I combined the McMenemy, Saddle Rock, Girard, and Hot Springs trails for a hike on Monday. The weather was nice with lots of interesting cloud formations and a constant marine layer hovering above the Pacific helping provide a cool breeze on the south side of the mountains.
It has been a few years since I hiked much of this area, I almost forgot what a pleasant perch Saddle Rock provides with its unobstructed views of the coast.
I noticed the acorns are starting to become abundant as well as many sweet fennel plants with their licorice
like aroma.