2 August 2009
One of my absolute favorite local places is Mount Diablo State Park. What is a bit odd is that I didn't discover how much I liked the park until about five years ago. The discovery came about when I first tried hiking on the north slopes. They offer variety, challenge (if one climbs to the summit), and beauty.
Summer is probably my least favorite time to hike there. Spring flowers are spectacular. Fall color is nice. Winter is magical with streams flowing (but if it has rained too much recently, the trails get quite muddy.)
Today, I started from the Regency Drive gate in Clayton and climbed a bit over 2000 feet (just a bit over halfway up) toward the summit. The total distance was 9.4 miles. I started in the mid afternoon, so I was treated to late afternoon shadows. The contrast between the dark green oaks and the silvery gold grasses were splendid. 
The rampant poison oak was already turning fall colors. On the way down, I encountered this very big snake -- easily three feet long -- stretched across the trail. After taking his picture, I had to poke him several times with a stick to get him to move off the trail! The photo at the top shows the view to the south, toward the peaks, from near the trailhead. The photo at the bottom shows the view to the north from near the high point of today's hike.
1 comment:
My favorite place!!! I'm especially fond of the photo of the branch and grasses. Wasn't it just incredible up there this weekend? When I was cycling up there Saturday morning, it felt almost like autumn. Sunny, cool, breezy in that special way that autumn brings. I've always wanted to ride up there in the very late afternoon. You just might have inspired me. The light is, as you show us, is incredible. Thanks Bill. Wonderful.
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