Wow, pretty amazing ecosystem out in Mt. Diablo state park.  I started at Mitchell Canyon visitor center.  Launched later than I would have liked.  The sun was bearing down pretty hard and I felt slightly out of it for the first two hours.  The ascent was tough on this day.

This is another hike with quick elevation so great views right off the bat.  Lots of wildlife, played with a hummingbird for a bit, saw a pretty big snake, some sun scorpions, and a bunch of horned lizards.  Bugs!  Lots of Earwigs at the summit especially.

I did a dumb thing, pulled my hiking boots out of my bag from a trip the weekend before and forgot to re-insert the insoles.  Didn't notice until I was well into the hike.  By the end, on the long hike down the fire road, my feet were killing me in areas I didn't know could get blistered.  I used a first aid kit to limit the damage.

The SoCal hiking guide link was particularly helpful for staying on the right trail loop.  Remember to bring $6 for the parking lot, there wasn't anyone there to make change.