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