I really like this loop. A little warm for early March. Noticeably cooler up on the ridges with a fantastic spring breeze.

Surprised to see so many wildflowers on the Ranger segment and adjoining ridges. Do be careful if you plan rolling around naked in the fields of poppies as they are rather sparse. Wild Heliotrope (maybe Scorpion Weed, I haven't looked at the photos yet) was most predominate in the cool pockets of the ravines. Coulter's Lupine in spots albeit a mini 3 to 7 inch version of the knee high 2001 & 2008 blankets. Fiddleneck is trying to bust a move but may be a few rain drops short of success. All are sparse yet remarkable given the dust bowl spring of 2011.

There is a big event at the racetrack with semi generators humming and country music lofting from the canopies. Only passed two mountain bikers, no hikers minus what I could see on Telegraph. Found out the Ranger Trail continues towards the Ranger station. It's called Ranger Ext on the posts and goes by two show corrals I've never passed before either.

Drove half way across the Valley to check out the REI gargage sale. Believe I'll save the gas in the future and stick with proven online values. At least I got a good hike out of it on the return.