Spring in Winter

Hiking this time of year is so enjoyable, particularly on those occasional warm winter days, when temperatures jump into the upper 70s/lower 80s, and what little rain we've had begins a process of growth carrying with it the unmistakable promise of Spring.

Prickly Pear (Opuntia) blossom 

The ground where the giant oaks offer damp shade there is a carpet of fresh greens reaching for the life sustaining sun's rays.

Clover (Trifolium)

Crisp, sour buttercups dot the carpet with their pretty yellow blossoms waiting to see if the kids remember.

Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis pescaprae)

Wild Cucumber (Marah macrocarpus) AKA Manroot

Hard to see, but here is a sundog (look in the clouds in the center of the picture) that was visible on the way home when the sun was low in the afternoon.