Ted's Hiking World Olmstead Loop
Auburn State Recreation Area

June 3, 2009

After rejecting the planned hike when I encountered inclement weather and an army of mosquitoes at the trailhead, I opt for a day of exploration.  This option culminates with a disastrous five-mile 'shortcut' on a back road that has been abandoned for so long that new trees are growing in the middle of it.

Frustrated and disgusted by all the scratches on my Outback, I stop at a multi-use park on the way home hoping to salvage something from this excursion.

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The trailhead

Excepting the easy walking, the only real attraction here is the flowers, which are plentiful today.  The first ones to get my attention seem to be California-specific varieties.  In particular, blackberries and brodiaea are all over the place.

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California Brodiaea *
California Balsamroot

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California Poppy *
California Blackberry

There are a number of trail choices in these low rolling foothills.  Some are more frequently used than others; as much as possible, I will stick to the smaller ones that are not shared by horses.

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Walking doesn't get any easier than this

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Bird's Foot Lotus *
Western Goat's Beard

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Pale Flax *
Lesser Hawkbit

The creek has long been dry; but hanging around are a couple of flowers that tend to congregate at streamside.

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No water left around here

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White Brodiaea *
Monkeyflower

About a mile and a half into the walk, I pass by a really pretty green hillside.  Although a round-trip of eight miles is available, I opt to turn back here.  My sweetie is probably busy preparing a hearty supper for the 'weary' hiker.

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This north-facing hill has avoided the sun so far

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Quartzite *
Owl's Clover

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More Blackberries *
More Poppies

A small group of turkeys crosses my path.  This is the only wildlife that I would see, except for all the bugs.

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Wild turkeys *
Cat's Ear

I have seen but two other walkers in the area — a mother and her small son.  Despite the sounds of auto traffic just to the east, it is quite peaceful here.

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It is nearing sundown

At the finish I have some more photos of flower varieties that have yet to be identified.

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Birdsfoot Trefoil *
Rose Clover

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?? *
Winecup Fairyfan

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Only the seeds remain


§: This pleasant outing has assuaged my guilt and frustration.  I would not come here much later in the year, as it will be too hot and the grasses will have burned to a crisp.

Scenery *
Difficulty *
Personality *
Flowers *
Solitude *

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