Mt Diablo

"The Devil's Moutain" is the tallest thing close to where we are, rising 4,445 ft above sea level. Our adventure for today. It's about an hour drive here from Oakland East over the hills past Walnut Creek. Perhaps a training hike of sorts for our upcoming hike a 350 mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail. ...Okay, so we only hiked a few miles total, but it was a hike nonetheless, as Caroline can attest.

There's a road that goes all the way up to the top, so that takes a little of the glory out of the satisifaction of hiking to the top of a mountain peak. However I am proud to say that Glenn and I dragged his mother Caroline to the top from a few miles below and had a lovely picnic at the top. There's even a visitor center up there so you can learn all about the geology and flora and fauna. The trail up to the top is called "the trail through time" because you are going from younger to older sediments of rock, with the oldest dark volcanic rock that burst up from underneath millions of years ago to form the summit.

Do you like my hat? This is looking East from the summit- you can barely make out the Sierra Nevadas in the haze, but we saught 'em out- soon to be our temporary wanderland in three weeks!

"Uh, whatta we do now?" "Huh?, what's that there city over yonder?"
"I think I cun see some sorta bridge up over there..." "This here's a purty old mountain eh?"
"Yup, they used it as a point-a - refrence fur mappin out the whole state North ta South."
"It's pretty nice out here in Cali-forn-i-a. I think I might just stay a while."

Pretty cool spot. I guess it's pretty neat that such a majestic mountain with one of the most extensive views in California is so accessible to people and their families. There are a lot of people that bike up there too- it made me get a dry throat just looking at them pedal their way up the windy paved roads to the summit. I bet it's all worth it on the way down.

This mountain was held sacred and worshipped as part of the creation story of the Miwok people native to this area. I can see why, it's the tallest thing around surrounded by flat river valleys and deltas that run to the bay, then to the ocean.
Pretty spectacular.
Here's a view from the top. The little tower is a radio tower? at the summit, that's where there is another tower with the visitor center and the lookout deck.


There are even species of plants and animals that only live on this mountain!
One of them is the Fairy lantern. Only grows on Mt. Diablo, no where else in the world!

pretty little thing.

Another is Mt Diablo Tarantula!

They come out in flocks, swarms, herds? What do you call groups of hairy spiders tromping around on a mountain? Pack?
Cool lookin, but to be honest, I would be freaked out if I happened upon one while on a happy little hike up the trail. I guess Fall is when they come out to play for everyone to see, so summer time you're pretty safe.

One last thought. Living in Oakland for the past four months has been great. There are a lot of things I like about the city- sunshine, environmental responsibility, beautiful hills, rich cultural diversity, cool community events and inspiring non-profit organizations working for justice and peace. But lately I've been so inspired by the trees. Oak trees grow everywhere, including all over Mt. Diablo. Their curling branches twisting toward the sunlight, their hardy stout leaves and intricate branches making a maze of intricate patterns against a sunlit backdrop...More than their mysterious beauty, old wisdom, and simple grace, I hear that Oak trees are amazingly home to over two hundred species of life! I am grateful for your presence might Oaks! May you live long and healthy lives and continue to bless us with your bounty!