We use Arctostaphylos uva-ursa as a groundcover shrub here in Alberta. It grows on exposed rocky spots with almost no soil, constant wind and wildly fluctuating temperatures without batting an eye. Just a smaller but equally tough version of your more majestic manzanitas. Absolutely stunning Gerhard! The fact you were out photographing when the branches were wet only upped the sex appeal.
I also really enjoyed seeing the white flowers and vastly prefer them over the pink of my three Arctostaphylos. Amazing you caught a rainless window for the trail. Wonderful to get a side-by-side comparison photo. I'm bookmarking this trail! Hey, Gerard! I should go up to the trail! I live in SF I think the shelf fungus says the trees are dead or dying. A tree across from my house did the same thing. It was another drought victim. You don't approach your botanical obsessions casually!
That's not a criticism - I admire the quality. I love the photo of the Arctostaphylos tunnel. Wonderful post, your photos are stunning! I'll need to pick up that Field Guide to Manzanitas very soon. Holy Arthur Rackham, Batman!
Those are some wonderfully evocative photos. The green hills are so startling. My one hiking excursion out of SF was during the dry season among madrones, with that unforgettable scent, and glimpses of golden hills when we'd emerge into an open spot. Those red branches were at their reddest for your visit, thanks to their morning shower. Many of these pictures made me literally gasp. Thanks so much for bringing us along. The reference to Hazel-Atlas sand mines brought me up short.
On my lap was a green glass bowl made in from that very sand! Who knew? A little bit of the Black Diamond Preserve right here with me filled with popcorn. The above is tongue in cheek, as Hazel-Atlas was a West Virginia company with factories there, in Ohio, and New York, as well as Oakland -- but it's fun to think it's possible.
