GREENERY AROUND MISSION GORGE--MARCH 2, 2010 Winter rains have been plentiful this year--and here are the results in Mission Trails (mainly in and around Mission Gorge) on March 2, 2010...

First, the gorge in the distance (from the northeast--the Santee side)...


In the gorge...


The southeast facing slope on the north side of the gorge...


Looking downstream in the gorge along the small road...


Another view to the slope to the north...


The San Diego River (where it enters the gorge)--basically just a small stream. It always has at least some water (though more now than usual). Note the cottonwoods and some (but not all) willows haven't leafed out, though the sycamores (not in this pic, though they're common along and near the San Diego River) are mostly leafed out.


Speaking of the sycamores, here's a large California sycamore with fresh new leaves (northeast of the gorge)...


Quite a handsome California live oak along a small stream going into the gorge (with a skinny sycamore in front of it)...


Ceanothus tomentosus (Ramona lilac) shrubs are in full bloom right now...



A California poppy (with some insect doing a bit of "fine dining")...


Nearby, sort of a cross between a flood and a pond...


Almost looks like the Microsoft Ireland Hill cartoon background...


And finally...a look back at the muddy trail...


All for now!

All of the above pictures on this page were taken by Brandt Maxwell.

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