California Trip

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is a newly-designated national park, as of 2013. It had been protected as a National Monument since 1908. It's located a bit over an hour south of San Jose. We took two cars and Oscar and Gladys joined us for the expedition. Oscar is the one who suggested this plan - thanks!


Interesting juxtaposition seen on this sign.




typical agriculture scene in this area.




Hills are so green in the spring.




vineyard









parking is limited so the park provides a shuttle to the trailhead.














Lots of wildflowers this time of year.







































Gladys checks in with Nayla.



















We encountered this minor tunnel first.









yay! Bear Gulch Cave is open.
























We'd brought flashlights and lanterns.














The stream running through the cave.









We might get our shoes wet.




clearance challenge




wildlife just outside the exit.














the stairs coming up from the cave exit




stream heading for the cave




and then we were at the top, on the dam, at Bear Gulch Reservoir.




Oscar and Gladys
























view of the dam, constructed by the CCC in the 1930's.



















Friendly squirrel




too friendly - he came right up to my feet.





































































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