Briones

What a lovely day! The hike stretched to 4.25 miles since we went up to see the Alhambra Creek Watershed sign and then on to the Sidicich Lagoons. We had lunch in a marvelous glade of oaks and buckeyes just before Alhambra Creek. The section from the intersection of Alhambra Creek Trail and Spengler Trail was special with green grass under the well spaced oaks which framed the view.

http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/fB5196/

Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve

The Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve is a portion of the old Cutter Ranch. We entered off Morningside Dr. so didn't have that much elevation left to gain as we ascended to the ridge. Great views if it is clear; lovely oaks and a stand of the Alameda manzanita. A special place.

http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/dQK1NX/

Strawberry Canyon

It was nice in the sun, but otherwise chilly as we walked down Strawberry Canyon from Grizzly Peak Rd to the Botanic Garden. Phred was the one who spotted the Dirca.

http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/q4r745/

Black Diamond Regional Preserve

Our first "pre-storm" hike of the year. Windy, with wonderful clouds. Shirley was right about the views.

http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/W26sF4/

Castle Rocks Trail, Mt. Diablo SP

Dry, dry, dry...very little new growth. But a beautiful 3.2 mile walk starting from where Burma Road crosses Northgate Rd and ending at the Park boundary (Falcon Rd), with a detour along Castle Rocks trail.

http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/n9U4GQ/

Big Break Regional Shoreline

The name of the area comes from the "big break" which destroyed a levee protecting agricultural land in a 1928 storm. The walk (1.6 miles to the turn around by the Ironhorse Sanitary District ponds; a total of about 3.8 miles) was not as interesting as it might have been as the trail skirts the marsh and follows the edge of a residential development. However the Delta Discovery area was fascinating as well as informative.

http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/D4H22j/

Walnut Creek Open Space

Not a hike so much as a ramble...

It was chilly in the shade and tho pleasant in the sun not very warm. The WC Open Space trails are a wonderful resource, well marked and easily accessible.

http://flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/aKFF37/