Monte Bello Hike

I did an 8 mile loop at Monte Bello today to catch some wildflowers.  I recently bought a pair of binoculars, so I took those along with me.  I was able to use the binoculars (and a birding app) to identify a Stellar Jay, a Spotted Towhee, and an Acorn Woodpecker.  Plus I watched some Turkey Vultures soaring for a while.  Overall I'm pretty stoked about the binoculars, definitely a good decision.

San Bruno Mountain Summit Loop

This is a short hike which is very close to SF.  I found it on bahiker.com within a list of the best wildflower hikes.  I knew that the wildflowers in the Bay Area have been blowing up lately, so I figured we would give this one a try.  We were really impressed with this hike.  Huge variety of flowers, lots of them, short distance from SF, and not that well trafficked on a weekend.  One thing to note is that the flowers were mostly in the first half of the loop if going clockwise.  You could do a condensed version of this hike, and still see some really good stuff.

Eileen found this weird fruit growing on the trail. 
It has the size and shape of a lemon, the skin color of a watermelon, and spikes.

Skyline Wilderness Park

I was up in Napa at a work retreat.  After hanging out by the pool for a few hours, I had to get moving.  The concierge at the hotel recommended that I check out this park.  I did a 7 mile loop, and was almost late getting back for dinner.  I would have loved to stay out longer.  There were some really cool trails out there.  I liked the overgrown ones the best.  Lots of great wildflowers.  Hardly any people besides a few mountain bikers.

Big Basin Redwoods Hike

I did the "waterfall loop" yesterday, which ended up being about 13+ miles.  I got a late start, and hurried to beat sunset.  In the end, I had plenty of time, and could have taken it a little easier.

So many Redwoods.  I've never seen so many.

Banana slugs are cool.