Wednesday, February 26, 2025

2/26 - Mt Diablo, "Manzanita Row"

 


There were a dozen of us today to celebrate Susan's birthday. It was a perfect day to for our first visit to Mt Diablo in 2025...bright sky, mild temperature, green grass...absolutely wonderful. The only downside was that the manzanitas were through blooming, with only a few flowers remaining here and there. The majority walked to Balancing Rock, a few went on to the gate, some turned around earlier (so 3-4 miles, depending on the individual). We all met at the picnic table hidden under the oak for snacks and celebratory cookies.

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

02/19 - Lafayette Reservoir

 

Pelicans headed to the far end of the reservoir

 Most of us met at Pine Lane and walked along the EBMUD trail, scurried across Mt Diablo Blvd and trudged up the hill to the parking lot. We then walked a counter clockwise loop around the reservoir. Of course the mist wasn't serious until we reached the far end, when it made no difference which way we returned. It was never really rain, but we still got plenty damp. 11 hikers and Sunny. The full route was about 4 miles.

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

02/12 - Alhambra Hills

 


 
This was a mostly grey, calm before the storm, day with occasional burst of sunshine and nippy temperatures. Alhambra Hills only opened to the public on the first of February, so we are among the early visitors.

This is the first open space property purchased by the City of Martinez after the public voted to approve the necessary bonds in 2022. It encompasses much of the ridge between Reliez Valley Rd and Alhambra Ave. Once up on the ridge the views are incredible in all directions!

Mileage is not certain. Using the map posted on the Martinez website we walked about 2.5 miles. Using Google Earth the track is closer to 2.75. Various "devices" claim up to an additional mile. Plenty of up and down gave us a good workout in any case. There were 15 humans plus Murphy, the dog.