The forecast was for rain beginning about noon and the fog was so thick it required windshield wipers until we turned onto Castro Ranch Rd. But by the time we parked we had SUN. There were no sprinkles on the hike, but by the time we were back to Orinda the rain had begun. So the 6 of us had taken advantage of a lucky break in the weather. The big Manzanitas are still alive, but most in sad shape. 2.7 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/LD4avPL34m
After missing last week based on a forecast for heavy rain which never materialized, we enjoyed a short day before Thanksgiving ramble at Albany Bulb. There were just 7 of us and probably as many side routes as walkers. Distance was 2 miles, give or take.
10 of us enjoyed an amazing hike on the lower slopes of Mt Diablo, starting from North Gate Rd near Camel Rock we took Buckeye Trail to Stage Rd, then a short piece of Burma Rd to connect to Little Pine Creek Rd. Just under 3.5 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/1Y5n83HgVK
The group has only hiked this area (in various configurations) three times since I began hiking with the Wednesday Walkers. I promised links to the pictures from those hikes.
11-02-2011: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aww2sKTPuPm75zDL7
01-22-2014: http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/n9U4GQ/
02-18-2015: https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/Z9uWf7/
It is nice that not much has changed since we first walked this
loop in June of 2017, shortly after it opened.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/fRgNKnjab8
This was our traditional out
and back. Altho there was lots of color, the majority of the
grapevines had not turned to fall red. We saw lots of rose hips,
immense quantities of buckeye fruit and even some ripe native
grapes. For fauna there were masses of lady bugs and two
tarantulas. Nine of us enjoyed the four miles in perfect fall
weather.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6cC06EJpD0
Lee McCaffree arranged a special opening of the American Society
of Botanical Artists exhibit at the Marin Art and Garden Center in
Ross. This year she was one of the jurors on the panel to select
which works would be shown from the internationally submitted
entries. There was also a side exhibit of a sketchbook project
from the local (west coast) chapter of the ASBA. Lee did a great
job of explaining the techniques and materials used to create
these amazing images.
We wandered a bit in the gardens and some ate an early lunch at
the picnic tables by the gallery.
On the way home Lee suggested a short detour to see an over the
top Halloween display on the road into Phoenix Lake
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/kAN72F5L34
We last did this hike in November 2020. It is a good one with plenty of up and down and wide views, tho not very long. We started from the parking area at Borges Ranch and made a clockwise loop. 7 of us enjoyed a beautiful fall day after a minor storm front passed the Bay Area last night. Lots of woodpeckers calling, also flickers. And we saw a tarantula! We ended up talking and snacking at the shaded picnic tables by the parking area. 2.7 miles
It was getting hot by the time we finished this walk from the Giant Hwy entrance out along the marsh to the end of the Cordgrass Jetty Tr, There had been a pleasant breeze while we were actually walking so the 6 of us enjoyed the nearly flat walk of just under 3 miles. Only a few pictures.
=Karen
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/yP769tt4kN
This hike turned out to be
longer and more tiring than originally planned, but we did find
the connection between the Dutra trails and the trail up Vaca
Creek which would allow for a variety of hikes with shuttles.
We started on the Feeder Tr from the gate by the stables on Dutra
Rd off Franklin Cyn Rd. It is 3/4 mile up hill to the Sky Ranch
Kiosk. We went directly up the hill to the bench and marker for
the properties. Then we started the adventure part. Easterly from
the viewpoint bench to the locked gate just past the old concrete
pipes and then south on Tina Batt Tr to the intersection with
Almond Tr, a single track thru grasslands with numerous valley
oaks creeping up the canyons. About 1/2 mile from our eventual
destination, the group split. Polly, Ulla and Lee headed back the
way we had come; Geoff and Susan followed a cow path up a north
running draw and met the road which had the locked gate (they went
over it). Phred, Elaine, Ed, Linda and I kept on until we met the
trail we had taken in spring of 2022 up from Alhambra Valley Rd
and then returned the way we had come.
Distances ranged from 4.2 to nearly 5 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/o52wQJV3dS
We started at the sharp U curve on Pinehurst Rd and then walked a CW loop around the Huckleberry Preserve with a stop for snacks at the Skyline entrance picnic tables. There were just 7 of us to enjoy the 2.5 mile hike.
The plan had been to walk from the Bull Valley staging area to Port Costa and back. BUT the Carquinez Overlook trail is closed tho I didn't see that information when I checked the EBRPD website on Monday. So we opted to walk west toward Crockett which none of us had ever done. It was a bright breezy morning, very pleasant walking. The elevation changes made up for the short distance (under 2 miles).
Eleven of us walked the mostly shady loop (Grizzly Peak Tr, Golf Course Tr, Redwood Tr) from Golf Course Drive near Grizzly Peak on a very warm morning. It was HOT by the time we were back to the cars shortly after noon, but we took our time with water breaks in the shade. There was quite a bit to look at. 2.5 miles
Eleven of us made today's CW loop at Sibley. We tackled the uphill first while it was still relatively cool. The shade and downhill were welcome at the end, tho. Coming down the canyon provided plenty to look at and there was even water at one creek crossing. Just under 3 miles.
We seem to do this hike almost every year any time from late spring thru late fall:
10/30/2013 Briones Res. South Shore to dam from Bear Creek staging area (S)There were 10 of us today. About perfect walking weather, and this route has plenty of dappled shade as well. 3.5 miles
08/06/2014 Briones Res. South Shore from Dam TH
09/23/2015 Briones Res. So Shore from Bear Creek to Dam (S)
11/16/2016 Briones Res. South shore Bear Creek to Dam with shuttle
08/15/2018 Briones Res. South shore from Bear Creek to dam; lunch at Briones RP (S)
06/30/2021 Briones Res. So Shore from Bear Creek to Dam w/ shuttle
09/19/2022 Briones Res. South shore from Bear Crk to dam; driver shuttle
10 of us
took advantage of the shade in Redwood Park to enjoy a 2.5
mile ramble out the Bridle Tr (accessed from the fish ladder
bridge) to Chown and then back via Stream Tr.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/n414fLYJ32
There were concerns about lingering
snow and the likelihood of flowers, but the week turned
out to be as wonderful as ever. There was lots of food and
plenty of good conversation in the evenings after hikes
which had plenty to look at.
7/16
Lee and Chuck had arrived early and given clear locations
for blooming Washingtonia lilies on Mormon Emigrant; I
still missed them. Driving that road was so disorienting
with the barren terrain from the Caldor Fire of 2021. It
was a relief to drop into Silver Lake basin and see living
trees. Ulla and I took a short walk down from the overlook
on the old highway before checking in. There was not much
blooming on the upper end and still numerous snow banks.
There were 14 of us for supper which we set up on the
picnic tables between cabins 3 and 4. The Wednesday
Walkers table cloths and dishes came in very handy.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/LHhe84tm9w
7/17
We met at 8:00 and headed for Charity Valley. It seemed
best to start with the lower elevation hikes and work
upward. Unfortunately Monique felt extremely unwell and
Susan drove her back to Caples. It has been a while since
we did this hike and it was far richer, flower-wise, that
I remember. We saw some things none could remember seeing
there and others in far greater profusion. The hikers soon
separated into walkers and botanizers. We met up again at
the big rock above the "falls". Here the group separated
again with some heading further, some going down to the
river for lunch and others heading slowly back to the
cars.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/YkynCfrv8k
7/18
This was the day chosen to climb up to Meiss Col and hunt
for steer's heads, the peony and the Beckwith violets as
well as the calochortus, iris and other favorites. It was
slow going as we kept stopping to look at and id things. We found the steer's heads in
the usual shaded spot, but they were about done. The
number of calochortus in the zigzag section was amazing!
The peony was fading, but Robin and Donita found many more
plants across the trail. There was still snow at the pond
and the iris were really just starting to open. Then we
followed Lee to the area where she has previously found
the violets Yes!! There were still plenty of unfaded ones.
The return was even more spread out than the ascent with
Susan, Delia and John going up the hillside above the
trail for their lunch and exploring their way back. Lee,
Robin, Donita and Karen also paralleled the trail on the
uphill side as far as the pond. Chuck, Lesley and Ulla
went down first. Linda, Jennifer and Carol stuck to the
trail. And we found steer's heads in better condition on
the way back thanks to a hint from Susan.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/t989U5jd76
7/19
The hiking group was divided. Susan left a hiking pole
behind on the Meiss hike and wanted to see if she could
find it. She joined Linda, Jennifer and Carol for a hike
up the old highway from Red Lake. Lesley left for the long
drive back to San Diego. So that left eight of us to hike
up to the ridge from Schneider's camp. Good thing the
Taylors and the McCaffrees vehicles could manage the
rutted road. Lots of flowers and great views as usual!!
Supper at Kirkwood Inn.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/jQ97YspDfN
7/20
The road into
Woods Lake is still closed by a huge snowdrift about
half way in, so the only practical access to
Frog/Winnemucca is from Carson Pass. The
Taylor's friend Karol joined us on our visit to Frog Lake
(and beyond) so there were twelve of us as Carol didn't
hike. Since Karol and her husband have a cabin at Lake
Kirkwood, she has hiked this area frequently. We walked up
in various groups and met investigating the slope above
the west end of the lake: lots to see there!! Karol took a
group of us over and around the rocky end of that rise to
their favorite picnic spot which has a glorious view to
the west. Most of us moved slowly clockwise around the
lake, moving cautiously over the slippery snowbank on the
south shore. Then the group separated with Susan, Delia,
John, Karol and Linda walking cross country in the
direction of Winnemucca (it still has snow and ice in the
lake), while the others, in various groupings, returned to
the cars.
Lee talked to the management and settled on dates for next
year (7/7-7/11) with each of us to confirm accommodation
as we checked out. Our last supper was generous with all
the leftovers making a substantial meal.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/01cZq0uE9u
7/21
So
another Caples week was over and we left as we could get
our belongings packed up. The last group of pictures
includes some from Mormon Emigrant as I was determined to
find the lilies! And this time there were no tailgating
pickups on my tail so I could safely pull over.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/Z2oT4x4i3t
The forecast was for
significant warming but there was fog on the hills until just
before the turn for the steam train parking. 8 of us made the
hike which certainly seemed longer (up, down, down a lot, up a
lot) than the 3 miles calculated by Google Earth! Out Seaview
Tr, down Big Springs, along the road to Arroyo, then Vollmer
Peak Tr back to the start, There were plenty of flowers and the
trail alternated sun and shade. We were glad to get back to the
cars and extra water though.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/e83S5008ai
It was so foggy it was "raining" as 10 of us started the East Ridge, Prince, Stream trails loop at Redwood Regional Park. But it wasn't really cold and it turned into a very nice walk. There is plenty of evidence of the winter storms and still water in Redwood Creek. 3 mi.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/9u2b2y7b0a
There were just 6 of us on this first day of summer. We walked a CCW loop: Bear Creek trail to the meadow opposite the archery range and then Seaborg Tr back to the parking lot. Not quite 2 miles, but lots and lots to look at and enjoy.
The original plan had been to walk CW, but after Lee checked the creek crossing and added her memories of the trail, we decided it would be better to reverse the direction. She was so right!! The creek which looked so easy to cross last week was not as easy in fact. But a few splashes and no slips and we were all scrambling up the bank on the far side. There was lots!! of poison oak and much of it really earned the specific of "diversilobum". Many of the leaves were deceptively huge and very smooth. There were extensive patches of the Rupertia and the Prosartes and pipevine, too, lots of honeysuckle in bloom and more and more and more to look at.
The fog and clouds were lifting as 11 of us started out the Abrigo Valley Trail. Things are drying fast, but there was still moving water in several spots and most vegetation still looks fresh. We went as far as where the trail begins the ascent to the Briones Crest Tr, then most of us turned around and headed back the way we came (just under 3 miles). We met Delia coming to join us and she went on to meet those who had gone further. We were all back to the picnic area shortly after 11 and got most set up by the time the 5 non hikers arrived. This year we brought our own lunches and many brought things to share. A very pleasant time!!
Well, I was not only partially right in assuming that the creek crossings should be easy and that there would be flowers.
There were more Calochortus and Clarkia and Triteleia than we had ever seen there and the Buckeye's were packed with blossoms. We did have wet stream crossings, tho. Everyone got their feet wet and I was glad Phred was busy taking pictures and didn't document me sitting down in the middle of one of the crossings.
All in all a wonderful walk. Just over 3 miles.
There were 8 of us today. The start was messy as the boards which have, in the past, helped with getting over the wet spot at the base of the first slope had disappeared. It was a short walk in terms of ground covered (less than 2 miles), but filled with lots of flowers. The Triteleia laxa, Calochortus pulchellus and Calochortus venustus were especially plentiful and floriferous!!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/21X476N8b4
Eleven of us made the long trek to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve; the first time the Wednesday Walkers have visited since January of 2018. It was a blustery day with a real bite to the wind. Our CCW route took us out Volvon Tr to Blue Oak, across Hummingbird back to Volvon and then out Prairie Falcon looping back to Volvon (with a lunch stop in a grassy nook out of the wind) then down Condor to return to the cars.
This was a "short" 2.8+ miles which only justified the long drive because of the variety and beauty there was to see.
There were 8 of us hiking today. Our route took us up the Rockville Trail to the restrooms near the small pond. We turned east on the Tilly Connection, then followed the Upper Tilly trail as it looped south. We returned via the Manzanita Trail then took Devil's Backbone down to return to the parking area.
Unfortunately, Little Knopp's no longer serves ice cream. She explained that after the pandemic it was just too much work to continue. There are baked goods and lots of candy, but no ice cream.
There were 7 of us brave enough to hike on an extra warm spring day; it was 82 on the car thermometer at then end of the hike. We started from the Sutherland Dr entrance (absolutely hoards of people) and walked north to the Briones - Mt Diablo Rd and then south until the last junction with the Indian Creek Tr which took us back. The restoration garden at the entrance was bright with poppies, tidy tips, Chinese houses, etc. while the remainder of the walk was mostly wonderful green with patches of color here and there. 3 miles
Rather than use a shuttle at the end of the hike as we have done in the past, we turned around when the trail started down toward the Fish Ranch/Grizzley Peak intersection. You would never guess it was barely over two miles from the time it took us. There was so much to see and the day was about perfect. I took over 100 picture, the first time for so many in ages.
The best news today was that Martha joined us for the first time since the initial pandemic lock down (three years)...hugs all around!
The hike didn't turn out the way I had planned, but the Wednesday group is adaptable and it was still a good day. The intent was to hike the River View Loop, clockwise from the first parking area. As you will see in the pictures the trail was a mess from cows walking in muddy soil. We were really tired by the time we had navigated the first mile from the parking lot to just past the old barn you may remember at a curve in the road. Conversations with a PG&E inspector and a park ranger convinced us to turn around and walk back along the road. That still gave us a two mile hike, but we were very lucky that no one fell, or twisted anything on the terribly rough trail. We did see plenty of flowers along the road, so it wasn't a total loss.
Just seven of us today on the first dry Wednesday since 3/15. We made a CCW loop starting from the end of Westward Dr. Most of the trails were in good shape, tho some portions were a muddy mess; the creeks were singing their way down the hills. A wonderful day to be out on the trails. A bit under 2.5 miles.
It was early for lots of the flowers we look for, but just right for the Oakland Star tulip (Calochortus), buttercups and Cream cups. I ran out of battery life and my external charger didn't work as advertised, so I missed pictures of the only Sun cup we spotted as well as of a delightful little bright pink star, single open flower per stem, leaves reedy and under 5" slight oniony odor. It doesn't match any Allium, tho. For these and others you will need to wait for Pfred's pictures.
A bright sunny morning was a real treat after the 11th atmospheric river storm which battered the area yesterday. We weren't sure the way to Inspiration point would even be drive-able after the high winds. The only issue was a slide which ate half of Wildcat Canyon Rd just up from San Pablo Dam Rd.; a flagger was letting traffic thru one way at a time.
Nine of us and 3 happy dogs met at Inspiration Point and walked as far as the Peace Grove and then turned around. There were a few flowers, but the biggest impression was how green and fresh everything looked. A few days of sunshine and warmth and there should be loads of flowers. 3.6mi
It poured last night and into the early hours this morning. But the radar showed the storm moving out and we took the chance on our already planned destination. It was a glorious day, bright, fresh and with magnificent clouds. Most of us met on Pine lane and car pooled up to the dam parking area with hikers who have parking passes. There were 12 of us and 3 dogs for the 2.8 mile walk.
7 of us walked from Heather Farms to Larkey Park and back on the first bright, sunny day in a long time. There was a brisk wind, but it was so good to be out and moving! 3.75 mi
Northern California's wild winter continues.
9 of us braved a chilly spring day with a biting wind to look for our favorite flowers at Black Diamond. Not much luck; things which had been in full bloom a week earlier in Feb 2022 were barely in bud. It took a good deal of mind work to identify some of the leaves and sharp eyes to spot plants we always look for.
Once again we followed Lee's favorite trail, a single track which leaves the Ridge Tr just past the gate indicating the end of equestrian access. It rejoins the Ridge Tr about .1 mile to the east of the intersection with the eastern leg of the Chapparal Loop Tr. We continued to the west and returned to the cars via the western leg of the Chapparal Loop (downhill from the bridge at Manhattan Cyn). About 2.5 miles
There were 7 of us and two dogs for the Edwards Creek/Wood Rat/Crocker Ranch CW loop. It was cold, blustery and beautiful. In places the trail was muddy and slippery, in others perfectly dry.
The Dirca in the usual spot was spectacular with more blooms than any of us remember seeing. Lots of new green growing things. 2.5 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/k1N0808N61
There were 11 of us (plus
Oscar and Sunny) on a bright, beautiful morning. We met at the parking
lot across from St. Mary's and walked an out and back along the recently
reopened section of the Lafayette-Moraga Trail, past the waterfall,
turning at Lucille Ln and retracing out steps. There was lots of
evidence of the results of the torrential storms. 2.7 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/2U69829Q6o
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/Erj9y3rZ13
