The most magnificent
oak tree on Mt. Tamalpais is in Upper Potrero Meadow. For years,
I’ve rested under this tree when hiking on a hot day.
Unfortunately, this magnificent tree is showing signs of disease. I
don’t see the usual signs of SOD, but the tree is still in
the early stages of decline; diagnostic symptoms may present
themselves in the future. Look beyond this oak tree to see one that
is in a much later state of decline.
This huge oak tree still produces an abundance of food for local
wildlife, especially squirrels. While resting under this oak tree
last fall, I was attacked by several squirrels protecting their
bounty of acorns that would feed them through the winter. They
would run up to me, chatter away, then beat a hasty retreat to the
tree. A few minutes later they would do it all over again.
I’ve never seen squirrels as aggressive as these. Squirrels
in Boston Common and Central Park will sit next to you waiting for
handouts, but they mind their manners. These squirrels clearly
wanted me out of there. Here’s a picture of one of them
attacking.
When I was gathering material to
hide the cache from muggles, I ran into a Southern Alligator Lizard
(
Elgaria multicarinata webii). This is the one lizard whose
bite can cause pain as they have strong jaws and sharp teeth. They
will also whip you with their tails to defend themselves. Look at
the size of the mouth and the length of the tail. This one is a
juvenile that would, at most, draw a drop of blood if it bit.
The cache is a small lock ‘n lock container with camouflage
paint. It is located 147 ft, from the oak tree to avoid conflict
with another cache. Bring a pen or pencil to sign the log. At the
time of publishing, the cache contains two geocoins ready to move
to other caches. A number of hikers choose to rest in the shade of
this tree. Please hide the cache as well or better than you found
it so it stays hidden from muggles.
Take a look at the gallery to see pictures of Potrero Meadow and
other wildlife I observed while placing this cache.
