Black Diamond Mines

Back in April after tax season was finished we joined up with 20 photographers of varying levels of expertise on a hike at the Diamond Mines East Bay Regional Park. We started at 8 am, which was very good since the weather was more than a bit toasty by the time we finished just before 1 pm. This turned out to be a good workout too.

We saw wildlife, if a cow laying around in the shade counts.  There were animals, snakes (we learned how to tell a rattle snake from a gopher snake, not that I'd hang around trying to determine which one was twisting in front of me), birds, etc.

We walked through a restored grave yard and learned quite a bit about the people who settled this area.

This was in late April when the hills were still very green..and there were plenty of wild flowers.

I think I've finally figured out how to take close up photos.

There's even caves...with bats.  Black Diamond Mines is where coal was excavated.  There's also plenty of silica that was used to make glass.  This also meant lots of loose grit that made it very slippery and dangerous walking around the steep hills.

Our "little gang" as Marla has named us.  We don't mingle too much with the others, but we're very friendly to all.

Good thing we're all in shape...this is a tougher hike than it looks.

Our friendly and knowledgeable naturalist.

Okay, I'm not too good at posting the photos in the proper order because this is where we went for lunch after the hike....Foster's Bighorn in Rio Vista.  The wall is covered with stuffed animals.  We stop here while we're riding bikes and thought we'd show it off to Pete and Teresa.

 Pete and Teresa enjoyed the lunch.  The food is good too.

This is the start of our day...it was still very chilly.