It’s January, or at least that’s what the calendar says. Last Sunday, the thermometer said otherwise: 72 degrees.
California drought conditions are widespread and severe, and farther north there are fires.
Although the land is not exempt from the heat, the effects are mildly tempered by its location near the reservoir.
This is a popular trail with cyclists, joggers, and hikers. Bryon and I did a 3-mile round-trip hike, but it’s possible to do a longer one.
Miners’ lettuce. It actually has a mild flavor. 
I had no idea why it was left there.
Leaves along the trail.
Sweetwater Reservoir
21 Tuesday Jan 2014
Posted in Farther Afield, Stepping Out
squirrel and pear 
The miners’ lettuce looks very pretty. I hope no fires affect you!
So far, we have been lucky. Fires have been a problem up around Los Angeles, and I even had a brief suggestion of rain on the way home tonight (emphasis on *brief*).
Sending of what we’ve just had!
It was cool enough to walk here this morning. Later in the day more people are out on their bikes.