After the Mendocino Wildflower Show this weekend I was inspired to hike the redwood forest to look for some of my favorite forest dwelling wildflowers and plants. Today we feature the Trail Plant (also called Pathfinder Plant), or Adenocaulon bicolor.  When their dark green, triangular leaves are disturbed or turned over their bright, white under-leaf is displayed and one can easily follow the trail of another passing through the woods or mark their own way with it's leaves. How cool is that?? 

The trail plant is a perennial that regenerates each year, forming what appears to be a low hovering mat of leaves in the shadowed areas under trees and along fallen logs or trails.  Their big leaves allow moisture to collect under them along the forest floor and duff which helps to decompose organic matter. In addition to their leaves, there is a single slender stem that shoots up to about three feet tall that extends out to tiny white flowers that make their appearance from June to September. The tiny fruit that grows at the end of the stem have tiny hairs that cling to pant legs to be transported through the forests. 

Sometimes, life can be frustrating. I, personally, tend to work very hard and can become disappointed when the things I work towards are not readily tangible - when I am not accepting of the natural order of things.  It's hard to remind ourselves that all good things come in good time.  Today, I was bummed - so bummed I didn't really want to hike (Now THAT's bad!). But I mustered up my will and went on an adventure to discover what wild flowers were coming up ... THE MOMENT I SAW THEM - I was cured of all blues.  It was as though my worries & disappointments were all washed away with the waves and I was kissed kindly by the utter beauty of nature.  THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You are my saving grace! 

This is one of our Wild Flower Tour Options - a two boot difficulty rating due to a relatively steep climb at the end of the hike.  BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT! 

It's April, folks, and we are beginning to see many new blossoms along the coast and up into the Redwoods.  Everywhere you step foot there is something new and exciting to see blossoming or coming back to life.  Come join us!  And for some extra fun: Add on a picnic at the winery for some post hike R&R!

With the windy days in our faces there is plenty to be grateful for!  Just look at these hidden treasures in the forest and along the ridge ... if only I had my real camera other than my iPhone ...  

Today - I had some time to myself.  So, I packed up the dogs and hit the Hillside Loop Trail to see what's blooming.... A LOT!  Check out some findings ...