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

A forest of Monkey Flower, a California Native

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)