14 of us started from the
parking area at the intersection of Grizzly Peak and Centennial Dr
on a very chilly morning (still in the 40s). We walked down the
canyon and then back up to the Botanical Garden for the current
art exhibit in the "Plants Illustrated" series. Three more of our
group joined us for the exhibit. After lunch/snacks on the deck we
squeezed into 3 cars to shuttle back to the top. A lovely day. 4.4
miles.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/01TPuSGHrN
There was a very large group today - 17* plus 2 dogs. It was quite chilly to start, especially in the shade or when a swirl of wind came through. The trail wasn't muddy and the Dirca, Oso Berry and white flowered Ribes were all in bloom. (spoiler...my Dirca photos were too "fuzzy" to post). A wonderful hike. 2.3-2.6 miles depending on return route.
It was special for Ann as her first hike with us was last February at Crockett Hills.
* I originally said 16, but had neglected to count myself.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/246ss4E095
For our first walk of 2025, eight
of us took a route we've not done since 2021, walking from the Skyline
gate to Redwood RP, along the Huckleberry path to Huckleberry Regional
Preserve. We had our snacks at the picnic tables there, then continued a
CW circuit along lower Huckleberry Path, then the Skyline Tr and so
back to the cars. 3.5 miles.
It is a bit tricky to navigate as neither the Huckleberry map nor the
Redwood RP map shows the connection, tho each has an arrow to the
other. However it is very clear on a 1991 map I have (Trails of the East Bay Hills, Central Section,
published by Olmsted Map Co-Berkeley). The connection from the East
Ridge Tr in Redwood has badges for the East Bay Skyline Tr, the Bay Area
Ridge Tr, and the DeAnza Tr, but no mention of Huckleberry Preserve.
This is one you have to know exists!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/3Wgy9Nt7n2
For our final hike of 2024, 9
of us hiked from the end of Coach Dr up and around to the Sobrante
Ridge Preserve manzanita grove and back. We started in dense fog
and the hike ended in sunshine. 2.6 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/0j0ZDrc536
Counting our hosts Ron and Sylvia,
there were 20 Wednesday Walkers today as we celebrated another
year of friendship. Eight of us took a brief 1 mile walk along
Turtle Creek before returning to stuff ourselves with all sorts
of goodies.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/T18922k2Vs
12/04 - Vaca Creek/Almond Ranch
There were a dozen of us today, taking advantage of dry sunny weather as we walked from the EBRPD parking lot on Alhambra Valley Rd up the Vaca Creek Tr to the Ridge Tr and the Almond Ranch property. It was hazy, but green is starting to show and it was a good morning to be out and moving. The highlight was the spotting of what we decided was a golden eagle sitting in the top of a tree. 3.5 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6X55Vga14x
11/27 - Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley
This was the perfect day to walk along the Bay. We went, for the first time, to Cesar Chavez park near the Berkeley Marina at the foot of University Ave. It was clear and bright after our storms, and the main trails are paved or gravel and not muddy. We enjoyed snooping in one of the areas undergoing ecological restoration. Elaine and Delia know people involved with the project. Only a bit over 1.5 miles but just right for the day before Thanksgiving.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/2T416bP0V8
11/13 - UC Botanical Garden
We started with the exhibit of the Florigeum being created for the garden; this is the 3rd exhibit and includes 75 illustrations both new and from the previous exhibits. Lee gave an overview of the project and the displayed art work. Then some of us walked in the garden including the newly reopened Tropical house.
The sky was clear when we arrived, but getting quite gray as we left the Julia Morgan Building and the first spritz of rain hit the windshield as we drove home. Excellent timing!!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/F9s87Kd9Y0
