Off to the Weekend: Dun Eire

It seemed like a good place to go; busting out the office door at high noon, that elemental shift in time was noticeable - the work week suddenly becoming the weekend. The only thing to decide was which route to take to get there. Well, there wasn't much decision to it really, it is always dirt on Friday. That dun-colored grass that has covered the hillsides since summer has, mostly, been replaced now by fresh green, so all those little side trails stand out in contrast. One such trace has been catching my eye for a couple weeks now, the one that leads to Dun Eire, a little hill top cluster of boulders and shading oaks. Years ago, when I first "discovered" Dun Eire, it reminded me of the ould sod, hence the name... hey, if a dude named De Niro can be "The Irishman," I can name a little spot of Claremont for the Emerald Isle. One of those rocks up there is the second best seat in the house - it might be first best, but the view of Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks is not quite what used to be, so second will have to do. 

Honestly though, I should give the spot a more California-specific name - the habitat is that quintessential. The oaks, rock, toyon and other large shrubs, and great growths of ribes californicum (in the middle of bloom right now), western fence lizards, some grey colored hawk hovering low over the nearby grassland - all very native.

Even in our own localized worlds there is much to see - get out and do it.

the peaks are over there - still

western fence lizard

the trail cuts back down slope between the green grass from Dun Eire

Just for the heck of it I think I am going to photo all the little draws cutting down through the hills. The task will require some hike-a-bike, but that's okay. Beside the larger shrubs of this one, there was a stand of Sycamore way down and what looked to be a patch of cactus.

Alright then, that's it for now - off to the weekend with you. It is here now, and don't forget to bring out your bike.