Photo taken November 5, 2023, by Don Burk.
The ~6.3-mile hike on Yana Trail, from Perry’s Riffle Trailhead to a promontory just south of Massacre Flat in the Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area, is a favorite of ours, but one we had not done for many months. So despite the cloudy skies and forecast of afternoon rain, we set out to reacquaint ourselves with this gorgeous bit of trail along the Sacramento River.
We were more than a little concerned by the unusual number of vehicles parked at the other trailheads that we drove by, but that quickly melted into relief when we found only two other cars at Perry’s Riffle. And we saw nary a soul for the duration of our hike. (Please see Sacramento River Bend Promontory, December 20, 2020 for detailed directions to both the trailhead and the promontory.)
Every time we get out in the botanical “off season,” we are struck by just how much there always is to see, and this Sunday hike was no different. Those who think they must wait until spring to botanize are missing out on so much! We counted 22 species in bloom. No, most were not especially showy. Nor were most of them blooming in abundance, but in a way, this makes finding a blossom all the more exciting!
Photo taken November 5, 2023, by Don Burk.
Another benefit of hiking now, when plants are shutting down for the winter, is that there is less to distract one from the little things that could be overlooked. There is no expanse of bloom or show-off flowers to monopolize our attention, and so we actually see the tiny, delicate veronica hiding in the thatch. And finding that little gem is always such a joy!
We never tire of watching the landscape change with the seasons, and Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area is one of our favorite places to do so. Here is a short slide show of just a few things that we marveled at on our hike. Enjoy!
~Laurie & Don Burk
