Exploring a Small County Road

Miner's Lettuce Growing in Tree Crevice

Today I stopped to explore a place I've always wanted to photograph. I just never knew where to park that was not on private property. On the way from Paso Robles to Templeton today I discovered there was a public road where I could park and walk in. Time was limited, but I still got some photos. What I was delighted to see was an abundance of Miner's Lettuce. It was even more fun seeing it grow in the tree.

In fact, there was Miner's Lettuce everywhere along the road. I took the liberty of picking some of it and taking it home for salad tomorrow, since it didn't look as though anyone would care. I've never tried eating it yet because I've never been able to find it where it was not growing next to poison oak.  As you can see, there is plenty of it here. It is supposed to be very tasty.

As I continued down the road, I found myself with forest on both sides. The road is called Ambush Trail, which I thought was interesting. It's supposed to lead up to a vineyard. I wanted to explore more, but I was pressed for time. I will go back the first chance I get. I want to find out if it connects with Twelve Oaks Drive at some point. I love exploring the roads less traveled.

For more information about Miner's Lettuce and other edible weeds, see

Foraging California: Finding, Identifying, And Preparing Edible Wild Foods In California (Foraging Series) by Christopher Nyerges. It's the best book I've seen on recognizing and preparing California wild foods. It has all my favorites.