Early morning sunlight filters through the oaks and sycamores in upper Las Virgenes Canyon.
From today’s run of Cheeseboro Ridge from El Scorpion Park at the west end of Vanowen in the San Fernando Valley.
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Scrub Oak Apple Gall
Almost incandescent in the soft light of an overcast sky, the remarkable color of this scrub oak apple gall contrasts sharply with the muted greens, grays and browns of the surrounding chaparral.
The gall forms in response to the larvae of the California gall wasp. The gall protects the developing larvae, as well as providing it a source of food.
On the right side of the gall there appears to be a “sun print” of an oak leaf in the red color, where a nearby leaf may have shielded the surface from sunlight.
From today’s run on the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains, near Saddle Peak.
Valley Oak & Cloud
From a run at Ahmanson Ranch.
Valley Oak Leaf
Turning leaves on a valley oak sapling along upper Las Virgenes Creek.
Valley Oak Sunset
After chugging up the long climb, I pause on the crest of the hill. Open space surrounds me. In a nearby oak, small birds twit and twitter, preparing for the night. In the distance coyotes yip and yell, an announcement on one hilltop, and an answer on another. A cold ribbon of wind brushes against my leg.
I take a deep breath and smile. At sunset the day melds to an end, becoming rich with sights, smells, and sounds. In the moment, senses converge and thoughts coalesce.
There is form in the oak’s twisted limbs. A dove dives from its branches, and I turn for home.
Related post: Return of the Afternoon Sun
Poison Oak Along the Garapito Trail
Fall color is not as widespread in chaparral as in some other plant communities. This vividly colored poison oak is along the Garapito Trail in Topanga State Park.
From a run of the Trippet Ranch Loop from Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park at the southern end of Reseda Blvd., in the San Fernando Valley.
Related post: Poison Oak, Ferns Along the Garapito Trail