Carpets of Yellow!

I managed to squeeze a hike in at Hog Lake Plateau on Saint Patrick’s Day. My wife, Sydney, and I informally call it Leaf Day because, in the past, this was the day that the blue oaks around our home pushed out noticeable green leaves. Not this year. It was Yellow Carpet Day. I am sharing my five favorite pictures from the day. (All photos were taken March 17, 2023, by Greg Lockett, on Hog Lake Plateau, Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area.)

Yellow-carpets on Hog Lake Plateau. G. Lockett. — Yellow-carpets, *Blennoperma nanum,* on Hog Lake Plateau.

Amazingly, there were many buds among the flowers. So, this might not be the peak of the display. However, I suspect that it will peak sometime this week.

Yellow-carpets at Hog Lake. G. Lockett. — Yellow-carpets, *Blennoperma nanum,* at the north end of Hog Lake, with Mt. Lassen on the horizon. I never thought that this flower deserved its common name. To myself, I called it yellow sprinkles. Not any more. It has now earned its name.

I especially like its accessibility for the more mature members of the chapter. There’s a lot more to see, but the display right at Hog Lake was one of the best. So, you could literally drive to the trailhead and enjoy it with a minimum of hiking. The whole area is very muddy, and the display is best viewed under sunlight in the afternoon.

Yellow-carpets & cows at Hog Lake. G. Lockett. — Yellow-carpets, *Blennoperma nanum,* at a smaller vernal pool at the north end of Hog Lake Plateau. Bovine friends on the far edge of the pool.

I find myself hoping that this is just the opening salvo in a spectacular flower show this spring. . . ~Greg Lockett