Lori had read Tom Stienstra's article on the opening of the Crystal Springs Watershed which said it was "a must-do on your life list." Who were we to argue? Lori promptly got reservations as soon as there was space available for four and invited David and Milon to join us. Tom did not disappoint, it was a great 13-mile hike which took most of the day.
First view of the San Andreas Reservoir while climbing to Sweeney Ridge |
View of the Devil's Slide construction. It was a very hot day and we welcomed the refreshing, cool, ocean breeze once we came over the ridge. A thin veneer of fog made the view hazy. |
The group waits with anticipation to get through--in Tim's words--the big, serious gate, but Peter's key isn't working |
Ah, it's the main gate! Milon was so excited he dropped his sticks. |
It's so cool to go where you can't |
Lori and Milon lead the charge followed by Eric and David, with Montara Mountain in the background |
Peter chats with Milon while Tim and David check out Montara Mountain (Pacifica in the background) |
Lori, David, and Montara Mountain |
It's incredibly difficult to shoot a tiger swallowtail during its mating ritual |
Sawyer and Cahill Ridges and lots of evidence of faults |
Indian paintbrush |
The group descends easily along Fifield Ridge |
My first glance at Pilarcitos Reservoir--a rare treat! |
Yerba Santa in bloom |
Another (and our last) peek at Pilarcitos Reservoir |
Lori, Milon, and David follow the yellow brick road |
Views from the Douglas fir forest |
A crazy Douglas fir--note the ferns growing on it |
The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, the 280 bridge, and Mt. Diablo |
Lori and the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir |
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Another shot of the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir |
And another |
Almost forgot to make one of these |
The end of the hike wound through a grove of cypress trees, whose trunks were even more crazy than those in the Douglas fir forest |
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Copyright © 2008 Bill Wohler Last modified: 2008 About photos |
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