Mount Olympia (on Mt Diablo) | An Abundance of Flowers on Mother's Day

May 8, 2016
Contra Costa County
Hikers: Cathy, Laura
Distance: 7.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,252 ft.



It was only seven+ miles, but a hard seven... most of the elevation gain was done in the first half of our hike.


There was something in the middle of the grassy patch, not sure what though. We were hoping for a bobcat. ;)





Love waterfalls, no matter how small. :)






Ithuriel's Spear

Poison Oak


Fairy Lantern

Wind Poppy




Fairy Lantern (Globe Lily)




"Gives new meaning to lean-to." - Laura



The Sticky Monkey flower was abundant today - absolutely stunning. 





We have yet to come upon a wild clematis in bloom.

Variable Checkerspot Butterfly






  Sticky Monkey Flower - it was everywhere.



Elegant Clarkia


Close-up of Sticky Monkey Flower.

Clematis



Wooly Sunflower

Mariposa Lily


Poison Oak
If it wasn't so darn irritable, I would plant it in my yard. :) 

Wind Poppy










In memoriam... this is were Laura broke her finger the last time we were here






Red Larkspur

Chinese Houses

Jeweled Onion


Mule Ear Sunflower



Mountain Phacelia


California Poppy



Yarrow



Phacelia













The scars of a waterfall.

Mule Ear Sunflower


Wind Poppy



At first glance, it looked like a chili pepper plant, in fact it is an invertebrate pest - Tamalia Coweni; Manzanita Leaf Gall Aphid. (source)






Trails:
Sharkey Road, Sattler Trail, Quicksilver Trail, Wise Road, Olympia Trail, East Trail, (Mount Olympia), Mount Olympia Road.


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