Sugarloaf Mountain

                           

                   

Last weekend for my daughter's birthday we took a trip to Sugar Loaf Ridge State Park off Highway 12 in Kenwood,Ca. Spring is the perfect time of year to visit as the weather was just right! Hiking, picnicking, stargazing at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, and camping are fun activities available at the park. I noticed some campers braved the still, chilly nights and pitched their tents along the stream, but the best reason to visit the park in spring is to catch the wildflowers in bloom! The tall, willowy grasses are green this time of year, blanketing the hills and splashed with colorful wild flowers lining the trails that meander throughout the park. Deep shades of purple lupin, pale yellow lilies and pretty white faces of yarrow and California poppies are throughout the park, to name a few. http://www.calflora.org/ Dogs are not allowed on the trails so my dog and I had fun moseying along the road, photographing the wildflowers while the teenagers hung out at the picnic table chatting; too cool to walk with me I guess! The road leads to the Robert Ferguson Observatory where you can stargaze. http://www.rfo.org I could see the California Mule Deer grazing on the grassy mountains in the distance while I was enjoying the view. When you visit here, you are lower on the food chain, so be aware of your surroundings as mountain lions could be lurking! This is a perfect place to start your summer "hot bod" by hiking straight up the trail to the top of Bald Mountain! If you are super fit then park your car before the park entrance at the trail head that leads to a gorgeous waterfall. (I can never find the parking turnout and trail head so just drive up and ask the ranger). Once you find the pullout and trail head, hike down the mountain to the waterfall which takes you to a magical place lush with green ferns, moss and a beautiful canopy of trees. I think I just saw a leprechaun...moment. Bring your camera and take your family's next Christmas photo here to send to your friends! Pack your lunch as you will want to hang out awhile before you make the steep climb back up. (I suggest you have your heart checked out first with your doctor before you do this hike!) Also, In the summer there might not be a waterfall, as the creek that feeds it gets low, so ask the ranger first before you go! This is a State Park and has a fee. Click http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=481 for more information. Have fun!

Spring Lake

On Friday, I decided to walk somewhere else for a change rather than my usual route. I try to walk every day and like to mix up the routine once in a while so I don't get bored. (That way I'll keep exercising to stay healthy!) It had been a long time since I visited Spring Lake in Santa Rosa. After taking the kids to school, getting some coffee, (extra energy boost) and a protein breakfast (Dr.'s orders) my dog, Goldie, and I set off for the lake. Now, mind you, it's early Friday morning, middle of winter, I'm thinking it will be quiet, no one will be there.. Nooo such luck! I was surprised to see so many cars in the parking lot during the wee hours of the morning! There are three different entrances to the park. I chose the Howarth Memorial Park entrance which has free parking. Goldie and I joined the ranks of fellow dog walkers, joggers, bicyclists, mothers pushing strollers- folks of all ages walking. I couldn't believe how many people were there! Don't people work on Fridays anymore? My dog and I took the paved pathway named Kerfoot trail. The pathway route I took winds to the right by the water towers after a small incline, and heads toward the campground and then turns left down to the boat dock, around the loop and back to Howarth Park. In all, it's only about a three mile walk, unless you take a side trail. Please refer to map so you don't get lost! There are lots of dirt trails, so definitely bring a map if you decide to go off the beaten path. I brought my camera, which I had planned, and took tons of pictures of the beautiful lake, landscapes, and wildlife. Years ago I almost got stampeded upon by a herd of deer running through the woods and I didn't have my camera with me so now I am always camera ready! Spring lake is beautiful, the jewel of Santa Rosa. The lake's surface sparkled like silver in the sunlight. I found my peaceful space amongst the other people enjoying the park and took lots of pictures. The trail usually takes about an hour or less, but if you are like me you will want to putts around, enjoy the views, play, meditate and pray! (There is a big white cross on the mountain over looking you to remind you!) I love living in Sonoma County and know how Blessed we are to have this wonderful park in our own backyard. If you go you will want to spend more than an hour. If you are energetic you can fish, boat, catch crawdads, bird watch or swim in the lagoon next to the lake. Camping is also fun at Annadel state park, which is connected to Spring Lake Regional Park.
Bring your family and friends and have a picnic. I try to avoid the crowds so weekdays work best for me! ;) Have fun!

                                                        

         

http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pdf/maps/spring_lake.pdf

Saralee's Vineyard

Last summer we moved close to my old stomping grounds. I happily discovered, that you can walk through the vineyard off an old country lane and you can bring your dog! So part of my walking route usually incorporates the vineyard and it's bounty of wildlife, which my dog loves. This is where the wild turkeys like to hangout, which I talked about in an earlier post last fall. It's a pretty, little area and a good place to calm the mind and ponder life. Thank you, Saralee for letting us enjoy the vineyard!

Autumn Past

I haven't blogged in some time now, except for the occasional photo and one- liners sent from my cell phone on my moblog, calgaltravels.blogspot.com. This past summer we moved our family of six twice. It was incredibly painful, the economy hit our family hard, really hard, but...that's another story- you'll just have to read the book! :) Now that we have settled down and I have recovered, I am back to blogging! I really wanted to share with you my photos of autumn in Sonoma County, which is in Northern California (for those of you who might not know where I live). I love how the hot summer days here turn to cool, breezy autumn days, such a welcome relief! In October we had two, 100 degree weeks back to back, but we still managed to pull it off, "Thank you God!" I lived in Ohio through my teen years and what I miss most were the spectacular autumns. Californians experience fall but you might have to hunt it out! I have found some favorite neighborhoods and parks where I like to walk my dog Goldie and take in all the beauty. I find myself collecting brilliant yellow and gold leaves, fiery red and orange burnished oak leaves, acorns, berries, and like a kid, pick up the giant leaves bigger than my 24 inch TV screen and bring them home to wave and show off to my family. Here are some pictures I took on my morning walks.