Signs of Spring

We've spent the winter months hiking in nearby parks, enjoying sweeping vistas, and exploring beautiful landscapes. We've basked in the beautiful golden winter light that warms the landscape (though not necessarily the temperature), admired the bare tree branches against dramatic skies, and enjoyed inclement weather followed by warm days. Now it's spring!

Willows (Salix spp.) leafing out along the path by a Bishop Ranch lake

Time for nature to wake up and put on a show! This stand of willow trees leafed out in beautiful spring green in a matter of days. The flowering trees have been blooming in kind since late February and early March. Daffodils, hyacinths, freesia, and blue bells are rotating through their bloom cycles. Keep watch - there is more to come!
  

Kitchen Garden in Palo Alto

Recently while visiting one of our corporate offices in Palo Alto, I visited the kitchen garden that provides fresh produce to one of the cafeterias.

Corporate kitchen garden in Palo Alto

I was impressed with the deer proofing, which includes sturdy fencing. The raised beds provide great drainage. The kitchen garden is on a sloping hill and receives full sun for most of the day, even in the darker winter months.

The greens were just starting to get some height. I plan to visit the garden again the next time I’m at the Palo Alto offices, and I plan to order a salad made with fresh spring greens!

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

During a recent heat spell here in the San Francisco Bay Area, my friend and colleague, Leslie, and I visited Wildcat Canyon Region Park. Leslie and I have worked together for many years. She retired to the Pacific Northwest over a year ago, but was back for a visit to the Bay Area. Recall that she and I last hiked together in the redwoods in the Oakland hills (see Redwoods Regional Park).

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park - Alvarado Staging Area

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park opened in 1936 and was initially part of Tilden Regional Park, but spun off in 1937. It covers 2,789 acres and is located within the homeland of the Huchiun, an Ohlone tribe. Alvarado Park originated as a private park and was then merged into the Wildcat Regional Park. It benefited from masonry work from depression-era work programs, though many of the original wood structures are no longer standing.

Pastoral scene in Wildcat Canyon

Photo op

Leslie and I followed the Wildcat Creek Trail (a fire road), and then launched up into the hills via the Mezue Trail. As we hiked we caught up on all the news of the past year, and recalled shared memories of colleagues and experiences (we are both avid swimmers). We took in the beautiful green hills, the grazing cattle, and hikers and equestrians. We saw a coyote loping along, as well as birds soaring overhead. No wildflowers yet.

Sweeping view of the hills and San Francisco Bay

We enjoyed a lunch of pastrami sandwiches in one of the picnic areas and sweeping views of the hills and the San Francisco Bay. It was great to see my longtime friend, and to enjoy such a spectacular day in the Bay Area.

Winter on the Iron Horse Trail

After weeks of chilly, overcast San Francisco Bay Area weather, we had a glorious couple of weeks of warm, sunny weather. Temperatures hovered in the high 60s during the day, and then dropped to more typical high-40s to mid-50s during the night. I took advantage of a warm, sunny afternoon to walk on the nearby Iron Horse Regional Trail in San Ramon (see Fall on the Iron Horse Trail for seasonal comparison).

Mile 18.5 heading south toward Dublin, CA

The grass was green and lush from the winter rains, as were the surrounding hills. A few non-native wildflowers were in bloom. The deciduous trees were still bare of leaves. The trail was busy with the usual mix of walkers, joggers, students walking home from school, young moms out with strollers, and bicyclists. On this day I explored the nearby San Ramon City Hall to see their rotating art exhibit featuring local artists, and enjoy the winter sunlight filling the space of the rotunda.

Looking north on Iron Horse Trail

One of my delights is to observe nature and gardens throughout the year, and see seasonal changes, including the life cycle of plants and changes in light. Though winter can be cold and dark, even here in the Bay Area, a walk in the beautiful winter light to view nature can be very invigorating.

Beautiful space and art gallery at San Ramon City Hall