Focusing on Life, Week 16: Take a Walk

This week our host, Sally of the Studio Sublime, says:

A good friend of mine hosts a hiking group every Monday morning.  She and I took a hiking class a few years ago at our local junior college and found some great trails in the Santa Cruz County area.  I just wish she took her group out a little later in the morning than she does.  Even though I get up fairly early I'm not ready to venture out or be much of a social person until maybe 10am.  Weird?  Probably.

The Advocates for Niscene Marks park tell the story of the Coast Redwoods best so here's their small sign:

I stopped frequently on my walk as there was so much to see.  From the spider web high in a tree to wild flowers and giant clover.  I couldn't identify the first two wildflowers.  Anyone know what they are?

On the way back to my car I came around a bend and there were these 2 very large gorgeous German Shepherds off leash on the trail.  If I was further north I would've wondered if they were wolves!  However, they looked mostly curious not threatening at all.  As I stretched my neck to see if the owner was nearby, I saw her coming up the trail with a third.  The two then ran up to me and sniffed me and looked up with beautiful brown eyes.  The owner said one of them was only 9 months old!  He's going to be a BIG dog.  Although these were long haired they of course reminded me of our late Gretel.  I wish I'd thought to get a photo of them as they were by themselves staring at me at the end of the trail, but I did quickly take a couple as they passed me by.  

(Note:  Dogs are supposed to be on leash in the State Park.  Although I was fine with them, I know many who would not be and with dogs this size, rightfully so.)