This hike begins at Bon Tempe Reservoir and swings around north-west and up Tam's west peak.

Just as Lagunitas Reservoir empties into Bon Tempe Reservoir, Bon Tempe's spillway drains into Alpine Reservoir, making a staircase of man-made lakes.

Fairly remote and rugged trails in this area. It was also a freakishly warm 70+ degree day (this was late January).

So warm that a confused lizard was out of hibertation a few months early.

And the author takes a "panoramic" self-portrait on this momentous occasion of spring-like weather.

Serpentine Knoll.

There are a lot of isolated pockets of diversity up here, like this hidden meadow.

Or the occasional rocky, mossy streambed.

Even small swamps.