6/22 - Joaquin Miller and Roberts

3 miles in the shade of Joaquin Miller Park and Roberts Recreation Area felt about perfect today! However at lunch most of us got chilled and wished for a bit of sun. In fact the warm cars felt really good at the end of the hike.

A dozen of us started from the parking pull out on Skyline Dr. We went up Bayview Tr to the riding ring, crossed the road into Roberts Recreation area, joined the Roberts Ridge Tr by the Rotary cabins, mozied down to the redwood grove, found the navigation tree monument, had lunch and returned to the cars via  Big Trees Tr.

Meadow decided to go for a solo adventure as we neared the equestrian ring and Sylvia and Ron got their exercise in hunting for her. Luckily she was recaptured! They left a note on Shirley's car which we found on our return.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6424Lk

6/15 - Lake Lagunitas

There were 11 of us today; most hiked about 2.6 miles. It seemed longer tho as there was so much to see! We made a counter clockwise loop: through the picnic area and up the steps to the dam, then Lagunitas-Rock Springs Rd, Lake Lagunitas Rd, Lake View Rd and Pilot Knob Tr.

Special flowers included Asyneuma prenanthoides, Piperia transversa, Spiranthes porrifolia, Navarretia viscidula and LOTS of Calochortus luteus! This is just a "teaser" :-)

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/29wch4

06/08 - Mt Diablo

11 Wednesday Walkers explored the south side of Mt Diablo. We started from Blue Oak Picnic Area and took Green Ranch Road to the old Green Ranch home site for lunch then returned to the cars via the Oak Knoll Trail.

After a bit of trauma (Ed had a flat tire and Sylvia missed the turn to the trailhead), we started from the parking area just past Blue Oak picnic area and walked east to the Green Ranch site (lunch stop) then returned via Oak Knoll Tr. Only 2.6 miles, but lots to see and enjoy. Just like May 2015, we saw masses of C. venustus, the white Mariposa, and lots of Brodiaea elegans. We also saw the third bloom of the fire-followers whispering bells and golden ear drops.

For some history of the Green Ranch see: http://www.mdia.org/site/history/green-ranch

For pictures of today's hike: https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/k57q7i

6/1 Annual Spring Luncheon

On a very windy day 18 of the regular walkers headed to Benicia for the annual spring luncheon. Karoline made arrangements at the Union Hotel and that was an excellent choice. Before lunch we wandered about the 1st street area, explored the community garden and helped improve the local economy. Susan invited us to her house after lunch for tea and cookies and more good conversation. It was a lovely way to wrap up another spring!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/9p5b8m