My favorite hillside in Russian Ridge Open Space is about to turn from the dry brown grass of summer, to the lush green grass of spring.

This day in Russian Ridge had the sky of summer, but the mood of spring. As the rains of winter give way to sunny skies, the moist soil of the Santa Cruz Mountains is poised for a takeover. The tall dry grass is finally pushed out by this year’s new flock. For a few fleeting months, these gentle hillsides are a lush wonderland. But in no time at all, this grass too will grow tall and brown. The cyclicality of these mountains is beautiful and mesmerizing, even on a year-long timescale. I wish I could say that each season has it’s perks. In reality, they do, but I quickly tire of summer, and always eagerly await the season of green.

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