Hiking Edgewood: Cottontail Brush Rabbit - If I sit really still....

Sylvilagus bachmani is the scientific name for the
Western Brush Rabbit , a species of cottontail 

If I sit really

Still, then she won't know I'm here.

You smart cottontail!

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Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brush_rabbit

http://www.friendsofedgewood.org

Hiking Edgewood:Pirate's Cave Mystery - Handley Rock

Trailside, do I see

Pirate's cave across the way?

Handley Rock beckons!

You can't get there from here. 

Handley Rock is a secret treasure discovered for the first time by many, only because they hiked at Edgewood Nature Preserve. Reminiscent of Never Never Land,skull shaped Handley Rock, beckons to local rock-climbers,mystics, romantics, and pirate-loving locals.

When hiking Edgewood's Sylvan Exercise Loop, I begin to look for Handley Rock shortly after I pass the first half mile posting shortly past the Waterfall. As soon as I see gaps in the vegetation  that screens the valley that lies roughly southeast(East is towards the San Francisco Bay. South is San Jose) I begin scanning for this mysterious piratical dome that formed from Whiskey Hill sandstone. 

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Resources

Friends of Edgwood  http://www.friendsofedgewood.org

Handley Rock in 365 days of things to do in Redwood City  (includes map link)  http://redwoodcity365.com/?p=23

The Pineapple Express: Aloha!

Comes from Hawaii-

Rain rivers crash on our coast.

Mahalo means thanks!

I created this illustration as a tribute to my buddy Kim on the big island of Hawaii, who sent (hopefully) drought-breaking rain my way. She grows the best white pineapples too!

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Resources

What is this Pineapple Express and how does it relate to the drought in California? http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_25088877/california-drought-desperately-needed-rain-courtesy-pineapple-express

Learning to say more than thank you in Hawaiiin

http://hawaiian-words.com/home/hawaiian-dictionary/

Hiking Edgewood: Poison Oak (haiku)

Click on the illustration above to get up close and personal with...
Toxicodendron diversilobum a.k.a. Poison Oak!

Subtle little sticks.
Shiny leaves brings itchy rash.
Urushiol, help!

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Resources

http://www.smmtc.org/plantofthemonth/plant_of_the_month_200612_Poison_Oak.htm
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=todi