February 1st 2009

2.9 miles        231 ft elevation gain

We choose a gentle stroll this morning as Deirdre is still recovering from a three week visitation with gastric flu. Charmlee offers ocean views, a variety of habitats and wild flowers in the spring. It is run by the City of Malibu and so carries a $4 parking fee. Of course we park outside and walk the additional 1/4 mile! We begin along the oak shaded botany trail and spy our first milk maids of the season shyly peering through the undergrowth.

Charming Charmlee

A little further along the path is a lone flowering pitcher sage, soon to be joined in blossom by many associates. As we emerge into the open we see our first Indian paintbrush and wishbone bush.

Purple Nightshade

Patches of purple nightshade flirt with the sun and as we approach the ocean overlook the prickly phlox is much in evidence. The ocean view from this point is limited by the mist but we can see the Pacific Coast Highway below.

Swallow Tail

We are joined by a “hill-topping” swallow tail butterfly presumably seeking a mate. We parrallel the coast past an old reservoir now partly filled with sediment. The sun is warm but the cool air and wisps of mist from over the ocean keep us comfortable. To the northwest the peaks of Boney Ridge define the skyline. We skirt a meadow and briefly visit the remains, foundations really, of the old ranch house before rejoining the entry road and returning to the car.