View over a canyon from the beginning of Corral Trail, near Headquarters.
On a sunny Labor Day, Zach and I headed south on 101 past San Jose with a picnic but no predetermined destination. Fortunately for us, we decided to take the turnoff to Henry Coe State Park, and much beautiful scenery ensued. Henry Coe is California's largest state park (here is the official website, and the even more detailed unofficial website). It is a wilderness of chaparral, oak forests, and rolling hills. We barely scratched the surface, so a follow-up visit is definitely in order.
Click on any picture for a full-size version.
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View over a canyon from the beginning of Corral Trail, near Headquarters.
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Alongside the trail were some of the largest manzanitas I have ever seen.
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This dead tree was chock-full of woodpecker holes. (Intersection of Corral Trail and Springs Trail)
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At Henry Coe State Park, oaks rule!
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Another well-used woodpecker larder.
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We could have hiked for days without running out of trails. (Manzanita Point Road near Poverty Flat Road)
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Back at park headquarters, we shared our food with the scrub jays, who were very pleased.
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Despite their perky appearance, these squirrels stayed stock-still to have their picture taken.
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The California quail were less eager for the limelight, and provoked a discussion on the origins of the verb "quail."
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There's only one thing to do after much hiking, sun, food, and wine. Zzzzz.
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We left Headquarters just as the sun was setting.
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Sunlight on fence posts and whiskers on bobkittens...
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On the drive down, we passed a tree full of vultures, waiting for our car to go off a cliff. They were disappointed.
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We think this one was a black vulture, instead of the more common turkey vulture.
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The end of a perfect Labor Day!
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Credit for 27% of the photos, and 100% of the transportation, goes to Zach.
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Last updated September 7, 2006.