A crisp morning on the Sawyer Camp Trail - 46 degrees when I started to walk at 6:30 a.m., but the cup of Starbuck's coffee (and my gloves) kept me warm.
Tags: Sawyer Camp Trail San Mateo County CA dawn pastel sunrise Crystal Springs reservoir clouds Photomatix HDR 4111 4112 4113 100+views
This grand old laurel tree is about 3.5 miles into the Sawyer Camp Trail; many people walk to this point and back for a 7-mile round trip. It is the second largest laurel tree in California, 55 feet high, 22 feet in girth, and ~600 years old ! (A plaque dedicated by the California Botanical Society in 1923 marks the spot.)
Nearby benches provide a shady spot to rest your feet for a bit before continuing on the trail; I always stop for a visit with this grand old dame and admire her beautiful intricate moss-covered limbs.
I recommend looking at the LARGE version so you can touch the moss...
www.flickr.com/photos/jillclardy/4081447434/sizes/l/
Tags: Sawyer Camp Trail San Mateo County CA jepson tree moss branches fog HDR PHotomatic 3870 3871 3872 laurus nobilis limbs laurel 100+views
A solitary walk (~ 7 a.m.) through the early morning fog at the Sawyer Camp Trail was rewarded by delightful vistas around every bend in the path.
If you view the Large size, you just might be able to see what is at the end of the foggy path...
www.flickr.com/photos/jillclardy/4078182925/sizes/l/
Tags: Sawyer Camp Trail Crystal Springs Reservoir San Mateo County CA oak trees path winding fog vanishing point 3849 mist misty tunnel 100+views foggy day regionwide 500+VIEWS 1000+views
When I reached the part of the trail that crosses the earthen dam at San Andreas Lake the fog was so thick that walkers disappeared from view within a few yards. It was an eerie scene.
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This is the first buck I've seen on my walks on the Sawyer Camp Trail. The deer are quite brazen here in the park - no hunting is allowed and they have no natural predators in this area. They walk down the path and allow you to approach quite close, although he kept a wary eye on me as I tiptoed closer.
It's really hard to hold a good focus due to all the swaying grasses and the moving deer, and if anyone has any advice on how to do it better, let me know !
Tags: Sawyer Camp Trail San Mateo County CA Young Buck deer antlers horns meadow grazing 3879 mule deer