On May 21st, 2011 I pioneered a new approach to the summit of Mt. Diablo. Starting at the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area, I strolled through Mitchell Canyon along the gentle, lazy creek. Tall oaks and pines caught the morning sun. The flowers were terrific and general, but the globe lilies and wind poppies were my favorites. I saw bunny after bunny, as I would throughout the hike. Eventually the trail climbs out of the canyon and winds up to Deer Flat, where dry meadows of clarkia greeted me. From Deer Flat, I hiked along Meridian ... (more)