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04/04/2009 - 16:38

Table Mountain is one of our favorite hikes early spring. It happens early and quick, and dries out fast. But while it is on, it is indescribable, with vernal pools, cushions of brightly colored Parvisedum pumilum (Sierra Stonecrop)carpeting the rocks. It is a relatively steep hike up to the top, but not terribly long. And the views are fantastic. This year, we were lucky enough to catch it when all the miniature white shooting stars were in bloom.

White Dodecatheon near vernal pools ontop of Table Mountain
Trifolium and "Butter and Eggs" on top of Table Mountain.
Yet more carpets of Parvisedum on Table Mountain.
Carpets of Parvisedum and goldfields
Parvisedum cushions around rocks.
Wildflowers on top of Table Mountain, end of March.
03/29/2009 - 14:55

The Red Hills are amazing right now with drifts of Cream Cups, Birds Eye Gilia, poppies and composites galore. The Lewisia are just starting to bloom. The Red Hills are an area of critical environmental concern, and a local chance to see flora that grow nowhere else, as they are one of central california's serpentine areas.

Gilia and poppies
Large mound of Cream Cups
Cream Cups in the Red Hills
Birds Eye Gillia, Poppies and Composites line the path through the Red Hills, last weekend in March.