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.

Mt. Diablo State Park