Yesterday we went for a three-hour hike in one of my favorite spots: the Daley Ranch in Escondido. While it was overcast and drizzly near the coast, Escondido is inland where it’s usually always warm and sunny. We took the Sage Trail all the way up to Stanley Peak.
This is an especially lovely time of year with the ceanothus in bloom. Ceanothus blooms are rich in saponins, which produce lather when rubbed with some water; basically ceanothus flowers make soap. It really works! Try it for yourself! Pick a handful of flowers, add a little water, and rub your hands together.
Ramona Lilac Ceanothus
As you can see off in the distance, it was a very hazy day near the coast.
White Lilac Ceanothus
The Ranch House
Related articles
- Santa Monica Mts. Wildflower Report 4/3/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
- Santa Monica Mountains Wildflower Update 3/23/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
- Southern and Central California Wildflower Bloom Updates 3/29/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud 
Sending hugs xo
LikeLike
Hugs received. Sending them back. (( ))
On Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 10:40 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
Me too. 😦 sniff.
On Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 10:40 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
Gorgeous pictures, thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by!
On Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 10:52 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
I have never seen or heard of Monkey flower before. Thanks for sharing your retail therapy.
LikeLike
We have a few in our garden and can’t wait until it looks like that pic! Here’s a wiki about them: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimulus
On Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 10:59 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
I’d keep you company during your ‘therapy’ sessions if I lived closer to you! Beautiful hiking photos.
LikeLike
We’d have so much fun! The hike was moderately grueling. I stop to take pics and he hates it!
On Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 2:07 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
I love it – I annoy all of the peeps I keep company with by constantly taking pics…and being all – this will make a great post!
LikeLike
I know, right? You and I are sooo alike!
On Fri, Apr 5, 2013 at 7:28 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
I know – it’s kinda scary…maybe we’re distant relatives?! 🙂 I hope so!
LikeLike
Hope so, too! I would love to have a blonde in the family, ha ha!
On Fri, Apr 5, 2013 at 8:18 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
This is–hands down–the best time of year around here. California coastal Spring is like no other! We are headed to Carlsbad tomorrow to pick strawberries!
LikeLike
OMG, I live right near where you’re going and I’ve never done that. I’ll be thinking of you! It should be a beautiful day 🙂
On Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 2:40 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike
I love lilacs and even though they are not in bloom here yet I can actually smell them just by looking at your pics.
LikeLike
What do you mean, the hiking? I’m an exercise freak, I need to work out a lot. A girl can’t shop ALL the time, can she?
On Fri, Apr 5, 2013 at 4:45 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
LikeLike