Miners Ravine Nature Walk
A tidal wave of work is coming my way, so the projects I presently have in hand consumed some of my weekend. This isn’t really so bad, except the weather was heavenly and my darlings headed off to the zoo without me on Saturday. I realized after they left that I’ve missed rather a lot of Asher’s zoo trips. This must be corrected soon.
Two strategy guides are hitting my inbox this week. A development task that was pushed off in favor of helping another editor with an urgent deadline is now coming due. My novel edit is due on Friday. Whee!
And still … I walked away from all of this to join my family on a little surprise adventure. We have a lovely book called Best Hikes with Children Around Sacramento and today we tried out a short, easy hike in Granite Bay at a place called Miners Ravine. It’s only a half-mile loop, but it sure was pretty! Honestly, California in the springtime—even in the Central Valley—is fantastic.
The bees were out in force! Many wildflowers were tickled by their buzzy paramours today. I took lots of wildflower/bee photos. Cuz I’m that kind of girl.
I don’t know for sure, but I think this white bubbly stuff might be spittle bug spittle.
We found a granite rock with lots of acorn grinding holes used by the Native Americans of the area—Miwoks, I believe.
Isn’t the automatic timer on the camera cool?
Purple lupines and pink clover.
Lucas found a treasure! And see his gappy grin? He lost another top tooth last week. The seventh, if I’m not mistaken.
We came across a shadowy pond with yummy reflections of the live oaks overhead and ceaseless ripples from bugs’ movements.
This granite boulder was enormous. Wherever Lucas goes, Asher must follow. ‘Twas ever the way for brothers.
It was such a great day! I’m glad to be taking advantage of this cool, comfortable weather while it lasts, and am very much looking forward to trying more local hikes recommended in our book. Our adventure ended with another exciting surprise, but I’ll save that for a different post.
May 21, 2010 at 7:09 pm
We have thoroughly enjoyed using our Best Hikes with Children books as well 😉
May 21, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Looks like you & your little guys had a wonderful time! I love nature walks!
May 23, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Debi. It was a lovely hike. We have been having such a gentle spring, with cool weather, which makes it so easy and comfortable to be outdoors. I’d better pick out another walk to do soon, as temps will soon be in the 100s.
May 23, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Hi Wendy. I think this book will be a great resource for a long time. Your blog is lovely!