“She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
“Winter is dead.”
― A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young
The sound of crashing waves, the smell of the sea air, humid wind blowing as the sun goes down over the Pacific. The only thing that makes this scene better is to have a once a year pop of color in the picture. The Wildflowers are in bloom all over the world as we turn the corner into May. Actually in some areas they’ve been out for a while now. On my Jucy road trip last month I was delighted to see the beginnings of the season of California Wildflowers up north in Mendocino.
We used to have a lilac bush in the front yard of my childhood home, the delicious smell of lilacs signaled spring for me as a kid. Shortly after the bush turned lavender, our hill in our backyard would turn purple as the wild violets would bloom, and then turn yellow with dandelions that my dad would fight the rest of the summer. Spring was always a special time of year – and it’s really special when you have the chance to do some spring traveling – whether in your backyard or a big trip!
California Wildflowers
The East Coast has cherry blossoms, but the West Coast has wildflowers. If you are in or near California, hop in the car and drive to the colorful buds and take in the coastal scenes. The season is a bit later in Northern California, so you still have time. Plus, there’s a lot less traffic in Northern California along Highway 1 as compared to its southern cousin around Big Sur. I suggest you head to a little known spot around Point Arena, the Stornetta Public Lands and go for a hike off the unbeaten path with Margaret – she’ll show you the flowers and explain the geology of the area. This is a phenomenal and protected piece of coastline like you’ve never seen before. And it’s framed by the famous Point Arena Lighthouse – as well as beautiful California wildflowers. I’ll be writing about all of these places in more detail in addition to my other stops on my Northern California road trip soon on the blog, but for now, this should give you a preview.
Calla Lillies bloom in Mendocino
Poppies pop up on the coast near Westport
A cactus bud at the Mendocino Botanical Gardens
Pops of pink grow close to the ground on the rocky coast near Fort Bragg
Whisps of yellow complement the Pacific waves
He loves me, he loves me not…petals cover the ground in Mendocino
Stornetta Lands were just starting to pop with a little color when I was there hiking near Point Arena
A few cherry blossoms…in the Mendocino Botanical Gardens
Point Arena Purple
Calla lillies grow wild in giant bunches in Mendocino.
Take a hike among Mendocino Botantical Gardens to see a complete variety.
News flash – California isn’t he only place with beautiful spring flowers, get out wherever you are to see the buds!
My favorite places to experience spring flowers
Tiptoe Through the Tulips in the Netherlands
Brussels Flower Carpet (20th Anniversary Aug 12-15 2016)
By MarkDeafMcGuire May 3, 2016 - 6:03 pm
You certainly visited a lovely stretch of northern California. I used to live in Eureka for a year. It’s amazing to see the seasons change in that part of the world. I’m curious to see where else you went. Hopefully, you got to visit the amazing Klamath River or enjoy a frosty brew at the Lost Coast Brewery or even watch the sun set from Prarie Creek Redwoods.
Oh, the list could go on and on but such is the travel life, never enough time to see it all. But I’m glad you got to enjoy one of my favorite corners of the world. It’s just primal compared to other areas of the USA.
By Sherry May 4, 2016 - 11:24 am
Stay tuned as I’m writing more about it and I did spend a day in the Klamath Forest and driving the State of Jefferson Byway! Also stopped in Eureka! I had a great time exploring an area I knew little about!
By Courtney May 4, 2016 - 6:25 pm
Gorgeous! We can’t wait to hit the road and explore the beauty of California. We love our wildflowers here in Arizona but don’t quite have the same beach backdrops you have 😉 Thanks so much for sharing!
By Claudia May 5, 2016 - 6:25 am
Believe it or not, spring bores me. It is nice when the days get longer, I can bare it for a couple of weeks. Then I am ready for summer. I want the heat. I want to be able to go to the beach and swim in the sea to get refreshed. Spring is just… too in-between for my taste!!
By MarkDeafMcGuire May 5, 2016 - 11:10 am
Saw that post. I’m glad you hit those sweet spots. It’s an area a lot of people don’t realize it’s worth taking the time to travel through. Especially up and over those mountains, down and through those valleys, along the rivers and coast.
By Izy berry May 12, 2016 - 1:58 am
Beautiful this different types of flowers and every one is unique and pretty
By Katie May 17, 2016 - 11:59 am
I was lucky enough to experience the wildflowers in their full glory around Mendocino a week ago – so beautiful!
By Sherry May 17, 2016 - 12:48 pm
Great to hear they are still beautiful there as I was there in early April.