From Etna

I've really been enjoying the natural history of the Pacific Coast. Here are some really cool plants we've met and gotten to know since getting on the trail:

Manzanita - This red-barked chapparral shrub is seemingly everywhere. I finally know what Gary Snyder was talking about in that poem.

Weeping spruce - We sent days searching for this elusive and beautiful tree in the Klamath Mts, where it is endemic. It's apparently one of the rarest trees in N. America. The tree looks like it's draped and decorated with green scarves.

Mountain hemlock - This tree doesn't look very much like it's Eastern cousin, and doesn't seem to live in same kinds of shady moist spots.

Snow plant - Just look at the picture in the link. So cool.

Ok- running out of time, and realized this is futile: there are way too many awesome plants we've learned. And animals: Belding's ground squirrels, mule deer, marmots, and on and on.... A few days ago, I found my first bat colony. Myotis something or other. Lovely little beauties...

Happy Happy Birthday to Kay!!!!

Gerry