SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
The beginning of the trip had rainy conditions, the Santa Cruz Mountains were covered in mist.

A number of wildflowers were in bloom, such as this Blue-eyed Grass.

Fence Lizards were often encountered.

And there was a profusion of Boxelder Bugs.

A couple of young Ringneck Snakes.

A male Western Skink.

The conditions were ideal for Rubber Boas.

This tiny one was posed on a Holly leaf to show its size.

This one had a nice olive coloration.

Yellow Monkey Flower.

Yellowbelly Racer.

Despite the misty conditions, I saw this Northern Pacific Rattlesnake "basking" on a hillside.

Beetle larva.

A view of the surrounding landscape.

A young Western Fence Lizard.

Pacific Ringneck Snakes were pretty easy to find in the mountains.

Sierran Treefrog.

I always enjoy encountering Coast Garter Snakes and was not disappointed on this trip.

Western Skink.

There was no shortage of California Slender Salamanders.

An orange striped version of a Coast Garter Snake.

Southern Alligator Lizard.

Yellowbelly Racer.

I found my first California Night-stalking Tiger Beetle ever.