Summer at Bishop Ranch

Summer is in full swing at Bishop Ranch. We made it through the coolish spring, and now the hot, hot days of summer have returned. Typically a breeze comes in from the coast through the Hayward Pass to bring evening relief, and each three-day crescendo of high heat is followed by several cooler days. The flag stands tall by the man-made Bishop Lake, and is visible over an allee of deciduous trees.

Flags over an allee of trees

The docks at two small marinas are ready to accommodate row boats and the cruiser, or  hard working colleagues ready to take a short break from work.

Dock on Bishop Lake

Dock with tables (note the green roof of the Roundhouse to the left)

The lake is surrounded with interesting things to observe, from ducks and geese carrying out courtship and parenting, to plants running through their life cycles. Employees and the public enjoy walks around the lake for exercise and a midday brush with nature.

Duck and duckling out for a swim	Blueberry lily (Dianella caerulea)
Irises by the lake	Shady allee near the lake

Most trees have passed through their flowering stage, leaving a lovely green-on-green landscape. Many other plants are flowering, and grasses have grown long and move with the breeze.

Shady oak with a view to the textured landscaping

Volleyball and bocce ball courts in the distance

Meanwhile, the grasses on the distant hills have turned brown, highlighting a patchwork of chaparral  and oak. This is characteristic of the summer dry, Mediterranean climate of Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mount Diablo in a patchwork of dry grasses and chapparal

Roses and trees watered by gray water in the foreground, and dry hills in the distance

Folks dining at the Roundhouse cafeteria enjoy taking it outside this time of year. The vine lanai provides welcome shade, and breezes off the lake regulate the temperature in the heat of the day.