Thursday, February 28, 2019

Schleppin’ Around Niles Canyon, Molly Sams


Today we have a post from Molly.  She's been in California for over a year, and it seems that she's found what she was looking for - travel, adventure, new experiences, and independence.

I'm happy that she has found some time and inspiration to send in a post! 
In the canyon
Schleppin’ Around Niles Canyon

Recently I moved to Fremont CA and I gotta be real – I’m in love. On my way to work I see mountains everyday (sometimes with snow), there are plants everywhere, and my roommates are so excited to try new herbs and recipes.

I’m also a five-minute drive away from one of my favorite tiny towns ever. Niles is a small town nestled in the mountains that Charlie Chaplin used in many of his films. But there is more than just the silent film festivals and museum (though they are both dope.)
Downtown with friends
Niles is home to a beautiful tea shop that transports me right back to TheRosemary House. It also has Devout Coffee, friendly kittens, and really, really good food. It is also home to the beautiful Niles Canyon.

Figs, goat cheese, and deliciousness on great bread.
In the canyon there are hundreds of plants and wildlife that are native to California. It actually took us two days to hike it (luckily I live close) and we still only saw a small bit of the trail. Part of the reason it took us two days was because it is the rainy season right now in my neck of the woods. However this is why there are so many flowers, fruits, and plants thriving right now. So I have to see them before they’re gone!
I think this is Buddha's Hand fruit.
Unfortunately we had to go on the safer bits since the trails deeper in the canyon have been washed out. But on it we found some nice fruits, plenty of plantain, and more mullein than we’ve seen in months. With that I had to snag a little raspberry leaf. 
Eucalyptus blooming.  I asked Molly to be on the lookout for this beauty.
I was thrilled to do so and it helped me sort of review what to take on weed walks. I have forgotten so much but next time I’ll be more prepared. For those that might be rusty as well I forgot to bring:

1. Plastic baggies or sturdy reusable ones
2. Jars.
3. A small shovel
Can anyone help me out on an ID of this tree?  It's very pretty!
But I was lucky enough to remember to take plenty of pictures of my old flora-friends and some new ones as well. Whaddya think?

3 comments:

Laura said...

Super cool!

Deborah Kelly said...

I believe it's an acacia...

Nancy said...

I think it's Acacia baileyana and that is a Buddha's Hand citrus fruit. Its rind is lovely in sugar and it's also good candied. I like it best sitting on the table where I can just smell its delicate aroma.