View of Clear Creek from the hilltop on the Overlook Trail at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, on April 13, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.
On April 13, 2020, Chris Gray and I took a walk at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve (observing proper social distancing, of course). It was a beautiful afternoon, filled with flowers and butterflies. Chris identified seven different butterflies: Pipevine Swallowtail, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Anise Swallowtail, Cabbage White, Painted Lady, Silvery Blue, and California Ringlet.
Susan’s hiking companion, Chris Gray, on the Overlook Trail at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, on April 13, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.Tolmie’s star-tulip, Calochotus tolmiei, on the Overlook Trail at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, on April 13, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonait-Barnes.
We strolled up the hill that had been burned in the Carr Fire (at one mile an hour, max). Many shrubs and wildflowers were in flower or fruit. We followed the trail through brodiaeas and delphiniums, as far as the sudden overlook.
Snub pea, Lathyrus sulphureus, on the Overlook Trail at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, on April 13, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.Mule’s-ears, Wyethia sp., on the Overlook Trail at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, on April 13, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.
The cliff edge is now fenced, so that unwary walkers don’t stumble over. From this overlook you can peer down on the curve in Clear Creek where gold was first discovered in our area by Pierson Reading. -Susan Libonati-Barnes
Woolly sunflower, Eriophyllum lanatum, just starting to bloom, on the Overlook Trail at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, on April 13, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.Mygalomorph spider burrow found on the Overlook Trail at Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve, on April 13, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.
