frogpond.us

Today, our hikers took to the trails of Los Trancos Preserve, with reports of mountain lion sitings. The predators eluded us, but the views over the coastal range were spectacular, and some of the wildflowers were blooming. In shady spots there were thick stands of miner’s lettuce, pictured above.

There were a few trillium,

some buttercups,

many red warriors,

white-flowered currants,

fragrant white wild lilac,

blue ceanothus,

blooming hound’s tongue,

shooting stars,

and this dainty little chickweed.

Leaves of cow parsnip were unfurling in damp, sunny areas,

and banana slugs were resting in moist, shady edges of the trail.

All the precursors of spring made today’s hike rewarding, despite the challenges of hilly terrain.