"Scratching the surface"

 on learning about Poison Oak

UVAS CREEK

Arrive at Uvas Pines RV Park (Wed - Nov 7th) 7 miles SW of Morgan Hill.    Directly below and behind the p ark is a nice set of short trails and Uvas Creek.

Somehow, the GPS did not want us to continue straight on through Watsonville Road - we drove several miles through tight residential before we got turned around and then along narrow, winding farm road before rejoining Watsonville Road.   GPS seemed to think there was a narrow bridge somewhere that would not allow our big rig to cross.  (false alarm).

First sign I spot on the bulletin board outside the office is "beware of Poison Oak."    So, put dogs inside and strikes out to spot the dreaded plant.

DIFFICULT TO SEE
WHEN IT'S GROWING ALONG THE GROUND

Poison oak is described as a shrub but often grows like a climbing vine.  Leaves are just starting to turn to red this time of year.

Although there is a look-alike shrub that often gets mistaken for the poisonous plant, its safest to go along with the saying, "Leaves of three - leave it be!"

The plant doesn't have a dormant stage and takes on many forms - sometimes spotted, sometimes yellow, sometimes growing along the ground and other times, a 10-foot tall bush.  Oh - and even if the leaves are gone - the sticks can get you with the poison.

Are we boring you Tazz?

So,  our beloved dogs are not in danger with the plant - we are!   If the dogs get the oils from the plants on their fur, it will rub off on us and then the fun begins.

IF you can get the oils washed off within the first five minutes, you have a much better chance of not going through hell from the plants Urushiol oil.  Once the rash starts its very difficult to get rid of the itch.  Technu wash helps and there are various home remedies people try.   Benadryl doses may help once the reaction starts and sometimes, if severe enough, doctors will prescribe oral steroids such as Prednisone. All clothing should be washed or anything that has touched the plant.

Website Photo

The severity of the reaction depends on how quickly you can treat it but also the degree of sensitivity.   Marc and I have had it (about four years ago).  Generally swelling and severe itching develops within 24-48 hours after exposure; sometimes as soon as thirty minutes.   Some not until 14 days after exposure.  A rash appears and may develop into oozing blisters - and very uncomfortable.   Resolves in one to two weeks.   Not pleasant!

Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Park

At first glance, just a glance from our turn off to downtown Morgan Hill, in San Martin is fields and fields of orange and yellow.

Turns out to be a huge family attraction with school tours, entertainment, petting coral, pony rides and a place to book special parties, year round.

Hayrides, Pumpkinville Railroad, corn maze and Aviva's Gifts and Florals (rows and rows of flowers) where they sell floral arrangements, party decorations, snacks and more.

At the 2012 pumpkin weight-off prize money was $7.00 per pound for first prize; 2nd place $2500, 3rd place $2000 and down to 20th place - $75.   Just some of the prizes - even more for world record breakers.

Day trip to Monterey (60 miles SW of Morgan Hill)

The Redman House

(certainly looks haunted)

Situated in the Pajara Valley (Santa Cruz county), Watsonville, Redman-Hirahara Foundation continues the battle to preserve the Queen Anne mansion as well as turn the property (14 acres) into an authentic recreation of the 1890s farmstead. 

Built for James Redman in 1897 who became an agricultural entrepreneur and became interested in breeding high-grade horses.  In the 1930s, following the death of the Redman family, the house and property were sold to the Hirahara family, one of the first Japanese-American families to own farmland in the nation.  The family and other Japanese families were removed and delivered to internment camps.   The Hirahara family managed to maintain ownership and the house and land.   A partnership of investors, known as the Green Farm bought the property and mansion around 1989 with plans the develop the land into a profitable venture.   A group of residents formed a committee in late 1998 and since that time, the Foundation was formed and plans for recreation are taking place.

2009 the property went under foreclosure.   No idea where the project lies now with funding and progress.

Driving down from the winding mountain road into Pajara Valley - a vast fertile, agricultural area.   As far as you can see are fields of crops and greenhouses.

Property Management Building - downtown Watsonville












Fields plowed and irrigation piles laid on each row, ready for plastic, then strawberry plants

More rows for still more strawberry plants.

Heading to Sunset State Beach . . .

Pacific Ocean over the hill of brussel sprouts

Pelicans, gulls, turkey vultures, sand, high surf, no people ... wonderful

Just a few of the multi-million dollar beach 'cottages'

A private cove with beach access and  'cardio' steps

Spanish Bay

Then off to Monterey for a quick drive around and check out bike paths for a return trip

Drove along Cannery Row, through Pacific Grove, along the water out to Spanish Bay . . amazed at the amount of beach access, walkways, paths.

Can watch the surf for hours . . . .

                    ..... appears to be a bumpy ride for this fish boat!

Had a full and interesting day trip, all only one hour away and such incredibly different scenery.

Yup ..... it POURED on the return trip (for about five minutes).   

(It can rain in southern California! LOL!)