February 4

After dropping Caroline off at the hairdresser, I make my way into southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula to revisit the George F. Canyon Nature Preserve. While a polar vortex descends on the Midwest, I enjoy pleasant afternoon weather hiking an earthen trail to discover samples of winter wildlife. With my senses fully engaged, I take in the sweet aroma of sage and the colorful sight of Bush Sunflowers (California Brittlebush). Other blossoms that catch my eye include: Blue Blossom Ceanothus and Sierra Snakeroot. Soon, a Mourning Cloak Butterfly flutters by and perches on a tree branch while a Cedar Waxwing sits still among the twigs. This time of year back in Michigan, Mourning Cloak adults disappear by seeking shelter in tree crevasses while Cedar Waxwings are seen in small flocks and on bird feeders. Just ahead, I spot some Prickly Pear cacti, displaying colorful fruit. Surprisingly, this plant can be found in Michigan, although now buried under the snow. With the trail mostly to myself, I meet a few humans with dogs and sidestep evidence of prior horseback riding. Triggered by recent rains, I notice the vines of Wild Cucumber (Manroot) are displaying lots of blossoms as well as a few spiny, tennis-ball size seed pods. These vines grow from a large, tuberous root that can extend several feet and weigh over 200 pounds. One Manroot found in Rancho Santa Ana reported to weigh 467 pounds. Even though the fruit has a mild cucumber aroma, it is inedible by man and beast. The trail I tread follows an intermittent stream that drains a large part of the peninsula, forming a ravine that cuts down to the basement rock, a 150 million year old metamorphic rock called Catalina Schist. Continuing west, I spot another Mourning Cloak resting on the ground and then gaze up at the blue sky to observe a soaring Red Tailed Hawk. Turning around and heading back, I am grateful for this time to escape the hubbub of the city and commune with nature.

All the trails are brown

Ne’er a sky of gray

I went for a walk

On a winter’s day

I’ve been safe and warm

Since I’m now in LA

California hikin’

On such a winter’s day

Flowers in bloom

Passed along the way

Nature all around

Her wonders to display

Don’t miss the cold

Guess I’m gonna stay

California hikin’

On such a winter’s day

D. DeGraaf