Natural History Wanderings

Today we headed home from Lee Vining and drove through Yosemite. Only a few short stops today.

Heading up 120 towards the park early in the morning there were many Evening Primrose and Blazing Stars in bloom.

Before the park entrance there were  Lupines mixed with Alpine Goldenrod.

After entering the park there were good flowers in a meadow to the south and on the hillside across the road. In bloom were Alpine Goldenrod, Whorled Penstemon, Pussy Paws, a low Lupine, Ranger’s Buttons, Aster, and Elephant Heads.

Tuolumne Meadows blooms included a lot of Alpine Goldenrod as well as Elephant Heads, a small pink Paintbrush, Sierra Gentian, tiny Northern Gentian, Whorled Penstemon, Yampah, and a low Lupine.

120 (Tioga Road)  had many patches of several species of Lupine. Also seen were at least one good patch each of Asters, Groundsel, Shooting Star, Mountain Pride Penstemon, and Sneezeweed. Also seen in bloom were the pretty pink Lewis’s Monkeyflower.

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