T
his spring thing has made me fairly giddy.
At age whatever-I-am, I’ve finally acclimated to my environment. They key is to take advantage of the things you love at the right time.
Sooner than you think, it will be so hot you’re wracking your brain to remember which of your friends have a pool.
For now, the best bet is to get outdoors while the temperatures are ideal.
As gardeners, it’s tempting to spend Saturday and Sunday in the yard. But take some time to get out and about.
Even if you have only half a day, you can enjoy a drive to the Sacramento River, visit Honey Run Covered Bridge, hike monkey face in upper Bidwell Park, and check the wildflowers at Table Mountain.
Next winter when you scan though the photos on your computer, you’ll smile and know you have lived well.
For the first time, we spent the day with the Sierra Club, Yahi Group. The adventure was to the Dye Creek Preserve, near Los Molinos, which is generally closed to the public.
We met Allen, our guide, at the Park and Ride and brought or wore all the recommended items (good shoes, lunch, water, et. al).
A total of 20 joined the adventure, all pleasant folks who knew more than us and shared what they knew.
These folks were also inspiring because they were in such good shape. I could tell that if I took these hikes more often, I wouldn’t have huffed and puffed to get to the top of some of the climbs.
The views were enthralling, and another reminder of why I love living in Northern California, at least during the spring.
Our guide Allen knew all the highlights, including a cave that provided some shade, and even a little excitement when we heard the distinct sound of a rattlesnake echoing off the cave walls. The most precarious part of the trip was the poison oak, which will probably be as tall as bamboo by later in the season.
As we walked, those at the front of the group would bellow out a warning, and people would holler “poison oak” until the news reached the end of the line.
Similar to the rock formation in Butte Creek, the layers of sediment were home to swallows and swifts. The meadows were vibrant green from recent rains. We saw peregrine falcon, an eagle and countless butterflies.
One hiker graciously pointed out swallowtail vine, which is in bloom right now. She gave us the low-down about how the swallowtail butterflies make their homes and feed on the plant. The flowers look like tiny, opaque water pitchers.
When summer is here, sooner than we think, there will be many other things to do, particularly early in the morning and at the edge of friend’s swimming pool. But take a hike now.
The cost of the Sierra Club hikes also fits a Chico budget, two bucks and some money for gas.
To check out more March adventures: http://goo.gl/dFCdZ3
Also, here’s a link to a Pinterest photo album, created by me: http://goo.gl/B6RF0T. For a short video of the adventure: http://goo.gl/cYDvMG
Follow along: @HeatherHacking on Twitter and Facebook.
