Sunday in the park

Why it's called "Red Rock."

Yesterday was a glorious day - an unclouded sky, bright sunshine, not too hot but not cold. We took a walk through Red Rock Canyon. It's been a while since we've done this - and our walk made us realize how much we missed it.

It is spring, after all, and things are just starting to grow. Here is a shoot from A Humboldt lily - lilium humboldtii - growing on a hillside overlooking the road.

Fuschia-flowered currants are in bloom, their bright red flowers like dangling earrings.

The California lilac - ceonathus species - were just starting to bloom. These are large evergreen shrubs, and many different species of them grow in our canyon. The bloom-time varies from species to species, and so does the intensity of the blossoms.

click to "embiggen"

Red Rock Canyon is dramatic evidence of the power of water, wind, and the heaving of the earth to shape the landscape. This giant boulder of red sandstone rises above a series of wind-carved caves, and is a favorite place to explore for adventurous families. It looks scarey, but it's easy enough for kids and even dogs to climb and enjoy the view.

In February, flowers are just starting to bloom - these California lupines were in a sheltered rocky place that must hold the warmth of the sun and coax them into early bloom.

The rocks are a pretty mauve-pink color.

On the edge of bloom - the California native peony - Paeonia californica - lifts still-closed buds up from its pretty foliage. I'll come back next week and see if it's opened fully.

Every time I set out into the landscape, I am grateful that I live here.