Santa Teresa County Park, San Jose, CA Thursday March 9, 2017

It was a perfect day to walk in the Santa Teresa Hills. The hike began in the Almaden Valley (St. Vincente Rd. entrance) and took us up and down rolling serpentine hills. It was a muddy in spots but nothing we couldn’t handle. The views were truly spectacular including vistas of lush green slopes studded with magnificent oaks, and plenty of rocks covered in striking yellow and orange lichen. There were sightings of wildflowers including the California poppy but not the full onslaught of blooms we were expecting. A few more days of sun will most likely bring out more flowers. The route, a distance of about 3.5 miles including Stile Ranch, Mine and Pueblo trails, took us to the Pueblo Day Use Area, and looped back to the parking area. 

For more information on the park, click this link Santa Teresa County Park

Upward bound

Helen’s painting

Liz’s painting (first wash), looking down the valley to the Pueblo Day Use Area 

  

 Lisha’s first painting

Lisha’s painting looking towards Almaden Quick Silver Park

A lonely California Poppy was the first to appear

Hikers pause at a wooden bridge

John’s pen and ink sketch of the lichen covered rocks

Jane’s painting

Salinda's painting

Hikers arriving at the Pueblo Day Use area

Dick's painting from Pueblo Day Use Area

Annie painting in the Pueblo Day Use Area

Annies Painting

  

Lunch at last

The inevitable "critique"