From this evening’s run on the Hummingbird Trail in Simi Valley, California.
Category Archives: nature
Simi Valley Clouds, Topatopa Snow
There’s snow in just about every mountain range of Southern California following last week’s series of storms. This subdued sunset view is of the Simi Valley and the Topatopa Mountains.
From this evening’s run in the Simi Hills.
Clearing Skies
Six days of rain had finally come to an end. Soaked hillsides steamed in the morning sun; but still in shadow, tussocks of grass along the dirt road wore a thick coat of frost. Running west on the main drag in Ahmanson Ranch, we were working our way over to Cheeseboro Canyon.
Whether the conditions were imperfect or perfect was a matter of perspective. Yes, it had been a little muddy and wet, but that was part of the experience, and part of the morning.
In some places droplets of water refracted and reflected tiny spectra of color, while in others flat plates of frost glittered in the sun. Running along a rejuvenated creek, the smell of wet earth mixed with the rich organic odors of old willow leaves and other vegetation.
Away from the trailhead there was not a hiker, runner, rider or mountain biker to be seen. Remarkably, even in Cheeseboro Canyon no one was on the trail.
Sometimes I’m asked,”What are you training for?” Being able to enjoy a run like today’s is my reply.
Miner’s Lettuce Along the Garapito Trail
In the lower elevations of Southern California, miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) usually sprouts in mid Winter. It is typically found in shady areas of the chaparral understory. It grows in nearly every county of California, and probably occurs in all but the most arid parts of the western U.S.
Miner’s Lettuce was reportedly eaten by Gold Rush miners to help prevent scurvy.
From today’s run on the Garapito Trail, in the Santa Monica Mountains, near Los Angeles.
Shooting Star Sunset
If there has been adequate rainfall, shooting stars (prob. Dodecatheon clevelandii ssp. patulum) can germinate and bloom in early January at some lower elevation areas of Southern California.
From a run earlier this week in the Simi Hills.
Related post: Shooting Stars
Pattern Change Ahead
Computer models and other tools continue to forecast a shift to an “El Nino like” upper flow pattern next week that could result in an extended period of wet weather in Southern California. I’ll be updating Southern California Weather Notes on Wednesday with additional info.
The photograph of patterned altocumulus clouds is from this afternoon’s trail run along the northern boundary of Ahmanson Ranch, near Los Angeles.