Thanks as always to Pirate’s Cove and The Other McCain for the Rule Five links!

California, where I have spent these last few months (in a somewhat restive manner) undoubtedly holds the title of the looniest of the several states.  And the primary stronghold of that lunacy, San Francisco, lies just to the north of here.  But to the south, in Santa Cruz County, there is a lot of pretty country and some great hiking trails.  Yesterday I spent the morning wandering in those hills, mostly for my own amusement but also to share the impressive countryside with all you True Believers.  Photos follow.