FIELD JOURNAL #11 — LOWER MOUNT TAM temp

Location: 394 ft above sea level | 37.924, -122.596

This is the first half of a carefully calculated hike which was so graciously planned to take place along the vector of gravity. This has benefited those less inclined to physical activity. The hike began from a parking lot where the side trail lead us off downward along the side of the mountain.

 

Dendromecon rigida | Bush Poppy

Habit: Herbaceous, proximal to ground, small bush
Leaf: Small and obovate, pinnate venation, opposite
Repro: Petals open, four petals, many stamen, slightly curved to flat top
Location: Near path, exxtremely disturbed sites, good sunlight exposure

 
Castilleja foliosa | Wooly paintbrush

Habit: Herbaceous
Leaf: Hairy, bracts, pinnate venation
Repro: Raceme, parts of 4, brush-like inflorescence, dissected bracts
Location: Near path, disturbed or open area

 

 

Ceanothus foliosus | Wavy-leaf Ceanothus

Habit: Subshrub, proximal to ground, small
Leaf: Obovate, parallel venation, serrated margin, glabrous,
Repro: Small head inflorescences
Location: A bit off the path, disturbed areas

Directions:

Take Balboa St to Park Presidio Blvd
Head west on Turk St toward Beaumont Ave
Continue onto Balboa St
Take US-101 N and CA-1 N to Panoramic Hwy in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Turn right onto Park Presidio Blvd
Continue onto Veterans Blvd
Keep left at the fork and merge onto US-101 N
Take exit 445B for CA-1 toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach
Continue onto CA-1 N
Turn left to stay on CA-1 N
Continue on Panoramic Hwy. Drive to E Ridgecrest Blvd
Turn right onto Panoramic Hwy
Slight left to stay on Panoramic Hwy
Turn right onto Pan Toll Rd
Turn right onto E Ridgecrest Blvd