A 3 mile loop in Redwood
RP: out East Ridge Trail, down Prince Trail, return via
Stream Trail. The wonder of the day was a mass of swarming lady bugs at
the junction of Prince and Stream trails.
We walked from the Curry Pt parking area, along Manzanita Row, and out past Balancing Rock. 4.5 miles. The manzanitas were just beginning their display, but we were not disappointed!
We walked from the parking lot off Grizzly Peak Blvd, down the fire road, then up Strawberry Cyn Rd to the UC Botanic Garden. 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. Then we had 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.
It was a frosty (31 degree) morning on Mullholland Ridge We were rewarded with bright skies and wide views. We also walked out the west side spur to the lower EBMUD tank.. 3.7 mi
We walked from the Valle Vista trailhead on an out and back along Kings Canyon Loop Tr. On the return we added the Riche Loop past the old house sites. About 3.7 miles.
07/14-19 Caples Week
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. Link to miscellaneous pictures from CLR
07/14 - Old Highway 88
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'.
07/15 - Schneider's Camp to Meiss Ridge
01/09 - no hike, rain
01/16 - no hike, rain forecast
We walked from the parking lot off Grizzly Peak Blvd, down the fire road, then up Strawberry Cyn Rd to the UC Botanic Garden. 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. Then we had 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.
It was a frosty (31 degree) morning on Mullholland Ridge We were rewarded with bright skies and wide views. We also walked out the west side spur to the lower EBMUD tank.. 3.7 mi
02/13 - no hike, rain!!!
We walked from the Valle Vista trailhead on an out and back along Kings Canyon Loop Tr. On the return we added the Riche Loop past the old house sites. About 3.7 miles.
02/27 - no hike, rain
Finally! A Wednesday without rain. There were several side excursions. Everyone walked at least 4.5 miles from Inspiration point to the junction with Conlon Tr. Then there was a short detour to the Rotary Peace Grove (.2 mi); and a longer climb to the ridge approximately .7 mile. So it was easily possible to have walked over 5 miles.
We 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.
This was 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). Very green after all the rain. No shade except on the upper ridge. Worth a return visit.
We 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!). Just under 3.5 miles.
Starting from the Mountaire entrance we headed out Donner Cyn and 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.
A short (2 mi) 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.
It was a short but flower filled walk down from Tilden to the the Old Tunnel Rd entrance to Sibley; very foggy at the start, but clearing as we finished. 2.5 miles
Because of her long and dedicated support of Save Mt. Diablo Jeanne was able to arrange to have her party at their Curry Canyon Ranch property. The tasty lunch was preceded by a short (about 2 miles) hike led by Ted Clements, the executive director of Save Mt. Diablo.
After a week of we took advantage of the paved surface and circled Lafayette Reservoir. Most of us started from Pine Lane on the far side of Hwy 24; a bit over 4 miles.
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 for coffee and yummy cupcakes provided by Ulla's friend Diane.
Box lunches from Sunrise Catering in Walnut Creek at the shaded Oak Grove Picnic area in Briones Regional Park. Followed by distribution of THE Surprise.
(Phred's pictures: https://wednesdaywalkers.shutterfly.com/3589)
We headed west of the hills to take advantage of the temperature difference. We found the Calochortus luteus and Brodiaea elegans was a bonus surprise. 3 miles starting from the "new" Atlas Rd entrance.
We 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.
2 1/2 + miles
We revisited 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; some 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.
We walked from the Lone Oak trailhead along the Wildcat Gorge trail; 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. We enjoyed a small corner of the garden before returning down Selby trail and then an unnamed spur which took us down to the Anza trail. Shirley shuttled the drivers back to their cars and we called the 2 1/2 miles a fine walk.
We 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.
This was 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). Very green after all the rain. No shade except on the upper ridge. Worth a return visit.
We 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!). Just under 3.5 miles.
Starting from the Mountaire entrance we headed out Donner Cyn and 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.
A short (2 mi) 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.
It was a short but flower filled walk down from Tilden to the the Old Tunnel Rd entrance to Sibley; very foggy at the start, but clearing as we finished. 2.5 miles
Because of her long and dedicated support of Save Mt. Diablo Jeanne was able to arrange to have her party at their Curry Canyon Ranch property. The tasty lunch was preceded by a short (about 2 miles) hike led by Ted Clements, the executive director of Save Mt. Diablo.
After a week of we took advantage of the paved surface and circled Lafayette Reservoir. Most of us started from Pine Lane on the far side of Hwy 24; a bit over 4 miles.
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 for coffee and yummy cupcakes provided by Ulla's friend Diane.
Box lunches from Sunrise Catering in Walnut Creek at the shaded Oak Grove Picnic area in Briones Regional Park. Followed by distribution of THE Surprise.
(Phred's pictures: https://wednesdaywalkers.shutterfly.com/3589)
We headed west of the hills to take advantage of the temperature difference. We found the Calochortus luteus and Brodiaea elegans was a bonus surprise. 3 miles starting from the "new" Atlas Rd entrance.
We 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.
2 1/2 + miles
We revisited 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; some 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.
We walked from the Lone Oak trailhead along the Wildcat Gorge trail; 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. We enjoyed a small corner of the garden before returning down Selby trail and then an unnamed spur which took us down to the Anza trail. Shirley shuttled the drivers back to their cars and we called the 2 1/2 miles a fine walk.
We opted for a walk on the cooler side of the hills. Parking on Skyline Blvd, we took Sequoia-Bayview Trail 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 walked back across Skyline and down Big Trees trail to the cars. Just over 3 miles
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. Link to miscellaneous pictures from CLR
07/14 - Old Highway 88
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'.
07/15 - Schneider's Camp to Meiss Ridge
Up and back with just a bit of exploring on the ridge
and
hunting for Steers head under the last pines
A duck marked route off the trail to Granite Lake. We didn't get to the formation, but did spot the corner of the postpile. Creek was too high for our group.
We left a car at the pass for a return shuttle. Some large snow patches, especially between Winnemucca and Frog. The trail to Round Top Lake was really covered with snow. Flowers were patchy, with none of the masses we are used to seeing. But some early things we rarely see were right along the trail.
Late in the afternoon we wandered over to the currently closed campground and made a circuit. Plenty of good things to see.
Trip home. Pictures from Mormon Emigrant Trail both directions.
The folks who used to live on the Bulb were evicted in 2013 and the land is now part of the Albany park system along with bits of the Bay Trail and with 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 the Blake Gardens. We had lunch in the cool of the redwood grove and then made a circuit of the garden. Just under 2 miles at the Bulb and about 1/2 mile in the garden.
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.
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.
08/07 - South Shore Briones Reservoir
I didn't hike so no pictures.
08/15 - not hike (too hot)
08/21 - Martinez Regional Shoreline
We 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.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 (see blog entry for route).
We walked the streets and paths above the Claremont Hotel, starting from Vicente Rd. Lunch at the south end of Temescal. About 2.5 miles
After two weeks of pavement, we took advantage of moderate weather to get back on dirt trails. We separated into two groups,The group of 6 (Phred, Elaine, Ed, Martha, Geoff and Karen) 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.
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. 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. The short group came far enough UP Toyon Canyon that they did over 3 miles. The main long group did 4.3
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08/21 - Martinez Regional Shoreline
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. My camera batteries were dead so no pictures. Total distance just about 3 miles.
We 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.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 (see blog entry for route).
We walked the streets and paths above the Claremont Hotel, starting from Vicente Rd. Lunch at the south end of Temescal. About 2.5 miles
After two weeks of pavement, we took advantage of moderate weather to get back on dirt trails. We separated into two groups,The group of 6 (Phred, Elaine, Ed, Martha, Geoff and Karen) 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.
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. 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. The short group came far enough UP Toyon Canyon that they did over 3 miles. The main long group did 4.3
A lovely fall day to wander up Mitchell Canyon; we were 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.
10/9 - No hike
This was the first of PG&E's area wide power shutdowns and we all stayed home.
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.
For most of us it was an out and back from Pt Isabel to the Friendship Park; a flat 4.4 mile amble.
We 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.
Elaine led 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 +/-
Susan and Geoff coordinated this hike on the west ridge of Rossmoor. We went up Golden Tr, north on Clyde Wood Tr, down the fire road (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.
10/30 - No hike; parks closed due to wind and high fire danger
Elaine led 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 +/-
Susan and Geoff coordinated this hike on the west ridge of Rossmoor. We went up Golden Tr, north on Clyde Wood Tr, down the fire road (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.
11/27 - No hike (Thanksgiving)
12/4 - San Francisco
Led by Ulla. Transit Center garden, holiday lights, etc. No pics as I didn't hike.
12/11 - Holday Party at the McDougall's
12/18 - No hike (rain)
12/25 - No hike (Christmas)
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