Washburn Trail, Joseph D. Grant County Park, Santa Clara County, CA, 5/2/2007
On this stunningly beautiful spring afternoon I learned that spending time out in the country isn't the same as being in nature. I invited a friend to join me on a visit to Joseph Grant County Park in the hills east of San Jose, CA. My friend is a Sierra Club member and a real nature lover, and so I looked forward to introducing him to one of my favorite parks and its gorgeous scenery. When we arrived the weather was perfect, the rolling hills were covered in lush green springtime grass, and the majestic oak trees stood proud beneath a dramatically clouded sky. To the music of songbirds we started our walk along Washburn Trail past an old barn, breathing fresh air, surrounded by striking country vistas. I found myself becoming intoxicated by the splendor of it all when I noticed that my friend looked more troubled than pleased. I was truly astonished as he complained about the same hillsides I admired, saying they were overgrazed and calling this earthly paradise Cow Plop Park! My friend returned to the car and waited for me as I made this photograph of a group of oaks on a hillside with Mt. Hamilton in the distance. The landscape at Grant County Park is characteristic of the east foothills of the Santa Clara Valley with grasslands and stately oak trees. As part of the park’s tradition and history, cattle grazing takes place in some areas including the hills seen here. Although I was surprised and disappointed by my friend's reaction to this splendid place, I now understand that the countryside here is considered pastoral as opposed to natural. This knowledge has not reduced my enjoyment of the park at all!
