On a cool cloudy morning, Caroline and I find our selves at the 51-acre, George F. Canyon Nature Center, near our southern California rental. One of our favorite hikes, we follow an earthen trail past large patches of Brittlebush while listening to the strange call of a wild Peacock, a common pet around here that often escapes its owners. Just ahead, I spot some Poison Oak leaves that have changed colors, which is odd since they normally change in autumn. Working our way through a native flower garden, I notice blossoms of Silver Lupine, Hairy Skullcap and Coast Goldenbush. Following the trail along a ravine, I spot large patches of Black Mustard above and horse tracks at my feet. Next to the trail, are lovely blossoms of Nasturtium as well as ornate leaves on the rosette of a Variegated Thistle. This invasive plant, also called Blessed Milk Thistle can produce tall, dense stands (stock photo) that outcompete native species. Despite the cloud layer, I’m pleased to face a diffuse sun as tomorrow it will cross the celestial equator to begin the astronomical spring season in the northern hemisphere. Nearby, common sights off the path include flowers of Arroyo Willow while on the path, leaves and berries of the Toyon tree. Continuing on the muddy trail, I come upon a Wild Cucumber vine in blossom. The vine emerges from a large, hard tuberous root that can weigh over 100 pounds (stock photo). In times past, Native Americans discovered that, because of certain toxins in the root, it could be submerged in rivers to stun and capture fish. Next one of these vines I see also displays spiny, golf-size fruit. Despite also being toxic, the fruit is sometimes eaten by ground squirrels. They harvest the green pulp and seeds (stock photo) by gnawing a groove around the "equator" of the fruit until it falls into halves. Near the trail’s end, we pause at a dry creek bed where I spot a blue-gray rock called Catalina Schist. Exposed exclusively here in the canyon, this 150 million-year-old metamorphic rock forms the geologic base of the entire Los Angeles basin. Finally, we turn around and enjoy a leisurely stroll back to the car.
Star of the earth
Light you portray
Sun of the heavens
Warmth of the day
Source of all life
None can deny
Sun of the heavens
Orb of the sky
Rays you send
Beams you bring
Sun of the heavens
Welcome to spring
D. DeGraaf
Just lovely!
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