Fourteen of us started at the fire access road on Saklan Indian Dr. We all walked up to the Labyrinth, many paced its winding path. Back at Jeanne's we had all sorts of delicious food from "befores" to soup to sweets, and lots of good companionship. The full hike was about 1.5 mile; the short bit .3 mi. Happy New Year to the Wednesday Walkers, even tho this was Thursday!
We started from the Skyline entrance and made the East Ridge/Prince/Stream loop. The moisture had brought out all sorts of mushrooms; the ladybugs were waking up; the mud was of the slick, stick to your boots sort. But it was a good walk of about 3.5 miles.
We walked the Carquinez Scenic Road and George Miller Trail on a chilly, gray day. Hats and gloves and scarves and jackets were the order of the day. The fogmade it seem even colder. But the good news was "no mud". Distances varied but for most was 4.6 miles.
We headed to Mt Diablo, hiking our usual route along Knobcone Pt road as far as the gate just past Balancing Rock. John and Monique went further-to the utility tower; Shirley stopped at the picnic table hidden in the manzanitas and I only went as far as the start of the last uphill before returning to join Shirley. We will need to make another visit as the manzanitas are just beginning to open.Mileage to the gate and return about 4.25 miles.
This was our annual pilgrimage down Strawberry Canyon then back up to the Botanic Garden for the Plants Illustrated exhibit of botanical art in the Garden’s Julia Morgan Hall. This year, the members of the Northern California Society of Botanical Artists presented works on the the theme of rare and endangered plants of the world. Lee, a member of the Society, gave a brief introductory talk. After we enjoyed the art work there was time to wander in the garden. The walk from Grizzly Peak/Centennial Dr to the Bot Garden is 4.1 miles with additional distance in the garden.
We hiked up the Edwards Creek Tr, turned on Wood Rat to enjoy the display of Dirca, wound our way to the tunnel and ventured out onto the grassy east side of the park. Besides the Dirca we saw plenty of Ribes, but the Oso berry was only showing leaf buds, no flowers. Only about 2.5 miles
The majority walked a clockwise route up Chaparral Loop Tr to the Ridge and then down to the bridge and up Manhattan Canyon. The others went counter-clockwise up Chaparral Loop directly to the bridge and up Manhattan Canyon. We met at the rocky knoll just past the gate on Black Diamond Tr for our lunch. Return via Black Diamond and Nortonville Trails.
Our main impression was that the flowers were suffering from lack of moisture. There were few Shooting Stars of any variety blooming and most were very short, the Indian Warriors were stunted and sparse, we saw no Milk Maids. However, the Manzanitas were in full bloom and absolutely lovely.
There was a great deal of damage from the wind storm 2 weeks ago which was very discouraging. But we did see some flowers and it was an altogether lovely day to be out and moving. About 2.6 miles.
We visited Rockville Hills for the first time in three years. The effects of low rainfall were obvious in the short flowers, drying grass and low pond levels. However we timed the trip correctly to see the Scarlet Fritillary in bloom! After the walk (only a bit over 2.5 miles for most of us) we headed to Little Knopp's for ice cream before the drive home.
Starting at the end of Whitecliff Way we made a CCW loop of about 3.7 miles: Twin Ponds Loop Tr to Bull Frog Pond, up the hill to the right to Foothills Tr. Right on Borges Ranch Tr to Stonegate Tr. Left (N) on Briones-Mt Diablo Tr. We took the Coyote Pond trail to Joaquin Ranch Tr which completed to loop back to the cars.
We were treated to a guided tour of Albany Hill Park with Margot Cunningham (a member of the Albany Parks and Recreation staff as well as a lead volunteer in the restoration of the native habitats on Albany Hill). This was a short walk (about 1.25 mi) with lots of stops to look, listen and learn. Thanks to Elaine for arranging this special outing. After the tour, Delia invited us to eat our lunches in her garden.
We started from the Skyline entrance and made the East Ridge/Prince/Stream loop. The moisture had brought out all sorts of mushrooms; the ladybugs were waking up; the mud was of the slick, stick to your boots sort. But it was a good walk of about 3.5 miles.
We walked the Carquinez Scenic Road and George Miller Trail on a chilly, gray day. Hats and gloves and scarves and jackets were the order of the day. The fogmade it seem even colder. But the good news was "no mud". Distances varied but for most was 4.6 miles.
We headed to Mt Diablo, hiking our usual route along Knobcone Pt road as far as the gate just past Balancing Rock. John and Monique went further-to the utility tower; Shirley stopped at the picnic table hidden in the manzanitas and I only went as far as the start of the last uphill before returning to join Shirley. We will need to make another visit as the manzanitas are just beginning to open.Mileage to the gate and return about 4.25 miles.
This was our annual pilgrimage down Strawberry Canyon then back up to the Botanic Garden for the Plants Illustrated exhibit of botanical art in the Garden’s Julia Morgan Hall. This year, the members of the Northern California Society of Botanical Artists presented works on the the theme of rare and endangered plants of the world. Lee, a member of the Society, gave a brief introductory talk. After we enjoyed the art work there was time to wander in the garden. The walk from Grizzly Peak/Centennial Dr to the Bot Garden is 4.1 miles with additional distance in the garden.
We hiked up the Edwards Creek Tr, turned on Wood Rat to enjoy the display of Dirca, wound our way to the tunnel and ventured out onto the grassy east side of the park. Besides the Dirca we saw plenty of Ribes, but the Oso berry was only showing leaf buds, no flowers. Only about 2.5 miles
The majority walked a clockwise route up Chaparral Loop Tr to the Ridge and then down to the bridge and up Manhattan Canyon. The others went counter-clockwise up Chaparral Loop directly to the bridge and up Manhattan Canyon. We met at the rocky knoll just past the gate on Black Diamond Tr for our lunch. Return via Black Diamond and Nortonville Trails.
Our main impression was that the flowers were suffering from lack of moisture. There were few Shooting Stars of any variety blooming and most were very short, the Indian Warriors were stunted and sparse, we saw no Milk Maids. However, the Manzanitas were in full bloom and absolutely lovely.
There was a great deal of damage from the wind storm 2 weeks ago which was very discouraging. But we did see some flowers and it was an altogether lovely day to be out and moving. About 2.6 miles.
We visited Rockville Hills for the first time in three years. The effects of low rainfall were obvious in the short flowers, drying grass and low pond levels. However we timed the trip correctly to see the Scarlet Fritillary in bloom! After the walk (only a bit over 2.5 miles for most of us) we headed to Little Knopp's for ice cream before the drive home.
Starting at the end of Whitecliff Way we made a CCW loop of about 3.7 miles: Twin Ponds Loop Tr to Bull Frog Pond, up the hill to the right to Foothills Tr. Right on Borges Ranch Tr to Stonegate Tr. Left (N) on Briones-Mt Diablo Tr. We took the Coyote Pond trail to Joaquin Ranch Tr which completed to loop back to the cars.
We were treated to a guided tour of Albany Hill Park with Margot Cunningham (a member of the Albany Parks and Recreation staff as well as a lead volunteer in the restoration of the native habitats on Albany Hill). This was a short walk (about 1.25 mi) with lots of stops to look, listen and learn. Thanks to Elaine for arranging this special outing. After the tour, Delia invited us to eat our lunches in her garden.
Beginning the 14th of March those 65 and older were strongly encouraged to shelter in place to minimize the dangers of spread of the COVID-19 virus. Shortly thereafter all 6 Bay Area counties extended that to everyone. Meetings and events were cancelled, social distancing was mandated. By the 23rd parks were closing altho people were still allowed outside for solo or well spaced exercise. Needless to say Wednesday walks were put on hold.
3/18 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/YWQ2v7
3/25 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/3NQ100
4/01 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/X3m0np
4/08 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/v9Gb0x
4/15 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/423J6P
4/22 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/5Jvx54
06/10 - Briones
While we were locked down, I sent weekly links to retrospectives for the week; just to remind everyone of the wonderful places we have been and the variety of things we have seen:
3/18 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/YWQ2v7
3/25 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/3NQ100
4/01 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/X3m0np
4/08 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/v9Gb0x
4/15 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/423J6P
4/22 https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/5Jvx54
06/10 - Briones
We walked out Abrigo Valley and looped CCW up to the ridge and then came down Deer Creek Tr. It was hot, but there were occasional breezes and it was wonderful to be "on the trail again". 3.7 miles
And since I took so few pictures today, here are some bonus retrospective ones from the 2nd week in June:
This was definitely an "amble" not a hike. We wandered about for an bit over an hour. The Alhambra Cemetery was officially opened in 1854 and many of the founders of this part of Contra Costa are buried there.
For more information on the cemetery and some of the decedents see: https://martinezhistory.org/Tours/Cemetery/cemetery.html
I had several requests for additional retrospectives, so here is one for the middle of June:
Very few flowers, but plenty of birds...gulls, of course, but also a great blue heron, egrets, cormorants and even an osprey! We made a CW loop from the Atlas Rd entrance. Those who walked to the end of the pier registered about 3.2 miles; the rest of us less.
We have seen more flowers on other late June hikes!
11 of us started from the main parking area in the valley at Redwood RP. We walked out Stream Trail as far as the picnic area by the junction with Fern Trail. 6 of us retraced our steps while the other 5 went up Fern Trail and, I believe, made the loop back via French. 2.75 miles for the valley out and back; more like 3.5 for the upper loop.
And another retrospective...This one includes the very first hike I made with the group
(Marin Headlands on 6 July 2011)
This was an introduction to an area which adjoins the JMLT/EMRPD/Central San restoration project. It was very warm with no shade, so we were glad to amble a mile and a half and call it a morning.
And a rather scanty retrospective from the first full week of July in
2013-2015, 2017 and 2019
This batch is general scenery from trips to Caples (2012-2019). Lots of water, sky and clouds with just a sprinkling of flowers.
This was an out and back along the Kings Canyon Loop Tr for a total of 3.25 miles (John went further!). There were a surprising number of interesting things to look at.
Only a few pictures in the retrospective.
We started at Inspiration Point, went down Meadow Canyon Tr and returned via Wildcat Gorge and Curran Trails. We started in the fog; the sun came out and we were lucky to have shade coming back up the hill. 3 Miles.
And a few pictures from past years...
This was definitely an "amble" not a hike. We wandered about for an bit over an hour. The Alhambra Cemetery was officially opened in 1854 and many of the founders of this part of Contra Costa are buried there.
For more information on the cemetery and some of the decedents see: https://martinezhistory.org/Tours/Cemetery/cemetery.html
I had several requests for additional retrospectives, so here is one for the middle of June:
Very few flowers, but plenty of birds...gulls, of course, but also a great blue heron, egrets, cormorants and even an osprey! We made a CW loop from the Atlas Rd entrance. Those who walked to the end of the pier registered about 3.2 miles; the rest of us less.
We have seen more flowers on other late June hikes!
11 of us started from the main parking area in the valley at Redwood RP. We walked out Stream Trail as far as the picnic area by the junction with Fern Trail. 6 of us retraced our steps while the other 5 went up Fern Trail and, I believe, made the loop back via French. 2.75 miles for the valley out and back; more like 3.5 for the upper loop.
And another retrospective...This one includes the very first hike I made with the group
(Marin Headlands on 6 July 2011)
This was an introduction to an area which adjoins the JMLT/EMRPD/Central San restoration project. It was very warm with no shade, so we were glad to amble a mile and a half and call it a morning.
And a rather scanty retrospective from the first full week of July in
2013-2015, 2017 and 2019
07/15 - No hike
It was Caples week; I didn't go, but there is a retrospectiveThis batch is general scenery from trips to Caples (2012-2019). Lots of water, sky and clouds with just a sprinkling of flowers.
This was an out and back along the Kings Canyon Loop Tr for a total of 3.25 miles (John went further!). There were a surprising number of interesting things to look at.
Only a few pictures in the retrospective.
We started at Inspiration Point, went down Meadow Canyon Tr and returned via Wildcat Gorge and Curran Trails. We started in the fog; the sun came out and we were lucky to have shade coming back up the hill. 3 Miles.
And a few pictures from past years...
The weather was gray, cool and breezy as we headed out Oursan Trail along the north shore of Briones Reservoir. There were many comments about how it looked and felt like early autumn. 4 miles +/-
Starting from the Tunnel Rd entrance, we went up the open grassy slope, viewed the larger labyrinth, walked down the shaded south side of the Round Top Loop Tr; regathered at the Skyline parking lot &headed down the canyon trail which is our usual ascent. 3 miles (+)
It was wonderful to be back walking after 6 weeks of heat and smoke. We walked an out and back route from the Atlas Rd parking lot to the end of the Cordgrass Jetty Tr. 4 miles.
During the weeks of heat and smoke I kept up the "retrospectives". Here are those links:
There were 10 of us today on a cool, overcast day with moderate air quality. Elaine discovered a section of the SF Bay Trail which is on property managed by the West County Wastewater District and Republic Services (think a garbage facility). The trail makes a circle, but the northern portion is temporarily closed. Even so, we walked just over 3 miles on an out and back. Everyone felt it would be worth a return visit.
And a look back at former last week of Sept and 1st week of October hikes:
After so many days of heat and red flag warnings, a big group walked in Redwood Regional Park. It is very dry and dusty, but it felt good to be out and moving, connecting with our friends. Mileages varied, average about 3 miles.
And a late October retrospective with lots of fall color...
After days of wind, power shut offs, high fire danger, park closures, etc. we opted for the urban rather than the wild. The walk was one we had done in Dec 2015, from Heather Farms to Larkey Park along the Contra Costa Canal Trail. 4+ miles
We walked out the Mitchell Cyn fire road just past the table under the big oaks; about half
went on a bit further. 4+ miles.
It was a very gray morning as a big group made a counterclockwise loop at Shell Ridge, starting from the Sutherland Drive entrance. At Ginder Gap the group split with half making the hike up to the ridge and half completing the loop along the valley on the north side. Distances about equal - 3.1 miles.
And here are some photos from past years. The 2016 pictures show that sometimes, even if rarely, we have early rain.
11/18 - no hike, iffy weather
On the day before Thanksgiving a dozen of us and three dogs enjoyed a glorious autumn day in the foothills of Mt Diablo. For the first time, as far as I know, we started from the Borges Ranch parking area, walking clockwise up to Ginder Gap and then back to the cars. Just under 3 miles,
And a look back at other walks at the end of November.
We spent a pleasant morning exploring new and re-imagined art work at the Albany Bulb. Just two miles.
Not very many pictures from earlier years...sometimes it was a matter of weather (rain!!) and in 2018 it was our luncheon at the McDougalls
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