Tenaja Trail to San Mateo Creek

Monday, we decided on a long hike, so drove north to the Cleaveland National Forest west of Murrieta.  It was about an eleven mile round trip down a canyon to the San Mateo Creek.  We explored along that creek for a couple  miles.  It was a relief to see only one other person the whole day -  and no bikes!

 In shady areas there were many of these bushes with red berries.

 Western Fence Lizard

 After about four miles, we reached the San Mateo Creek which was mostly dry.

 A dried up dead Striped Racer looking like Gollum.

 We did find a few muddy areas in what should have been large pools if not for the drought.  There were many young Baja California Tree Frogs in these spots.

 There were also many dead fish and crayfish.

 Baja California Tree Frog

 Baja California Tree Frogs

 There were minnows still left in a couple pools we saw.

 Dragon fly and damsel fly.

 A non-native American Bullfrog.

 On the hike back, we noticed some amazing funnel spider webs. They looked like gauzy whirlpools leading into the spider's lair.

This one led into a deep knothole.

Looking down into the same web as the previous picture.

Back-lit seeds, ready to disperse.