One of my favorite pastimes visiting California, is hiking the various hills and trails up in Sonoma County. I remember waking up early to do an early morning hike with my friend Julie up in Chalk Hill, just outside of Healdsburg… Brrr, it was actually cold that morning and very cloudy. I’m not sure I was ready for that hike and the ground was really wet which worried me since I only had one pair of tennis shoes I brought for my trip and have no alternates if I get it wet for the remainder of my visit.
We started off a very steep climb up worn paths and grassy areas and in just a few minutes my sneakers and socks were soaking wet from all the wet morning dew, a very uncomfortable feeling and I wondered what would I do if I could not dry my shoes quickly for some other events planned for the rest of the day….oh well just block it out!
Julie’s dog Daisy, was having the best time exploring the hills with her friend and discovering some new scents and plenty of distractions.
In spite of my endless gripe about wet shoes and up hill climbing, the views climbing up this pathway were awe inspiring.
Amazing old and gnarly oak trees bending in unusual angles and curving to the ground instead of the sky.
The strong scent of wild California Buckeye's permeated the air, reminding me of how wonderful this time of the year is with all the wildflowers coming into bloom. In between, beautiful vistas of premiere vineyards and peek-a-boo views of the Sonoma countryside make you stop and just admire these inspiration scenes.
Gorgeous Spanish Moss dangling like crystal garlands from these stately oaks
Along the way we past some discards that were turned into functional art pieces and beautiful sculpture….shhh - this is a private part of the countryside, don’t tell anyone we are tress passing.
How’s this for a throne chair?
Finally the piece that says beware…danger. No, its just too loveable!
Okay, I guess the hike is done, even Daisy is pooped out and wants to play with her stick instead….It was a great hike despite the wet shoes and all.
For other scenic sunday views go visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/
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22 comments:
The look on Daisy's face running through that grass is pure doggy joy.
Surely fairy-tale like photography. Thank you for this great escape. Love the bench picture most. Please have a nice Sunday.
daily athens
Definitely worth getting wet feet for. How nice to have those benches for a rest!
Great photos!
these are amazing places and photos, the first two look like beautiful paintings.
Lovely photos. Have a great weekend.
when r u coming back to do some more hiking?!
So cool, Noel. I especially enjoyed the photos with the mossy tree branch and the vineyard in the distance, with the wildflowers out of focus in the foreground. Lovely!
How weird is it, that I was considering doing a post about some hiking we did that crossed a few property lines that maybe weren't quite legal? Trespassing, but gently and definitely not hurting the land, and for a good cause. Shhh!
very scenic indeed!
thanks for visiting my page! :)
What a lovely hike! It was like going on a walk myself. Beautiful photography! Thanks for sharing.
Great picture, I remember my father farm..:)
the sonoma countryside is quite unlike the california i imagine...with the hills and oak trees it reminds me...of sunny old wales...quite lovely...thank you...
What a beautiful place. Your pictures are amazing to look at.
Hi Noel
Thank you for visiting my blog from the UK and leaving a comment. I have been to see your blog and am very surprised how green it is in Hawaii, having seen Hawaii 5 0 years ago I thought it was all beach and sun!!!
Jackie in UK
It looks like a a wonderful place for a hike and the dogs are great.
Enjoyed this hiking journey! A great experience! especially loved seeing those fanciful wood sculptures!
All these photos of California hikes are really making me want to get out there for a visit! I adore those gnarly old trees with their fascinating limbs.
I was not aware that CA could be that green. Almost like rainforest. Very nice place you visited. :)
Noel, you take some wonderful photos. I'm truly impressed. Thank you so much for taking us along on the hike and for visiting my blog. Aloha.~~Dee
Gorgeous photographs, Noel! Looks like a place well worth hiking through in wet shoes. :)
The "yard art" is fabulous. Love that chair as well as the cute bear. What a beautiful place to hike! Enjoyed seeing the dogs having a good time too! Thanks for sharing your travel pics - I liked DC too!
Blessings, Beth
Hello Noel,
Nice tour, and the dog are so beautiful when they play.
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