We changed plans as we walked, so out East Ridge Tr, but down Phillips, not Prince, then a bit of back-track on Stream, then west on Stream to return to the cars. We didn't find the masses of lady bugs we were looking for, but it was a good day for hiking, not really muddy in spite of the overnight showers. 10 of us; under 3 miles.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/g2NZ06v4ys
Fifteen of us walked the Edwards/Wood Rat loop on a drippy, foggy morning. We saw blooming Dirca, Osoberry and Ribes as well as a fair number of fungi. The trail washout from last year was repaired, but there were spots where the trail was slick with mud from all the valley fog; when the wind blew, there was "rain" from the trees. We all enjoyed the hike and the good company. 2.5+ miles.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/17K7395x31
We started the month with Soup Day at Ulla's on the 7th. Today was our first hike of 2026!
In the past we have walked out the fire road and taken the Nature Trail on the way back, but today we turned off at the Nature Trail and came back all the way on the fire road. It was crisp and on the edge of fog, but a good day to be out moving. Very green, no flowers yet, but a fair number of birds. 2.4 miles
Obviously, I'm waaay behind.
Here's a brief re-cap of the month.
There were no hikes on either 12/24 or 12/31; not only were there holidays to consider, it was also very rainy.
12/17 was the holiday party at the McDougall's
So we only had two hikes 12/3 and 12/10.
We started the month with a good walk at Sobrante Preserve. Eleven of us enjoyed a rare sunny day as we walked the usual route out to and around the manzanita knoll and back with a stop at the tables on the ridge for a snack and time to enjoy the view. Even tho we were earlier than when we walked here last year, the Arctostaphylos pallida were nearly through blossoming. Under 2 3/4 miles
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/0FDzg3NEx8
In contrast to the sunny day on the 3rd, the hike on the 10th was wrapped in fog. It was nearly clear but quite chilly at the parking lot, but the further we walked the thicker and lower the fog became. Four hikers turned around at the junction with Santos Tr; the rest of us walked another half mile or so before giving up and heading back as well. Of course it was bright back at the parking area. Even tho it was damp and cold it was still a good 3.5+ mile hike.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/rp31h350Xe
