WordPress has decided it’s time for change. Can my old brain adapt? Well, this is the message I receive repeatedly, “Updating failed. Sorry, you are not allowed to edit this post.” Fun, right? Please let me know if there are any problems with content.
I spent the month of March on the trails around Redding delighted when I found new blooms. The elevation was 500-1000 feet. I’ll repeat a few from my previous posts so you can enjoy the progression of blooms through the month.
The below photos were taken on the following trails:
- BLM Eastside Keswick Trails – Walker Mine Trailhead
- BLM Clear Creek Greenway Trails – Cloverdale Trailhead
- BLM Swasey Recreation Area Trails – Oak Knoll and Stoney Gulch Trailheads
- BLM/City of Redding Westside Trails – Lower Springs/Valparaiso Trailhead
- BLM/City of Redding – Sacramento River Trail and Rail Trail
- McConnell Foundation Trails – Lema Ranch and Churn Creek Ranch
This is the best resource for current status of Redding area trails (link).
I was introduced to these lilies last year and have been obsessed since, always on the alert for these hard-to-miss gems. They appear as dead or dying plants but when you look inside or catch the light they are A+ beauties.
I was pretty excited to find this one. I don’t believe I’ve seen it previously. No evidence in previous March photos. I haven’t checked my April files yet, so maybe . . . .
I spent days in search of these. Friends kept spotting them but my timing was wrong and finally it was my day. Of course it was a breezy day so I got lots of blurry photos but in the end I was happy to have a few blog worthy!
I took some friends to see the Baby Blue Eyes and Fivespots. They were way more plentiful than when I’d been there a week earlier and we also found this surprise. Upon investigation we found this to be a Desert Bluebell, not something native to this area. A little more detective work and we discovered mixed wildflower seeds were given out after the 2018 Carr Fire and included was this beauty.
The wildflower seed packets also explains why the Baby Blue Eyes and Fivespots were found growing in proximity. We had our own theories until we found this much more likely answer.
This baby fivespot was too cute not to include.
With the help of my friends I was introduced the Skullcaps.
Spring would not be spring in California without poppies.
This is the first year in many I’ve been “home” to enjoy the local spring blooms. My knee rehab is continuing to progress and being able to spend time on easy trails adorned with flowers has made the time pass quickly. I’m looking forward to expanding my geographic region in April in my quest to find more spring blooms. For those of you in cooler climates I hope these photos bring you smiles.
Knee rehab bragging rights:
- Longest walk – 8 miles
- Most elevation gain – 600 feet over 6.5 miles
- Max pace – 2.8mph (on flattish pavement)
- Flexion – 130+ degrees (equal to other side)
- Squat – Full heels on the floor backcountry potty position!
I’m currently working on speed and agility training. I feel like I’m getting ready for soccer or football. My gait still needs work but I’ve seen huge improvements over the past few weeks.
Jan's Jaunts and Jabberings 
Glad to hear the rehab is going well! Beautiful photos.
Oh, how wonderful! What beautiful photos! Thanks Jan.
I was thinking of you as I prepared this post. Flower power!
Beautiful! Thank you, Jan.
Thanks for sharing Jan. I’m enjoying your jaunts. 🙂
YAY sharing makes me happy and photography has been an aid in my knee rehab, well except for squatting. I need to break that habit.