Carrizo and Shell Creek 2012

Shell Creek, Sunday February 19, 2012

Tumbleweeds, Carrizo Plains Nat. Monument

Old Water Wagon - Highway 58

I made the first trip of the year Sunday out to Eastern San Luis Obispo county in search of wildflowers. I found 1 tidy tip, and a few baby blue eyes. But mostly dry conditions and blue skies Just sittin' here hoping and waiting for the rain to come.

Ranchita Canyon Vineyards

Today's adventures started with another early morning visit to Shell Creek. The wildflowers are still wonderful, and a sweet fragrance fills the air. Few folks were out early, but we enjoyed a diveristy of blooms. You have to get out of the car, maybe lay on your belly to see them all, but well worth it.

Next stop, California Valley and Bitterwater Rd north. Nice hillsides of fiddlenecks along the way, and a very cool creekscape descending Palo Prieto Canyon just south of HW 46. On to Parkfield for a great burger lunch at the Parkfield Grill (which was pretty busy at lunchtime). Then west on Vineyard Canyon Rd back to civilization.

On the way back, I stopped at Ranchita Canyon Vineyard to taste some of their flavorful Zinfandel. The winery folks are really really friendly, and brought out a bottle of unnamed, soon to be released, killer zinfandel.

You can visit Ranchita Canyon Vineyard at http://www.ranchitacanyonvineyard.com
Check out more north San Luis Obispo County back road wineries at http://www.pleasantvalleywinetrail.com

On the Road - Wildflowers from East SLO County

Eating dinner on the picnic table by moonlight while an owl calls, the stream bubbles, bullfrog croaks, and the coyotes are just beginning to bark. Lights of the south San Joaquin are starting to turn on - it appeared rather empty looking down toward the valley until the lights gave the tiny towns away.

Wonderful wildflowers in Cottonwood Canyon, Elkhorn Grade hills, southern Carrizo Plains and Wind Wolves Preserve. Flowers are about at their peak this weekend.

It's a bit chilly out camping tonight, and maybe time for a warm cup of tea. I just hope that noisy frog shuts up before bed time.

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