11/20 - West Ridge, Rossmoor

Susan and Geoff coordinated this hike on the west ridge of Rossmoor. We last hiked even part of it on the 30th of Dec. 2014, so it really was time to revisit it. It is a beautiful oak woodland with views to make the climb worth while. We went up Golden Tr, north on Clyde Wood Tr, down the fireroad (Sumner's Tr), took the single track Bypass, and ended up back at the starting point. Only a bit over 2 miles, but lots of up and down and switchbacks.

Jeanne invited us to come eat our lunches at her house; she had coffee and Shirley brought cookies. The other treat was getting to look at the new Stephen Joseph book of Mount Diablo views.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/0V513P

11/13 - Benicia

Elaine led eleven of us on a clockwise loop starting from Turnbull Park at the foot of E 5th Street. After lunch at Arneson Park, we adjourned to the One House Bakery for coffee and treats before wandering back to the cars. About 3.7 miles +/-

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/9107SX

11/6/2019 - Mt Diablo

It was a hazy and much warmer day than we anticipated. Ten of us walked from the parking area by Blue Oak picnic area out the Green Ranch Rd to the old home site. We returned via Oak Knoll Tr. Only 2.7 miles, but it seemed much longer.

We were too early for the grape color in Mitchell Canyon and Pine Canyon and almost too late for it on this hike. Most of the brilliant leaves had already fallen.

For some history of the Green Ranch see: https://patch.com/california/danville/on-mount-diablo-the-green-family-summer-home
The article I linked previously from the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association has disappeared.

For pictures of last year's hike with lots of grape color: https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/62U4s3

For pictures from today's hike: https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/8j4uj0


10-30-2019 - No Hike
The combination of power outages, wind and red-flag fire warnings which closed most parks was enough to keep us home today.

10/23 - Pt Isabel

The flat route, not too long and with the heat tempered by cool Bay breezes brought a big group (18) out for today's walk.For most of us it was an out and back from Pt Isabel to the Friendship Park. Three hardy souls extended the walk by looping out around the end of the short peninsula (a little under another mile). For the rest of us it was a 4.4 mile amble.

We did see a number of birds...Delia id's a Long Bulled Curlew, there was a pair of Avocets, also possible Godwit sightings, several groups of Pelicans, lots of Gulls and Coots and begging Canada geese.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/T9Q0k5

10/16 - Pine Canyon and 10/2 - Mitchell Canyon

There were 11 of us today; we split into two groups with the more adventuresome hikers making the loop which descends the steep Buckeye Ravine trail to rejoin the Stage Rd. Those of us who stayed in the Canyon went thru the gate and about 1/2 mile into Mt Diablo State Park, so distances were nearly equal, about 4.25 miles.

The canyon group saw plenty of color in the grapes, maples and poison oak. You will have to wait for Pfred's pictures to see what the other group experienced. We met for lunch at the tables just before the state park boundary.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/H81WYi


10/2 - Mitchell Canyon

Sorry I missed posting this, but here it is...better late than never I guess.

A lovely fall day saw a dozen of us wandering up Mitchell Canyon hoping the shorter days and brisk nights had colored the masses of wild grape leaves. We were really too early, tho there were patches showing what is to come. BUT, we saw tarantulas...3 of them. When you get to the pictures, the 3rd one is a short video clip; click to play. Two miles each way.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/J5soj1

09/18 - Briones

There was a big group today in spite of a morning which started with showers in Moraga and rain in Berkeley. Shirley left her car at the lot by the Park office on Alhambra Valley Rd and Phred and Elaine shuttled her over to the Alhambra Creek entrance where the rest of us had assembled (13 hikers and Oscar).

There were two groups of hikers. The "Short" group took Orchard Tr to Pine Tr and up Toyon Canyon. The "Long" Group went up the single track trail on the east side of Alhambra Creek to Spengler Tr, up to Old Briones Rd, Crest Tr, Lagoon Tr and finally down Toyon Canyon Tr. We met the other hikers and had lunch before we all headed back down.

Mileage is a bit complicated as there was an additional group formed which hiked back to the cars rather than waiting for the driver shuttle. The short group came far enough UP Toyon Canyon that they did over 3 miles. The main long group did 4.3 and the hardy hikers did 5.2

There was an amazing display of tarweed, fields of yellow. And the clouds were wonderful as the storm front left the area. Another wonderful Wednesday!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/W4v854

9/11 - Springhill

After two weeks of pavement, we took advantage of moderate weather to get back on dirt trails. When we reached the Springhill trailhead we were astonished to find the parking area jammed with cars. It seems there was some sort of Search and Rescue dog training event today. The school at the end of the road was gracious enough to let us park at the far end of their lot.

We separated into two groups, but there are only pictures from the group of 6 (Phred, Elaine, Ed, Martha, Geoff and Karen). We made a clockwise loop up to the ridge and then down the Buckeye Ranch Tr. A little under 2.5 miles, but lots of steep up and down made it feel much longer.

Shirley, Polly, Charlotte, Ron and Sylvia (with Oscar) made a loop of about 1.5 miles up the valley and around to the grassy section before the climb toward Sunrise Tr.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/1858F1

09/04 - Streets of Berkeley & Garber Park

A dozen of us walked the streets and paths above the Claremont Hotel, starting from Vicente Rd.,  on a muggy Wednesday. The plan was to have lunch at the little green space where the lower end of Willow Walk meets Alvarado Rd. But the tree trimmers were working right there and the noise was dreadful. So we went to Plan B, driving to Temescal and having lunch at the south end of the park. Since we missed the entrance, we parked up on Broadway Terrace and walked down (and back up!). That brought our mileage to just over 2.5 miles; but with all the stairs and up and down our legs could have sworn to much longer than that.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/8r77K0

8/28 - Pt. Richmond

It's been hot inland, so Bay breezes beckoned! Ten of us started from the Park across from the Natatorium and made a CCW loop thru the streets of Pt. Richmond. This is the opposite of the way we have gone in the past. Our last visit was August of 2016, so a bit has changed. We had an early lunch at the Wave Garden and made our return through the Tunnel. Only a bit over 2.5 miles, but it really felt like more.

If you care, our route was W. Richmond Ave, L on Tunnel Ave, R on Nicholl Ave, L on Santa Fe and R onto Piedmont Pl then left up a path to Summit Pl, R on Golden Gate Ave, L on Marine St, R on Western Dr.which becomes Ocean Ave. Straight ahead to the dead end steps which go up to the Wave Garden. Leaving the garden follow Grandview then R down the steps to Cliffside Ct and straight ahead on Western Dr. until it dead ends at a dirt path which goes up to another section of Western Dr.; Past Keller Beach to the Pt Richmond tunnel. Thru the tunnel and back by the Natatorium to the cars.
.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/yoa1b8

08/21 Martinez Regional Shoreline

It was a beautiful day to be out along the waterfront...bright, breezy and pleasantly warm. This is just about Phred and Elaine's "backyard" and they served as our leaders today. We made a clockwise loop from the Grangers' Wharf  parking area at the end of Berrellesa St out thru the marsh, then to Ferry Point, back to shaded tables near the bocce courts for lunch and finally thru the edge of town to see the progress of the new County building and several of the mini gardens of CA natives that Elaine works on. Total distance just about 3 miles. Everyone agreed it was a great walk.

Questions answered:
    the old rail station was built in 1876; the new one in 2001.
    Martinez-Benicia ferry service began in 1847 (the first and longest running ferry
       service in the Bay area);
    the last run was in Sept 1962 after the bridge was opened. This was always a Martinez-
       Benicia route, not Martinez to SF.
    Heliotropium curassavicum var. oculatum (Seaside heliotrope) is a native perennial.
    Dodder is in the CONVOLVULACEAE

Now for the bad news. When I pulled out my camera, the batteries were dead and my spare set was in my other pack. It was only after lunch that I realized I could have used my phone camera :-(  Oh well, we will walk there again and Phred will have pictures.

07/31 Carquinez Strait: Bull Valley SA to Port Costa

Fourteen of us started from the Bull Valley Staging area (Carquinez Scenic Drive) and walked a meandering clockwise loop of about 3.25 miles. It was very dry, but not devoid of flowers. Port Costa is full of things that catch the eye, too.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/kJpg1B

7/24 - Albany Bulb and Blake Gardens

It had been almost seven years since we ventured to the Albany Bulb; the last time was Sept of 2012. As the weather was going to be super hot on the east side of the hills, it seemed like a good day for a return visit. Thirteen of us plus Obi and Oscar made a loop of the Bulb and found things we had not seen (or didn't remember) all those years ago as well as some constructions which were familiar. The folks who used to live there were evicted in 2013 and the land is now part of the Albany park system along with bits of the Bay Trail and some EBRPD control as well. None of that has stopped the artistic expression which made the Bulb such an attraction, but there is less concern about the safety of visitors.

For lunch we drove up to Kensington and the Blake Gardens (a UCB property; see and explore https://blakegarden.ced.berkeley.edu/ ). We sat in the cool of the redwood grove for lunch and made a meandering circuit thru parts of the garden before heading back to the "oven" of Contra Costa County. (High of 95 at our house in Orinda).

Just under 2 miles at the Bulb and about 1/2 mile in the garden.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/mfmT79

7/14-19 Caples Week

Only a small group of us made the annual trip to Caples this year. Lee and Chuck went up on Friday. Phred, Elaine, Ulla and Karen arrived mid-day on Sunday and Syliva and Ron cam up on Monday. The McCaffree's stayed in cabin #3; Ulla and Karen were in the lodge; the others stayed at Kirkwood.

We had been warned that trails might be impassable due to the lingering snow, that creeks would be high, flowers late, etc. etc. Some of this was true, but it didn't detract from our experiences.

As usual Ulla and Karen, Phred and Elaine took warm up hikes on the old Hwy 88 route. This always seems like a good way to judge what flowers we are going to see during the week as well as get used to hiking and breathing at 8000'.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/9wNwWz

Over a great supper of plentiful hors d'oeuvres (Elaine), home made gazpacho (Ulla) and fresh cobbler (Lee) all washed down with prosecco and wine (Karen) we discussed options for hiking on Monday. With only 6 of us and two high clearance cars we decided on hiking from Schneider's Camp up to the ridge. The wind was strong and a bit nippy up at 9200', but in sheltered areas it was delightful. There were enough flowers to satisfy us and no one seemed anxious to turn this into a longer hike. Primary flowers were Wyethia mollis and Balsamarhiza sagitata. Phred, Elaine and Karen did make a short 2nd hike, going in from the parking area just below the pass to see if we could find the Steers heads which Lee and Chuck had seen on Saturday (success). By the time we got back to Caples, Ron and Sylvia had arrived, so there were 8 of us around the big table in the resort dining room enjoying Lee's "company casserole".
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/m9R58h
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/47UAuB

Soon after we returned from Caples last year, Shirley gave Karen an article from the Tahoe Weekly paper about the Machado Postpile formation. She suggested we "might" be interested. Karen found an on-line version of the article as well as several other links which she forwarded to others last August. Lee and Chuck remembered, and were ready to give it a try. This hike is "off trail" for most of the way; the route, reasonably well marked by ducks, is not always obvious; it is considered a cross-country hike. Chuck is experienced in this sort of thing and acted as our leader. For the first time ever Karen used a GPS tracking app (Gaia); that was really helpful on the return when the ducks didn't seem to be as obvious. We didn't make it all the way to the Postpile, but we did get a glimpse of a corner of the formation. Chuck, scouting ahead, said he wouldn't recommend the creek crossing and we were happy to have managed as much as we did. Flower of the day was Triteleia ixioides. We treated ourselves to ice cream and soda at the Kit Carson store afterwards. And no one had to cook as it was our planned dinner out at the Kirkwood Inn.

Tahoe Weekly article on the postpile (be sure to watch the video - link right after the intro)

https://thetahoeweekly.com/2018/06/the-hunt-for-machados-postpile/

I went hunting and found other links.

http://tedmuller.us/Outdoor/Hiking/2013/130605-MachadoPostpile.htm

https://www.sierraclub.org/mother-lode/delta-sierra/machado-postpiles-history

http://www.greglamy.net/Hiking/MachadoPostpiles.html

Our hike

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/8YnK2x

From eight back to four on Wednesday as the McDougall's and Jackson's both returned home. We felt that no Caples week is complete with out a visit to Winnemucca, so that was what we did. A car was left at the pass parking area and we rode down to Woods Lake. Since the campground is not open, there was plenty of parking. We walked up from the bridge crossing the outlet creek and met at Winnemucca for water/snacks. As you will see from the pictures there really was snow on the trail and most of our familiar flowers were not yet blooming (many not yet showing leaves!). The main snowy sections lay between Winnemucca and Frog with several longish crossings. Again, not too many flowers, just great views! Word at the Carson Pass Information Station was that iris were blooming at the far side of Frog. After lunch Lee and Karen took off to verify that claim. The iris (flower of the day) were indeed blooming and other flowers, too.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/uv1082

Lee and Chuck headed home Thursday morning. Before they left we made reservations for next July (12-16). Ulla and Karen debated about hiking and instead opted for a quiet day at the lake reading, journaling and relaxing. Late in the afternoon we wandered over to the currently closed campground and made a circuit. Plenty of good things to see.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/011T8b

Friday morning it was time to head back to "civilization".

Pictures from the trip up and back:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6e9t24

Pictures from around Caples Lake Resort:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/19J3u6

One more thing...I made a list of what we did not see that we usually do find (I probably missed some things that really were in bloom and forgot others that weren't)

    Mimulus lewisii (the big, pale pink one)

    Lilium parvum (the orange one)

    Agastache

    Artemisia norvegica (the green one with flowers that never look "open")

    Primula suffrutescens (usual spots still snow covered)

    Epilobium obcordatum (Rock fringe - usual sites also snowy or just clear of snow)

    Mentzelia laevicaulis (Blazing star - no sign even of leaves)

    tall delphiniums (saw some leaves)

    Bistort

    Cassiope mertensiana (White heather - again, snow still in usual spots)

    purple owl's clover

    Shasta clover

    Chaenactis

    Dusky Horkelia

    mallows

   

additionally there were fewer than the usual number of:

    blooming lupines (most were still only in bud)

    paint brush was just starting

    very few Elephant's head

    very few Columbine

    no blooming Fireweed, but plenty of plants

    Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata...most of the Ipomopsis we saw were  I. tenuituba)

 

7/10 - Joaquin Miller and Roberts

8 of us today (plus Oscar). We opted for a walk on the cooler side of the hills. Parking on Skyline Blvd, we took Sequoia-Bayview Trail thru Joaquin Miller Park, up to the crossing by the Horsemen's Association building and  into Roberts Recreation Area. Then  we headed up to the Roberts Ridge Trail and took that to the redwood grove surrounding the Blossom Rock memorial. We  had an early lunch and then walked back across Skyline and down Big Trees trail to the cars. Just over 3 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/q803Y7

Next week a much reduced group is off to Caples. But that group includes your photographers! so don't look for hike pictures right away. There is still lots of snow on trails we usually take, so we are going with open minds and just looking forward to being there whatever flowers we find.

07/03 - Tilden

This was to have been Susan's hike, but dental issues kept her home. Eight of us plus Oscar and Obi walked from the Lone Oak trailhead along the Wildcat Gorge trail. Shirley met us at the Lake Anza dam. Then we scrambled along the rocky east shore of the lake and took the trail further up the canyon along the creek and then up the hill to meet the road between the Botanic Garden and the big lawn below the Brazilian Room. No dogs allowed in the garden, so Ron took Oscar over to run on the grass. Bob had turned around earlier as this was Obi's first trail outing. The rest of us enjoyed a small corner of the garden before we all returned down Selby trail and then an unnamed spur which took us down to lake level and the Anza trail. After lunch we ended up at the snack shop at Lake Anza (treats!). Shirley shuttled the drivers back to their cars and we called the 2 1/2 miles a fine walk.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/37eBi1

06/26 - Dutra Ranch

Eight of us took advantage of a day of cooler weather with clouds and a wonderful breeze to revisit the John Muir Land Trust properties Dutra and Sky Ranch. We had not hiked there for over 4 years. Our main route was up from Franklin Canyon along Feeder Trail #1 which starts by the Franklin Canyon Stables. Then we made a counter clockwise loop along the ridge and had lunch by the dedicatory plaque. Ron and Sylvia took Oscar back after we ate, and the rest of us made an additional loop along part of the Tina Batt Trail. Mileage was 3.8 for the main hike with an additional mile for the added loop.

The quote from John Muir on the plaque commemorating the opening of these wonderful former ranchlands 20 years ago (June 1999) was perfect for today:

The winds will blow their own freshness into you, ... 

while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/17ZbaF

06/19 - Huckleberry

Ten of us started from the Lower Pinehurst entrance and walked up the canyon and then clockwise around the Huckleberry loop with a lunch stop at the Skyline entrance. This is such an interesting walk with so many plants to stop and examine that the distance seems much longer than the 2 1/2 + miles we actually walked.

After the hike we adjourned to SiSi's in Moraga for coffee to celebrate Ron's 80th birthday (tomorrow).

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/016t2N

06/12 - Pt. Pinole

After too many days of heat in the 90's, the SF Bay air conditioning began to re-establish itself and we headed west of the hills to take advantage of that phenomenon. There were interesting clouds and a delightfully refreshing breeze. We found the Calochortus we were looking for and Brodiaea elegans was a bonus surprise. Only 8 of us on this 3 mile hike* starting from the "new" Atlas Rd entrance.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/v3GE13

*Geoff added an extra half mile by walking to the end of the pier and back :-)

6/5 - 40th Anniversary luncheon

Today we celebrated 40 years of walking on Wednesdays. 23 of us -- some original members, some recent recruits -- enjoyed companionship and lunch (box lunches from Sunrise Catering in Walnut Creek) at the shaded Oak Grove Picnic area in Briones Regional Park. Most took a short walk before the program and food, but the day was very hot (90-ish) and there was little temptation to go very far.

And then there was THE SURPRISE...Jeanne was inspired to do something really special.  The luncheon committee would create something permanent to give everyone, something they could hold in their hand and look at when they wanted to – see their favorite hike or their friends hiking now or hiking years ago.  A true testament to the 40 life changing years 1979 – 2019. And so we created a book which was given out before lunch (and mailed to some who have moved out of the area or were unable to attend).

As Phred always says...Happy Trails!!!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/PE1Bt6

05/29 - Redwood RP

There was a BIG crowd today: 18 of us including 2 guests: Ulla's friend Diane and Delia's friend Karol. Most made the loop from the fish ladder to Orchard Tr, up to French, across to Fern, down to the picnic tables and back Stream. A smaller group walked out the Bridle Tr and met the rest at the picnic spot. A bit under 4 miles.

Then the party for Ulla's 80th birthday (today!!!) began as we headed to Si Si Cafe in Moraga. Diane brought cupcakes and there were cards, of course. Along with the Walkers' card, Pfred had printed and framed a wonderful view of Roundtop seen thru lupine. We were joined by Ara and Caroline and Lee who had not been able to join the hike.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/58hd1C

05/22 - Lafayette Reservoir

After a week of rain (over 3" on our gauges) 11 of us took advantage of the paved surface and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine as we circled Lafayette Reservoir. Most of us started from Pine Lane on the far side of Hwy 24 which gave us a distance of a bit over 4 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6u845z

5/15 - Jeanne's Birthday Party at Curry Canyon Ranch

It was a misty day with a few bits of actual rain, but we all had a marvelous time helping Jeanne celebrate her 90th birthday

Because of her long and dedicated support of Save Mt. Diablo she was able to arrange to have her party at their Curry Canyon Ranch property. There was a large contingent of Wednesday Walkers as well as a bus of friends from Rossmoor. Her niece and nephew in law (Debbie and Donnie), her grand niece Lindsey and her great-grands Leo and Vivian were there, too.

The tasty lunch was preceded by a short (about 2 miles) hike led by Ted Clements, the executive director of Save Mt. Diablo.

It was a special celebration which we will all remember!!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/90V96c

05/08 - Skyline Gardens (plus)

There were 15 of us for a short but flower filled walk down from Tilden to the the Old Tunnel Rd entrance to Sibley. It was very foggy at the start, but clearing as we finished. 2.5 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/CXx5s6

https://www.skylinegardens.org/plant-lists for a plant list in Excel format

PS Susan keyed the little unknown from last week's hike on Diablo. It is Moehringia macrophylla, large leaved sandwort.

05/01 - Devil's Elbow

There were 10 of us today on the short but flower filled hike along the North Peak Tr to Devil's Elbow and beyond to our favorite lunch spot just before Prospector's Gap. A very lovely day with a cooling breeze and plenty of sunshine.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/63M5K8


Last Week 4/24

It was an extraordinarily warm day to be out on the trail, but 9 of us headed to Mt Diablo anyway. We stayed together until  the Hetherrington Trail turns uphill to rejoin Donner Cyn Rd. At that point Susan and Ulla took of for a long loop over Meridian Ridge and down Back Cyn while the rest of us explored the slopes on the east side of Donner Cyn via Donner Tr, Wasserman Tr, Bruce Lee Springs Tr and Clayton Oaks Rd. The large group walked about 3.75 miles and the two adventurous ones about 4.4. All agreed it was a marvelous day!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6ys231

04/17 - Almond Ranch

14 Wednesday Walkers and 5 members of the Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club enjoyed a specially guided tour of the Almond Ranch property which the John Muir Land Trust is hoping to acquire. This piece will fill a gap between Mt Wanda (US-NPS) and Dutra/Sky Ranch (JMLT) and join two segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The hike went up the main fire road to the Mt Wanda Park boundary, then thru the locked gate and up to the ridge of the Almond Ranch (fantastic views!). We returned down the nature trail, a single track. Then, after a snack stop, we rejoined the trail we came up; it was just under 3.5 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/Dz9X5A

04/10 - Brushy Peak Regional Preserve

There were a dozen of us for the Wednesday Walkers' first ever trip to Brushy Peak Preserve in Livermore. We all hiked CCW loops, the main group completed the larger loop (about 4.5 miles) and a group of four cut across omitting the climb up to the main ridge (about 3.3 miles for them).

The hills were beautifully green and there were flowers to find as well. There were more birds than we usually see/hear: meadowlarks, red wing blackbirds, gulls (the preserve is next door to a landfill), several varieties of hawk, and lots of small birds in trees and bushes. In spite of the wind it was a wonderful day!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/w62R76

04/03 Lime Ridge

On a very gray day eight of us headed to Lime Ridge to see how the area was recovering from last summer's wildfire. We took the Paradise Valley Tr to the intersection with Manzanita Tr. Then took Lime Ridge Tr down to Buckeye and eventually Ohlone Tr. A bit over 3 miles. Plenty of flowers, lots of green, minimal mud and NO rain at all in spite of the thick clouds.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/P098Qg 

03/13 - San Pablo Ridge

Finally! A Wednesday without rain. The wind had a bite to it, but it was bright, sun filled day for the 15 of us who walked out from Inspiration Point. As often happens with a largish group, there were several side excursions.  Everyone walked at least 4.5 miles. Then there was a short detour to the Rotary Peace Grove (.2 mi); a longer climb  to the ridge added approximately .7 mile. So it was easily possible to have walked over 5 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/56G2K1

2/20 Valle Vista

A nice group of 11 walked from the Valle Vista trailhead on an out and back along Kings Canyon Loop Tr. We walked out until 10:30 and then turned around. On the return we added the Riche Loop past the old house sites. The forecast showers never appeared and it was a lovely day to be out and moving! about 3.7 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/vTi3rV

02/06 - Mullholland Ridge

On a frosty (31 degree) morning just 4 of us adventured along the now closed section of Donald Drive in Moraga. There would have been more of us, but there was a nasty accident on Hwy 24, just before the tunnel, which turned the freeway into a parking lot and sent some of our walkers back home. We were rewarded with bright skies and wide views. Jeanne met us at the Hacienda and we walked around the gardens there. 3.7 mi

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/8J14TY

01/30 - Strawberry Canyon, Art Show and UC Botanic Garden

On a day which started with dense fog and warmed so that we kept removing layers, 14 humans and Oscar the dog walked from the parking lot off Grizzly Peak Blvd, down the fire road, then up Strawberry Cyn Rd to the UC Botanic Garden. There we were joined by Jeanne, Casey and Juanita. Lunch on the deck of the Julia Morgan building was followed by a visit to the exhibit of work by the Northern CA Society of Botanical Artists, with an intro by Lee. Finally we had some time to wander in the garden. Trail mileage was a bit over 4 miles. Garden wandering varied from minimal to a half mile or more.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/uY8iv7

1/23 Mt Diablo

After weeks of rain, a dozen of us made our first 2019 visit to Mt Diablo on a beautiful day. Altho it started out a bit on the nippy side, it soon warmed to a beautiful springlike day. When we started, it was possible to see the line of the Sierra, but it got hazier as the day progressed. We walked from the Curry Pt parking area out past Balancing Rock. 4.5 miles. The manzanitas were just beginning their display, but we were not disappointed!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/r721sk

01/02 - Redwood Regional Park

There were 9 of us on the first hike of 2019 - a 3 mile loop in Redwood Regional Park: out East Ridge Trail, down Prince Trail, return via Stream Trail. It was a brisk (cold) morning and a lovely one to be out and moving. The wonder of the day was a mass of swarming lady bugs at the junction of Prince and Stream trails.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/C38549