on it. Normal bloom is end of Feb to beginning of March. All of the trees blossom with beautiful flowers before the fruit season. Here is a good resource with map and reports:

http://www.gofresnocounty.com/BlossomTrail/BlossomIndex.asp

And here is one example of the bloom I found on Flickr taken 2.21.2009. A bit early but none the less beautiful:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenntokunaga/3316068976/

Derek

Devil Canyon - 118 free way at the end of Topanga Cyn exit
- There is a lot of different flowers blooming out there no grand vista but it's a short walk to get down into the creek. You can walk up over the road to goes up to the construction of new condos and just walk up over the hill.

Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa - Newbury park (google it)
- Shooting stars are blooming all over the place in patches along most trails. You can't see them until you within a 100 yards of them. There are also mountain vistas and ocean views in certain spots. Just a normal twilight dawn with out a cloud in the sky above the Owens River. Map

Steve

Thanks, everyone!
Sandy r

I went back to the area this weekend 2/20 and the blooms are really starting to work out in the area.
Some snaps between the rain.

The poppies and lupen are on trimmer springs road and piedra road next to the kings river.

These are on frankwood road close to the intersection of hwy 180 fresno county.

One more from the "blossom trail" same area

All the almonds are starting to pop off between Fresno and Modesto. The most interesting lines I ran across were on River road between Hughson and Turlock res. These orchards are on large rolling hills.

Happy shooting out there. Sorry about the snaps. I spent every non raining minute shooting macro........
Jay

Very nice Jay. Things are almost in full bloom already! I guess I need to head over there soon as those flowers don't last very long. Do you think some trees will blossom a bit later, lets say over the course of the next couple of weeks?

Derek

Derek it looks like there will be blooms for a while. The cherry trees are just now starting to bud. Many of the orchards on the west side of the blossom trail are still bare trees.So i would estimate for the next 6 weeks or so there will be something to shoot in the different areas. The poppies and what not just move further up the road on trimmer spring so they will be there for a while yet too. By that time Merced river canyon will be rocking so no need for me to search so far away I'll chasing blooms well in to august in the higher elevations then it will be fall. I just can't shoot the walls here all the time the competition is just to much pressure.

With all of the rain the state has gotten this winter, I think there will be glory all over California this spring. Personally I plan to try Death Valley in March and the Owens Valley in Late April early May specfically Bush Lupine on Whitney Portal road, Balsamroot in the Buttermilk country and the Irises on Brockman Lane in Bishop. More rain in the Valley today and a bigger storm this weekend. I'm posting a few photo's to show the potential, last year I went about the same time and the show was almost completely over,with the continuing rainstorms I think the best show will be early in May.

Paul

Reason I'm returning to the Buttermilks in Early May.

Likewise Whitney Portal for the Lupine 5/10/2008

And finally a more intimate shot from the Iris Field 5/11/08

The Blossom trail is now in full bloom according to Fresno's website and confirmed by Jay's earlier findings. Here is the update if you haven't seen it:

3/3/2010 - The cold weather has shortened the bloom cycle. The Blossom Trail is expected to begin to wind down by mid-March. Visitors are advised to see the trail as soon as possible, check weather forecast.

3/1/2010 - The Trail is in Bloom. Extra rain has slightly altered the blooming cycle with the Peaches and Nectarines (Pink Blossoms) just starting to blossom while the Plums and Almonds (White Blossoms) are in full bloom with a few starting to change to the green leaves. Wildflowers are also joining in the bloom and the view to the snow capped Sierra Nevada is spectacular. Please check weather reports as intermittent rain is predicted over the next 10 days.

-- http://www.gofresnocounty.com/BlossomTrail/BlossomIndex.asp

Derek

Thanks Derek,
Guess i better head down this weekend

Had to go near the area this morning
This is Trimmer springs road at Winton Park same area as above.
Not meant to be good photography just to show the mix of flowers in 1 shot


http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee180/jayknight2/IMG_2226.jpg


This the lupens notice the large poppy fields in the back ground

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee180/jayknight2/IMG_2226.jpg

Sorry it won't let me post pics.....oh well. I'm done adding my 2 bits worth

Jay,

The poppies look nice and dense in that location. We'll head out tommorrow to visit the area.

Thanks again for the tips.

Derek

Arvin - Some folks were asking about conditions in Arvin, near Bakersfield. I was there this afternoon (3/7/10). The weather was great but the flowers are not yet at their best. Continueing east on Bear Mountain Blvd from Arvin, the road gradually climbs up the toe of Bear Mountain. At first you will find purple lupines and some yellow and white flowers along the road. (Hey, I am not a botanist.) The slopes are still mostly green. As you go a little higher, there are a few poppies here and there, but its not yet prime time. This shot was about halfway between the beginning of the flowers and Hwy 58.

Arvin - Another shot on 3/7. These are not poppies.

Arvin - Bear Mountain Blvd approaching the slopes of Bear Mountain. As you can see, the side of the road has some nice color but the wide expanses are mostly green. This area should be a lot brighter in the next week or two, as poppies and other flowers come up.

Roland

Thanks for the update!! A picture is worth a thousand words....

Roland,
Thanks a bunch for the update!!!! The yellow ones are fiddlenecks........or my super technical term for them faker poppies

The lower merced canyon below slate creek is starting to show signs........
I don't have the add picture dialog so link it will be.....
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee180/jayknight2/IMG_2244.jpg
Just a quick snap coming home. I've heard rumor the Hite's cove trail is beginning to shape up nicely.

Fresno was great this past weekend for wildlfowers in the foothills and the Blossom Trail as well. I'm still uploading images but here are a couple links:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2010/07Mar104205Adown/806061512_jttXh-XL.jpg

http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2010/08Mar104335ADown/806120314_BBjph-XL.jpg

Derek

At lunch at work today I found a pretty cool wildflower website, that you flower fanatics might enjoy checking out. They have flower reports updated every Friday starting March 5, The address is http://www.theodorepayne.org/hotline.html It is principally a So Cal report but very detailed with some images.

Paul

Wildflower hotline, website and blog - The Kern County Board of Trade has set up its annual wildflower hotline at 661-322-WILD. The hotline is available 24/7. VisitKern.com also has information and a new Kern Wildflower Blog. It should be a good resource for the latest updates on conditions.

Kern County has had a great deal of rain this winter. That ussually means a spectacular wildflower show.

If you need a meal and you are in the Arvin area, two good mexican restaurants are Las Fuentes on Bear Mountain Blvd. in Arvin, and El Pueblo at 9705 Main Street in Lamont. Both offer authentic mexican seafood as well as the usual dishes.

If you need a meal in Bakersfield, I HIGHLY recommend the Noriega Hotel on Sumner Street, 2 blocks west of Baker Street. This is an authentic Basque restaurant that has been owned by the same family for over 85 years. Lunch (at Noon)and dinner (at 7)are served family style on long tables. There is no menue or wine list. The wine will already be on the table and the food will just keep coming. If you want something special, like a side of liver and onions or more blue chees, just ask Bernadette. The place is full of history and nothing has changed since the wild west days when the railroad was being built and sheepherders lived upstairs. You are guaranteed to meet interesting people! Yes it is on skid row. Don't let that bother you. The food, atmosphere and company will provide a totally unique experience. If you have trouble finding it, call me at 661-333-8669 and I will give you directions. If you do not enjoy the meal, send me your bill.

I hope some of you get a chance to come and see a better side of Kern County than the Truck Stop on Hwy 99.

Roland, another great find. Thank you for all the tips and that Kern County website! It looks like the Foothills east of Bakersfield have a lot of good options right now. Several reports seem to confirm this same thing. Thw wildflowers are starting to really kick into gear. Wind Wolves sounds like another great option.

Here is the direct link to the latest report: http://www.visitkern.com/WildflowerSightings.php

Derek

I recently returned from a trip to the desert and documented my findings on my blog: http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com
I was at Anza Borrego (best flowers currently), Joshua Tree and Mojave Desert as well as a few other places. I regularly blog where I have been and what is in bloom as well as other natural history related information.
Sandy

Hi Sandy, it looks like it was a bit early every place you visited. So much for early blooms in those locations I guess. Thanks for posting!

Derek

I was wondering if anyone has been to Bear Valley ( west of Williams, CA), Table Mt. (outside of Oroville) or Mines Rd. (outside of Livermore) or has any information on the wildflower bloom at these spots. I am trying to plan trips to these locations and have found information almost non-existent. I have recently updated my blog about California desert bloom:
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com/
Thanks.
Sandy

Sandy, I just saw this nice shot from a couple of weeks ago: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leapin26/4439447841/. Its looking pretty sweet.

Derek

I have a wildflower report from the Mojave, Tehachapi & Caliente Area. The Joshua Trees are just starting to bloom.

From Mojave to Tehachapi over the pass all the way to the Caliente Bodfish offramp nothing is happening other than to the stray Joshua Trees on the desert side. Once you drop down on the Caliente Bodfish road that's another story. This was taken through the fence before reaching Caliente.

Past Caliente but only at the lower altitudes at this time is where Poppy and Lupine can be found. The best patch was right before where the road divides to go to Lorraine or Havilah. The light today was perfect for up close flower photography. Filtered by a comlpete overcast of milky cirrus the sun was able to shine through, and there was very little wind. The sun strengthened after 2 p.m. but I had to leave at 3 to return to Long Beach all in all a very nice one day trip.

Thanks for sharing, Paul. I love the blue of Lupine and the orange of Poppies.

I visited Pacheco SP over the weekend. The flowers amoung the rolling hills and oaks are a nice combination there. Lots of shooting stars and some poppies on certain hillsides along the Pig Pond trail.

Derek

I was at the Chimney Rocks area at Point Reyes yesterday and there were many species in bloom including the Calochortus tolmei. There was even more wind than usual so it was not a good day for photography but very good for seeing wildflowers. There were also a lot of elephant seals at the overlook. I have put a detailed plant list of what I saw plus information about the trail and warnings about the shuttle system on my blog. I have also posted an updated list of wildflower blooms throughout California.
Sandy
Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com/

I was at Knight's Ferry and Table Mountain near Sonora on Thursday, March 25.
The Bush Lupine and Poppies at Knight's Ferry had peaked and were gorgeous.
Table Mountain has flowers lower to the ground such as Goldfields amongst
boulders and rocks. The patterns although irregular are quite photogenic. Unless
the weather stays cool with perhaps a little more rain, both areas will probably be
past peak in about a week or less.

Things around California are going to get interesting next week if the weather forecast holds. Rain for North and Central California maybe even Southern California starting on Wednesday. This is predicted to be a very cold series of storms with snow level down to 2800 ft in the Tehachapi mountains on Thursday. Wondering how this weather will affect the bloom. Today it was up to 90 degrees in some areas of So Cal and windy.

Paul

I was at Abbott's Lagoon at Pt. Reyes today (3/27/10) There are many flowers currently in bloom. Some of the highlights were the yellow version of California Poppy, Coast Fiddleneck, Big Marsh Sunflowers and Pussy Ears(Calochortus tolmeii).
I did a posting with photos, trail description and plant list at my blog:
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

Sandy
Natural History Wanderings

I just returned from a further wildflower exploration of the Caliente, Loraine, Walker Basin Loop. There are areas with good coverage , but not grand vistas. The best color was still at the Junction of Caliente Creek and Caliente Bodfish road. I do have some very sad news to report. On my way back from Walker basin I drove up hill into an extensive rolling oak woodland and found all of the oak trees were dead. They had a weird orange lichen like coating on their bark. I suppose they were killed by the sudden oak death disease that has been ravaging our native oaks. Downhill closer to Caliente the Oaks were vibrant and alive. I'm not an arborist so I don't know if our our extended drought had anything to do with this like the bark beetle infestation in the pines but I do know one thing this disease wiped out several hundred acres maybe even several thousand acres of oaks. It was just too heart rending to photograph. Needless to say there were no wildflowers in this area.

Paul

Here is what I found locally in the Santa Monica Mountains 45 minutes west of downtown LA wild flowers

Some sporadic poppies in the Santa Monicas

The tree in the BG makes what would otherwise be a rather ordinary picture
a very special one. The tree has character.

I went this week to Carrizo Plain, I did a day trip (about 9 hours driving roundtrip) and this is what I found.

You can see the set of images here:
http://www.craftedlight.com/p500502708

I was at Table Mountain today; it is very flowery. Lots of Lupine, Goldfields, Popcorn, and Poppies. Both good displays and many species in bloom. However, some plants are a little beaten up from the weather. It is quite damp in places and the bloom should continue as more rain is predicted. I have posted several photos, a detailed plant list, and resources and information for visiting Table Mountain on my blog. I also have a number of other wildflower updates from other reports.
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

Sandy
Natural History Wanderings

Passed thru rt. 138 in the antelope valley on Tuesday. It was mind blowing. Never saw it so nice. And there was no wind. Images coming......

Lots of Blooming flowers right now along 395 at Black Rock Springs rd north of Independence.

I just spend the weekend at Pt. Reyes. Many flower species are in bloom at Chimney Rock and near the Lighthouse parking lot. There are also lots of scenic views and the wildlife spotting opportunities as well. I have posted plant lists and have some photos at my blog: Natural History Wanderings
Sandy
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

Western end of the Antelope Valley the Poppy Preserve and surrounding areas. Weekdays would be recommended as the "lookie lous" will be thinned out. Especially if you want to photograph in or close to the Preserve. If you can only go on the weekend even areas fairly far away from the reserve have good coverage. Although the poppies are the main attraction there are several other species as well. Purple Owls clover, popcorn flowers, very tiny yellow flowers in carpets, the miniature Lupine are about done they are going to seed. Most of the dirt roads are very passable even for passenger cars, but some in the hilly areas are damaged from the rains, in fact there are still muddy pools in places. Had a pucker moment on one in the wife's Jetta on Sunday. Watch out for rattlers, see Rudy Ruberti's Topic on this forum. Driving around you will also see amazing variation in the groups of different flowers with the ubiquitous poppies.

I went to the Skyline Serpentine Prairie yesterday and was quite impressed with the way it is progressing. It is a part of Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, CA. There are many Goldfields and California Poppies. Also in flower are Blue-eyed Grass, a Catchfly, Purple Sanicle, Yellow Lomatium, Yarrow, a purple pea or vetch, Owl’s Clover, Yellow Lotus, a tiny white Lewisia (?), Cow Clover, Blue Dicks, Poison Oak and Clarkia foliage. Also identified were a Western Bluebird and Buckeye butterfly. I have posted some photos and more information about the prairie on my blog: Natural History Wanderings

Sandy
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

Sandy, thanks for the information about conditions at Skyline Serpentine Prairie.
I've never been there. Is that by chance near Edgewood County Park in Redwood
City? I've neverbeen there either, but I've heard that it can be good for wildflowers.
If you're familiar with Edgewood, is at peak now and what is its status--below aveage,
average, good, etc.? Thank you.

Skyline Serpentine Prairie is in Redwood Park in Oakland so it is probably at least an hour away from Edgewood. I am not sure about the current Edgewood flowers, but I did have a posting for them the end of March: http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/edgewood-park-and-natural-preserve/
I would suggest contacting Edgewood directly for the most current information.
Sandy
Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

Thank you, Sandy. I contacted Edgewood. The flowers are at
peak and because of the recent rain should continue to be so
for several weeks.

The slopes west and north of Independence are still blooming strong with carpets of yellow for miles. There are groups of lupine at peak bloom scattered about as well. On the drive from LA to the Eastern Sierra - there is about a 15 miles stretch of 395 just north of the Kramer Junction that is absolutely lined with flowers. As someone who has been making this drive for years, I can say that this is rare! If you're planning on going up that way, enjoy! It looks like it'll still be around for a bit, provided it doesn't get too hot.

Bear Valley, South Fork of the Yuba River, and Hell's Half Acre

I went to Bear Valley on 4/23/10 with the docents from the Regional Parks Botanic Garden on a trip led by the garden director Steve Edwards. I would describe this as an average year for Bear Valley. There were plenty of flowers in bloom, but not a lot of big displays as in a good year. There was an impressive display of Tidytips when you first get on Bear Valley Road on the right. There was also a very good display of Zigadene at Bear Valley. Still plenty to photograph. Some of the other flowers in bloom were Poppies, Lasthenia glabrata, Owl's clover, Yellow Lomatium, Popcorn, Gilia bicolor, Lupinus nana, Calochortus uniflora, Royal Delphinium, Cream Cups, Fiddleneck, Red Paintbrush, and Blue-eyed Grass.

On 4/24/10 I went Hell's Half Acre and the Buttermilk trail in South Yuba River State Park. Hell's Half Acre is west of the Grass Valley at the intersection of Rough and Ready and Ridge Roads. It had nice displays consisting of a yellow composite (that is not Goldfields), Lupine and Johnny Tuck. Also in bloom in the area were Blue Dicks, Woodland Star and Manzanita.

In South Yuba River Park we took the Buttermilk trail, which is probably the top flower trail in the park. It is relatively level and goes along the river
canyon. It is very flowery and has many species in bloom. There are signs
along the way that identify most of the species now in bloom. It is very
appealing to the wildflower lover and close-up photographer. It does not have big displays, but does have many species in bloom.

For photos, a detailed plant list for South Yuba River and additional details
check by blog: Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com
Sandy

Antelope Valley the Poppy Rreserve and surrounding areas are still very nice. I just spent Monday and Tuesday (4/26-27) there. I thought it might be past prime. But some were saying the reserve just peaked this week. So still a lot of nice flowers out there to shoot.

Here is one from this week inside the Reserve:
http://www.landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2010/11188550_FuRhA#851302410_3YHLS-A-LB

Derek

Today I did a trip to the Sunol Regional Wilderness with a group of CNPS members and docents from the Regional Parks Botanic Garden. We drove down Welch Creek Road and walked part way up Eagle View Trail. Many species were in bloom. It was a trip for flower watchers and close-up photography (when the breeze slowed down). There were not big displays of flowers. I have posted a plant list of what was seen, some photos and information on visiting Sunol on my blog.
Sandy
Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

5/1/2010 Mines Road outside of Livermore, CA is in prime wildflower form. It
was a very good day for flower lovers and photographers alike. The only plant
we hoped to see that wasn't out yet or at least not found was Fairy Fans Clarkia
brewer. There are many species in bloom and fields with large displays. To see
the best displays and the Blazing Stars continue south past the junction with
Del Puerto Canyon for about seven miles and half miles. Although the road area
is public, the land behind the fences is private. Please respect all fence
lines and private property postings along the road. For photos, a plant list
and additional information please check by blog.
Sandy
Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

Just returned from the eastern Sierra this weekend. The best spots for wildflowers appear to be Old 395 between Black Rock Springs Road and Aberdeen and Death Valley Road off of the Bristlecone road. In the wash just at the entrance to the hills are Desert Apricot Mallow, Desert Paintbrush, Mojave aster resembles light purple daises and Prince's Plume small bright yellow flowers on long stalks. The Palisades Glacier is in the far back ground. The two iconic flowers around Bishop unfortunately may not make much of a show this year. For the Iris on Brockman lane the main field was really flooded and there were very few blooms and the plants were not showing large coverage with hopes for a better show later.. The Balsamroot in the Buttermilk high area were very disappointing the plants are small and while not in full bloom don't appear as if they will impress later. Nothing like I posted earlier on this thread. A Photo workshop from the Mountain Light Gallery on Saturday actually was in a field on the west side of Old 395 just North of Division Creek. One other note windy conditions have been really prevalent on the last two trips to the E. Sierra it was really blowing hard Saturday night, Sunday morning.

Paul

Thanks, Paul, for keeping us informed of the wildflower status
from some of your current trips.

Just a shout out to local floral nuts, there are yellow Hartweg's Irises blooming in Bouquet Canyon along the creek. They are just starting. If they really get going it might truly be spectacular. Bouquet Canyon can be reached by taking Sand Canyon Road North from the 14 to Sierra Hwy, turn right and then turn left on Vasquez canyon Road. This road takes you down to Bouquet Canyon Road turn right and you can take an enjoyable drive down the canyon looking for irises.

Paul

Posted this in the Flora gallery but just in case you don't get over there.

Well Just returned frm the Owens Valley and there is much to report. On the way out I went through Bouquet Canyon again and the Iris continue and are blooming next to the creek . The Poppies are just about popped out in the AV. Ok the bush Lupine that are ENORMOUS are blooming just below Lone Pine Creek Campground near the closest of two low granite boulder mounds. The Lupine are over 5ft tall. There are many other smaller flowers in and among the Lupine. Great views of Lone Pine Peak, Mt. Whitney and Mt. Willamson with the giant Lupine in the fg. The other great area is along old 395 betwen Black Rock Springs road and Aberdeen. There is a small group of Lava Rock right next to the road on the West side of the road. the barbed wire fence is lying on the ground. Growing in the the rocks is Giant Four o'clock this flower blooms at night and folds up in full daylight. I got some nice images Saturday morning before they closed. The Yellow flowers are still making quite a show but the coverage is slipping in some areas. The area around the Power house on Division Creek is Lupine City, I found two albinistic individuals. The road to the Sawmill pass trailhead is freshly graded and past that the road up to the Oak grove at the base of the mountain has been regraded as well, I believe this is so they can access the two foot wide iron pipe that delivers water at tremendous head pressure to the turbine in the powerhouse. In this area is also Desert Apricot Mallow, Thistle ( bright pink flower ) and Indian Paintbrush. There are other scattered flowers as well but the Lupine are unbelievable. If you want to overdose on Flowers and the Sierra the Owens is still jumping head over heels. Oh almost forgot between Coso and Olancha by the side of the Hwy and even in the median strip are Desert Mariposa, brillant orange accompanied by light purple fringed onion. According to my reference book these flowers are infrequent bloomers and not abundant, this stretch of 395 belies the reference book. Will be posting images.

Paul

Yesterday (May 15), I was at Abbott’s Lagoon at Point Reyes and over fifty species of wildflowers were in bloom. California Poppies (yellow coastal form), Yellow Bush Lupine, Cow Parsnip, Big Marsh Buttercup, Beach Suncups, Yellow Sand Verbena, and Sea Thrift were especially abundant. Many flowers are still in good shape and more will be blooming over the next few weeks. I have more complete plant lists, photos and more details at my blog:
Natural History Wanderings
Sandy
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

Just finished backing up the hard drive on an auxillary terabyte hardrive. Took awhile.

This Memorial weekend I spent some time in Death Valley Friday was Wildrose Canyon and Saturday a trip out to the Eureka Dunes. On the way to Charcoal Kilns just before the road turns to dirt there were numerous Yellow mariposa lilies scattered about on both sides of the road mostly right around the Skidoo Pipleline display. There is also Sage, Apricot mallow, Indian Paintbrush and mini Lupine. Also some blooming Beavertail and Strawberry hedgehog cacti. Up on the dirt road there were Lupinus Magnificus. The endemic Panamint Lupine. Along Eureka Valley road in the area of the Joshua Tree forest the sides of the road were covered with large Primrose flowers, Even in midmorning they were still open, just before they close they turn a pinkish color. There is also abundant Indian Paintbrush but the 4 cactus Species in the area have a week or two before they are in full bloom. All for now. For So Cal folks Glendora Mtn. Road was rocking two weekends ago.

Paul

Great report, Paul...thanks! I figured those high-elevation areas of western DV must be nearing peak.

BTW, there is an extremely well written and detailed book published about a year ago covering the western portions of DVNP. Fortunately, it also covers some of my favorite areas west of the park boundary, including Panament Valley western Eureka Valley and the eastern side of the beautiful and rugged Inyo Mountains, which form the western boundary of Saline Valley. Those wet, very-remote canyons, especially Hunter, Beveridge and McElvoy canyons, are absolutely stunning and well worth the two-hour, bone-rattling ride on Saline Valley Road, which I think must be where they coined the phrase "washboard road"! Anyone who visits Saline should be sure their vehicle is in good working order, with a known-good spare (or two)---preferably with more than one vehicle (no cell service). Here's the link on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Western-Death-Valley-National/dp/0965917819/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275850316&sr=8-12

Looks like the copies are "out of print" at the moment…sure hope they print more of these.

Bob

The San Franicisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park is
a good place to go if you are looking for flowers to photograph. Much is in
bloom and the foggy or cloudy days create nice diffuse light for close-ups.
There is a good sized native plants section as well as plants from around the
world. I found the Leucospermums or Pincushion plants especially photogenic. To
see some of my photos from today check my blog:
Natural History Wanderings
Sandy

Yesterday, June 17, I photographed in Yosemite NP along Foresta Road off HWY120.
Because of a fire the wildflowers are good there now, particularly the Lupine. There
are some occasional clumps of Harlequin Lupine and some yellow flowers that I
couldn't identify. The charred Manzanita bushes and blackened trees--some standing,
some down provided strong graphic lines. In the early morning hours the scenics polarized
quite well owing to the angle of the sun. I think that it will be good for another several
days.

I was at Ring Mountain in Marin County yesterday. There are still quite a few flowers still bloom. Mainly, individual flowers and small groups with lots of dried grasslands. Most plentiful were Clarkia and Common Madia. Still in bloom were nice specimens of the Tiburon Mariposa Lily. Good views of San Francisco, the Bay and Richmond bridges and San Quentin prison make nice landscapes. I managed to be there on a windy bright midday hike with a compact camera so I was somewhat limited. I have put a plant list and a few photos on my blog.
Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com
Sandy

On June 21 I went to Skyline Serpentine Prairie in Redwood Regional Park in
Oakland to see the Presidio Clarkia, but the big surprise was there were
hundreds of Yellow Mariposa Tulips (Calochortus luteus) in bloom. To see some
photos and a plant list check my blog.

Sandy
Natural History Wanderings

Upon arriving at Chimney Rock at first it was disheartening with lots of tall alien grasses and thistles. However, continuing down the trail to the point there were quite a few species in bloom. It certainly wasn't as flowery as peak season, but it was a very nice day. I identified twenty-six native species in bloom. Elephant seals are still around, not much wind in the morning and there were very few people, even on a Saturday morning. You will also seen a number of flowers in bloom on the main Pt. Reyes road and if you go to Pt. Reyes via Lucas Valley road from Highway 101. I have posted photos, a plant list and more details on my blog.

Sandy
Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com

There were many flowers in bloom at the native plant Regional Parks Botanic
Garden. It is located in Tilden Park in Berkeley. Many Lilies and Clarkias were in bloom throughout the garden and you can not miss them. There are several species of Calochortus in the bulb beds including the yellow weedii, a yellow globe lily and a white mariposa tulip. Some other flowers of note were the red Western Columbine, the white-yellow Sierra Columbine, Wooly Blue-curls, Cactus, and many buckwheats. I have posted photos on my blog:

Sandy
Natural History Wanderings
http://sandysteinman.wordpress.com