Winter day at McCall Point

[Thuja]

Spent the day hiking a big figure-eight (-ish) from the Rowena Plateau viewpoint. The weather was splendid, with lots of people out, and grand views of Mount Adams, and even a few Grass Widows getting an early start. I always seem to make it out here same time of year, before flowers (One day I'll have to come see the show).
I was expecting wind, but there was none, dead quiet, really lovely.
Total miles down the plateau, then up past McCall point all the way to the private property line and back (wish you could hike to Sevenmile hill, so close!) was 7.25, no idea on elevation gain, but it's sweaty.
A few pictures below.

[Chip Down]

I think that's the first flower I've seen posted this year. There should be many more in the next week or two.

[retired jerry]

Was it ever winter?

There's supposed to be snow Monday, but just barely.

My car got frosty a couple times but the thermometer under the eaves has barely got below freezing

[adamschneider]

I think that's the first flower I've seen posted this year. There should be many more in the next week or two.

A couple weeks ago, someone posted a grass widow at Catherine Creek in the Oregon Wildflowers FB group.

Hopefully there aren't TOO many coming up already; this upcoming cold snap could whack 'em down again.

[Thuja]

This definitely seems early for grass widows, but doesn't it always seem early? They've got to be tough little plants to brave the early season and risk a cold snap, so if I was them I'd have evolved a way to deal with the brrrr (but if I was them, I'd also be a widow, and I'm too young for that).

[adamschneider]

(but if I was them, I'd also be a widow, and I'm too young for that).

I don't know why, but "grass widow" is a euphemism for "divorcée" or "neglected wife/mistress" or "woman whose husband sleeps around."

[Thuja]

(but if I was them, I'd also be a widow, and I'm too young for that).

I don't know why, but "grass widow" is a euphemism for "divorcée" or "neglected wife/mistress" or "woman whose husband sleeps around."

I had no idea! Where, oh where is this little flower's husband?

On another note: Just read the field guide for this trail, and it's CLOSED NOV 1 THROUGH MAY 1, whoops! I seem to have a habit of hiking this trail while closed? If there was any signage, I clearly did not read it. Also, saw lots of dogs off leash - Oh boy.

[adamschneider]

On another note: Just read the field guide for this trail, and it's CLOSED NOV 1 THROUGH MAY 1, whoops! I seem to have a habit of hiking this trail while closed? If there was any signage, I clearly did not read it.

Breakin' the law, breakin' the law...

The Nature Conservancy (owners of most of the McCall Point Trail, starting from where it starts going up the hill) have always closed it during the wet season to prevent erosion. However, I don't see anything about this closure on their Web site; maybe they've lifted the restriction now that they've re-routed the steeper parts of the trail?

Also, saw lots of dogs off leash - Oh boy.

Dogs aren't even supposed to be ON-leash in the portion owned by TNC.