1-28-15 Mt Diablo: Knobcone Pt to Madrone Canyon

From Curry Point out along Manzanita Row, and early lunch at a sheltered picnic table; back to the trail junction and down into the canyon; the Trail Through Time back up Madrone Canyon to the Lower Rock City Picnic Area. Manzanitas in full bloom, lots of Indian Warrior and Milkmaids; green grass, new leaves, ferns: polypody, maidenhair, goldback, sword, wood, coffee and bracken, etc. etc. A little over 4 miles.

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11-26-2014 Springhill

Shirley made a very good choice for our short pre-Thanksgiving walk.Ten of us enjoyed a very pleasant ramble in Lafayette Parks and Recreation District property at the end of Springhill Rd. Distance about 2.25 miles, tho Phred and John went a bit further. We went out the south side of the valley, circled back and climbed a hill for a view, and then retraced part of the way before crossing the creek bed and returning the way we started. 

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11-12-2014 Carquinez

Sorry, no pictures. My batteries chose this morning to register empty.

It was a great hike for 13 of us along the newly re-opened George Miller Regional Trail (Carquinez Scenic Trail), starting at the Port Costa end and walking toward Martinez. Seven of us added a loop up the Franklin Ridge Trail. The others had lunch and then turned around. We all ended up back at the cars about together. Shorter hike was 4 miles; longer one almost 6 1/2.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/4W74Sr/ for a map,

11-5-2014 Tennessee Valley

There were 15 of us today. We split into two groups with nine of us making a loop UP Fox Trail and then down the Coast Trail to meet the trail to the beach. The other six stayed on the relatively flat valley trail. We walked back together after lunch and then celebrated Elaine's birthday with cookies and beverage at the parking lot picnic tables. Distance ranged from 3.66 to 5.3 miles +/-


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10-20 Pt. Pinole

14 of us walked from the parking lot, along the shore of San Pablo Bay and returned across the grassy hill. Most walked about 4.75 miles, but there were various side-explorations so some went further. The best part was along the northeastern shore of the marsh after lunch.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/0guvH4/

10/22 Mitchell Canyon

Grape vines everywhere! A wonderful display of California fall color. This was an absolutely perfect day for this hike: warm in the sun, but not too warm; clear air; beautiful colors; etc. etc. Just over 3.5 miles.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/heFot4/

10/15 Lafayette Reservoir

Brief rain overnight left big clouds and fresh air behind. The four of us who started down on El Nido Ranch Rd walked 4 miles. Just a few pictures.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/e8627J/