Carizzo Superbloom

Two trips in as many weeks. Last week my friend Don and I set off to see the reported superbloom in Carizzo Plain National Monument. One of my favorite places. We took our camper down for a two night visit. Superblooms are relatively rare, but this was the second Don and I had experienced in as many years.

Carizzo Plain is a large open space in the middle of nowhere. It lies between San Luis Obispo to the west and the southern San Juaquin Valley to the east. The nearest hotel is 50 miles in either direction. The nearest gas is 30 miles away. It reminds me of Death Valley in the vastness of its viewshed, but without the people. Often we can travel its length and not see another soul. During the flowers it gets busy. Maybe passing 10 cars in an hour.

The bloom didn't disappoint. In fact it was so nice that Nancy and I planned a separate trip down there again this week. Sophie also made it down with a couple of her friends earlier in the week. This trip we took the old Prius and our bicycles and stayed in an Airbnb in Templeton. We got in a solid 20 mile ride on gravel roads with blooming fields as far as the eye could see. Washboard surface and a strong headwind on the return leg were the only letdowns. Nancy and I just returned this evening. Enjoy the photos. They are unenhanced. Who could improve on this anyway?!?Read more