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.
![A vista on the Girard Trail A vista on the Girard Trail](https://i0.wp.com/www.hikerweb.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_3187.jpg?resize=625%2C469)
A vista on the Girard Trail with a memorial and a bench. This is just above the junction with the McMenemy Trail.