The rolling, oak-covered hills of the Diablo Range form a scenic backdrop for the burst of color provided by California poppies in bloom.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM at 24 mm, 1/40 sec at f/14, ISO 200

 

Actually, spring got an early start in our area as these photos can attest. In early March I had come across some online reports of promising wildflower sightings in Pacheco State Park, so Alison and I decided to take a quick day trip to see for ourselves. We were not disappointed.

A reminder: you can click any image to see a larger (higher-res) version.

 

California poppies decorate a hillside below a lone oak tree at Pacheco State Park.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM at 25 mm, 1/50 sec at f/14, ISO 200

 

We wound up hiking farther than we had intended, and I tired myself out carrying my camera backpack for the first time in a while, but after seeing the landscape awash in the brilliant hues of spring flowers, we both agreed that it was well worth it.

 

Multiple wildflower species were blooming in early March, 2016 at Pacheco State Park.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM at 34 mm, 1/100 sec at f/11, ISO 200

 

 

Wind turbines and spring wildflowers create an interesting juxtaposition between nature's beauty and man's imprint on the landscape.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM at 45 mm, 1/40 sec at f/14, ISO 200

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