Led by Tom Molloy and Nancy Beverly
By Tom Molloy
What a perfect day we had for the 8 mile trek through solstice Canyon national park. We were on assignment from our club leader to find a blooming Humboldt Lily and one with ripening seed pods.
For most of the day, the marine layer protected us from the August sun. We began through the cool shaded main part of the canyon, a riparian paradise of Oak, Sycamore, Bay Laurel, California Walnut and Alder. Despite being late August, the creek was running strong. We ascended into the mountains via the Sostomo Trail to walk the Deer Creek Loop, among the chaparral and oaks, where we were rewarded with views of Zuma Beach, Point Dume and Paradise Cove.
It was upon ascending the Sostomo Trail that we found the elusive Humboldt Lily blooming. And within 10 feet, was a ripening seed pod of an earlier blooming plant. Mission accomplished! It as unusual to find a Humboldt Lily blooming here this late in the year. In early July, the canyon below had a riot of Humboldt Lily blooms, now long gone.
Upon our return to the canyon, we dutifully visited the Roberts House Historic Site (fire burnout), where we also enjoyed views of the waterfalls. We returned to the cars, via the Rising Sun Trail, which lived up to its name. As we began this, the most strenuous part of the hike, the sun indeed did break through the clouds, which made for quite a workout for this last leg of our journey.
A good time was had by all!
