11-22 Springhill

A dozen of us took a pleasant pre-Thanksgiving walk from the end of Springhill Rd into Briones. 5 of the group went on up the hill above the oak glade; the rest explored a side spur which dead ends at the park boundary before returning to the junction by the gate and making a loop further up the canyon. Total mileage for the non-adventurous 7 was 3 miles; more for the gang of 5.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6jPo5p

11-8 Mt Diablo

This was a rare fall trip to Mt Diablo; a very good choice on a day when the forecast called for rain by early afternoon and the sky was very gray to start. But 9 of us made the 3+ mile loop out Knobcone Point Rd, down to Sycamore Creek, then up Madrone Canyon on the "Trail Through Time". There were occasional random raindrops and a brief shower as we ate lunch, but no real rain. The real excitement came as we scrambled down and across and back up the washed out creek crossing just at the junction of the Madrone Canyon Tr, the Sycamore Creek Rd and the Trail through Time.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/Y1Bdu2

I just discovered that I never posted last week, so here is the report for 11/1, too:

We began at the Old Briones Road entrance to Briones park and made a clockwise circle past the lagoons and eventually down Toyon trail to the Alhambra Rd entrance where the Jacksons had left their car as a driver shuttle back up the hill. The larger group (6) did some off trail exploration between the fenced pond and Toyon trail; the smaller group returned to the fenced pond and then came down Toyon. Ulla said it reminded her of the "old days" when it was assumed that you would walk cross country and/or get lost. It would be nice if the cows made paths which were easierwalking for humans! Distances 3.5 to 4 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/5wo81t

10-25 Mitchell Canyon

After two missed Wednesdays (smoke from Wine Country fires followed by wind and closed open space) we didn't care if the forecast was for HOT, we needed to get out on the trail. Eleven of us walked from the Mitchell Canyon parking area toward the upper end of the canyon and back. Lunch was at the picnic table under the monster oak 2 miles in. This was a quintessential California fall day! pleasant in the shade, hot in the sun, lots of birds, long shadows and wonderful colors.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/2w67k3
(warning...lots of grape leaf pictures)

10-18 No Hike

Red Fire Warnings. Closed parks and open space. Wind. Heat. No Hike

10-11 No Hike

This has been quite a week in northern CA. The terrible wildfires in the wine country have sent incredible smoke into the entire Bay Area. Warnings are constant to avoid outdoor activity. Public lands have been closed as a response to the high fire danger.

The picture was taken from my yard midday on Wednesday. The hills behind the school are barely visible and they are only a half mile away.

10-4 San Pablo Reservoir

This was a pleasant excursion for 13 Wednesday Walkers. We started at Kennedy Grove and picked up the Bay Area Ridge trail segment at the north end of the parking area. Most of us wandered thru the eucalyptus forest, crossed San Pablo Creek on adequate rocks and finally emerged to cross the entrance road just below the dam. From the crossing to the top of the dam was the only real "up". Once we were at lake level it was easy walking on the old paved road, in and out of the shade. We ate lunch on the deck at the marina and wandered back. It was a beautiful fall day for a 3.4 mile amble.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/77H54H

9/27 - Pine Canyon

Eight of us took a chance and walked on what was forecast to be a very hot day. And it certainly was hot by the time we got back to the cars, but the walk (2.8 miles) was leisurely, there was some shade and an occasional breeze. This turned out to be that dry time between summer and fall with very little "color". We had a nice morning with a snack stop at our turn around point (just before the trail enters MtD St Park) and ate lunch at the picnic area by the sports field before heading the final quarter mile to the cars.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/9CWSq1

You might want to compare the color we here saw last September: https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/7F2697