Super Bloom!

We have had torrential rains in Nor Cal and it's been rainy throughout California this winter, leading to perfect conditions for a rare (about once per decade) but spectacular year for super (flower) blooms in the normally pretty arid desert regions of Southern California. The colorful fields of wildflowers can even be seen from space.


We drove about an hour east of Orange County on Monday to check out the blooming Golden poppies (Eschscholtzia californica, California's state flower) near Walker Canyon/Lake Elsinore.  While there was long stretch (a half-mile or so) of parked cars to pass to even start to walk on the trail, we hear it was far busier over the weekend with long lines to even exit the highway. It was lovely to see the orange poppies (also known as the Flame Flower or the Copa de Oro [cup of gold]) up close.

Cousins! Kingston, fresh back from a trip to Italy, was a trooper

"Poppy-napping," like in the Wizard of Oz!

We could NOT get Niall to crack a smile.

(the only snaps with a grin)

"Papi" and the poppies

 

This one hams it up for the camera

Attempts at a family portrait

 The boys wanted to hike for "just a little bit more" on the trails.

Where's Iver?

 

 

Enjoying a packed lunch before heading home

 The Super Bloom was truly super! Check it out if you're close!