Visitors 29
Modified 15-Feb-23
Created 1-Mar-21
66 photos
The first wave of spring -- AKA the settling in of the rainy season -- is in full bloom in Portola Valley. Yes, even though we are woefully short on rain, so far. The ground is moist, the skies are blue, the critical part of the fire season seems to be receding. The usual cycle of the seasons proceeds, whether or not we humans feel this is a normal year.
Our first wave of wildflowers is dominated by red, white, and blue -- with a touch of pink/purple. Red Indian Plume in sunnier areas, dark-red Trillium in shadier glens. Our very first wildflower, dancing over hillsides beside the trails, is the white Milkmaid (occasionally showing a little pink upon close observation). And the blue, sky blue, improbably blue blue of Hound's Tongue, showing off along the trails -- at its peak, now.
Just one more flower appears here. Located in just a few spots along Mid Toyon Trail (as far as I know), the distinctive Woodland Shooting Star dares to show its shy beauty. Many more flowers are coming -- stay tuned. (I have recently seen other blossoms hereabouts. Manroot = wild cucumber springs to mind. But I did not notice a sufficiently photogenic example on Coal Mine Ridge. And the Slim Solomon in this collection is quite close to blossoming.)
Trees and leaves also call for attention. Buckeyes, full-grown trees as well as yearling sprouts, are showing off their five-fingered palmate leaves, their bright yellowish-green a welcome contrast to the more bluish hue of the established trees. Look up as you walk up Arroyo Trail, and you might catch a glimpse of fragile new leaves of a Black Oak: some tender green, some purple to rust awaiting an infusion of chlorophyll. Valley Oaks also sprout new light-green leaves, along with flowers and catkins. Bays are in flower. There is even a naturalized Hawthorn tree on Bay Laurel just out of the Nature Preserve, in flower.
Though the absence of rain has dulled the mosses, the ferns continue to unspool -- in hopes of a more characteristic rainy season, still possible.
Once again, this is turning into a good year for our native Poison Oak. This versatile plant can take the form of a bush, or a vine -- two different life styles. Its leaves are versatile, choosing their size and cofiguration based on local circumstances. Toxicodendron diversilobum, indeed! Here are a couple of examples of our three-leaved friend; I passed by many others, in various sizes, shapes, and colors from green to copper orange-red.
I walked out on a weekend, and not too early at that. Abundant human visitors might have discouraged the wildlife and even the birds I sometimes encounter. The clear blue sky and still air lent a peacefulness to the morning.
I'm a little sorry for subjecting you to so many photos, rather than undertaking a more serious pruning. My excuse is, I am taking the hint from this season of exuberant excess. Feel free to pick and choose, or just breeze on by, and enjoy!
