SKYLINE DRIVE
Things started off at around noon on Friday, April 5th. The weather for the trip stayed pretty much the same - temperatures in the 70s and sunny skies. During my drive from San Francisco airport to Los Gatos, I decided to check out some herping spots along the way. The Santa Cruz Mountains started off being cool and misty.

Even in conditions like this, Fence Lizards can be found under rocks and other cover.

A "blue belly" male.

Darkling Beetles were a common sight throughout the week.

Soon the weather started clearing up a bit.

Everybody loves Jerusalem Crickets.

A Santa Cruz Garter Snake that was born last year.

Have you ever got on a plane and traveled over 2,000 miles and then found yourself walking along a street in the wilderness? Then a car drives by, stops, goes into reverse and backs up to you; the driver rolls down the window and says "Hey, Tim what's going on?" Well that's what happened when I unexpectedly ran into Zach Lim and Phil, who was visiting from Barstow, CA.

We decided to join forces - Phil with a Pacific Gopher Snake.

Ringneck Snakes were rather common.

Southern Alligator Lizards were easy to find as well. This one had a bit of red.

Yellowbelly Racers also turned up.

California Poppies were in bloom all over the place.

Northern Alligator Lizard.

A young Pacific Gopher Snake.

California Newt.