1/31 - Morgan Territory

On a day which started with a Super (at perigee), Blue (2nd full moon in the month), Blood (total eclipse) moon, 14 of us hiked a long loop in Morgan Territory Preserve. We all started out Condor, Volvon, and Blue Oak trails. Then 4 went further out Volvon toward Bob Walker Ridge while the rest of us turned back on Volvon to Prairie Falcon Trail. The big group had their lunch on the rocks at the edge of the canyon; the smaller group truned back and met us near the south end of Prairie Falcon. It was a glorious day with bright sky, warm sun and swarms of bees humming in the blooming manzanitas! 4 miles for the shorter loop; about 4.75-5 for the longer hike.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/x784J3

1/24 - Canal Trail

This was a short (3.5 mile) walk on the Contra Costa Canal Trail starting from Heather Farms. We all turned around by the Oak Grove crossing, tho several turned back sooner. Rain was forecast by midday and most trails were still muddy from earlier rains. There was an optional stop for coffee at Black Bear Diner on the return leg.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/iEL609

01/10 Moraga

13 of us walked Mullholland Ridge from west to east on a windy and eventually misty Wednesday. Jeanne joined us as we explored the Hacienda grounds and eventually made our way to the Starbucks in Rheem. A pleasant morning with friends; 2.5 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/Xt896S

1/3 - McCosker Loop

Our first hike of 2018 was on the McCosker Loop Trail recently opened as an addition to Sibley RP. 10 of us made the hilly walk and got back to the cars just as the much anticipated rain began. It is a short hike (just over 2 miles) with plenty of altitude change to make it seem longer. It was a good outing for a cool day; there is little shade, so it isn't a good hike for summer. Nice views!

Eastport was the first station on the east side of the hills for the Sacramento-Northern run. The tunnel emerged just under the sharp hairpin turn on Pinehurst Rd (where the trail to Huckleberry starts).
Pictures of the Pinehurst section of the Sacramento Northern route: http://eastbayhillsproject.org/node/26

Shirley sent the entire blog entry on the McCosker Loop, but you might want to keep an eye on this site: https://lamorindahikes.com/ (or even subscribe via their e-mail link)

Todays's pictures: https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/4mtYxo
Pictures from May 2012: http://goo.gl/Nhc82