04/25 - Perkins Canyon

12 seems to be the magic number. A dozen of us started from Morgan Territory Rd and walked out Meadow Tr and then up Perkins Tr (taking an extra up-hill bit on the Utility Rd because we missed the trail cut off), crossing the creek and continuing up to the ridge under the power lines. Then we came down Ray Morgan Rd, took the spur trail in to the 1st dam for lunch, and finally returned to the cars. Only 2 1/4 miles, but it seemed longer with the elevation changes.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/8nwH2G

4/18 Jepson Prairie Preserve

A dozen of us made the long drive to Jepson Prairie Preserve (http://www.solanolandtrust.org/JepsonPrairie.aspx ) to see the flowers associated with the vernal pools. The walk was short on distance and big on ohhs and ahs.

Flower identification is "iffy" beyond the genus. There are 6 species of goldfields on the plant list, 8 of downingia, 3 Psilocarphus, and so on...

We headed over to Pleasant Valley and the Morningsun Herb Farm for lunch and a bit snooping/shopping.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/6iB9N2

4/11 - Lime Ridge (WC Open Space)

There were a dozen of us today. We walked clockwise from the trailhead at Cowell Rd and then split into two groups of 6 at the intersection of Lime Ridge Tr with Manzanita Tr. One group took Manzanita Tr, an unnamed single track trail and Ohlone Tr (about 3.7 miles). The other group continued on Lime Ridge Tr, then Buckeye Tr to Ohlone (3 miles).

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/709Z16

04/04 - Sunol

12 of us hiked at Sunol Regional Wilderness. But we split into two groups with the larger number of hikers going up Indian Joe trail to the pond and then taking Hayfield Tr back. They had lunch at the old barn. 3.46 miles.

The remaining 5 (including the photographer) turned east on Canyon View Tr and took that to Cerro Este Tr, then down to Ohlone Rd and back to the cars. Lunch beside Alameda Creek. 3.54 miles

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/G906HZ

3/28 - Donner and Back Canyons, Mt. Diablo

We started from the end of Mountaire Dr in Clayton (that's across the canyon from Regency Dr.) and split into 3 groups with Susan, Monique and John taking off for a mega-hike up over Meridian Ridge. Shirley led Jeanne, Juanita, Ron and Silvia on the Donner, Tickwood, Back loop; the remaining 7 added the Hetherrington Tr and about a half mile up Back Canyon. So distances were varied from about 3.3 to double that or more.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/2ZY613


With all the water in the creeks, questions arose as to where the water goes. Here is what I found:

Historical creek map
http://explore.museumca.org/creeks/AA-OBEastCoCo.html

http://www.cccleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Mount-Diablo-Creek-Watershed-cropped.jpg

03-07 - Shell Ridge

15 of us enjoyed a warm, sunny day at WCOS Shell Ridge Preserve. We started from the Sutherland Dr trailhead and turned immediately right (east) on the Fossil Hill Tr. We followed the Indian Creek Tr ESE and then walked North to Ginder Gap. There the group split with the larger number walking up to the ridge and the remainder following Corral Springs Tr along the north side of the ridge. We met at the big oak by Indian Valley Elementary School and completed our loop to the cars via Fossil Hill Tr. 3.54 for Ridge top group; 3.25 for the others.

The section of Fossil Hill closest to the entrance is being tended  and the plantings "enhanced" with big swaths of seeded in wildflowers...we saw Poppies, Chinese Houses, Popcorn flower, Phacelia, Yarrow, etc. There are hoses and flags marking plants of interest. Well worth a visit if you have a little bit of time as you don't need to walk very far.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/T0i0oK 

2/28 - Valley Vista

It was a big group on this chilly, gray day before a much anticipated rain storm. 16 of us walked from the Valle Vista Staging area along the Kings Canyon trail until it began ascending. Then we retraced our steps and turned left on the Riche Loop (aka Meadow trail). http://www.ebmud.com/files/6914/3284/4664/south.pdf for a map. Many of the walkers knew nothing of the history of the area and were surprised by the evidence of long ago residences.The hike was about 2 1/2 miles. On our return to Moraga, most adjourned to CiCi Cafe for coffee and more fellowship.

So far (2:30) the rain has not made it to our area.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/803503