tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32854692467239928762024-03-05T06:33:02.702-08:00Hikin' the Bay... but not quite like the Dharma Bums.A blog devoted to SF Bay Area hiking trails: an amalgam of personal experiences, opinions, outside information and insight from voices of long ago.Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-81089527857546920092008-10-04T16:03:00.000-07:002008-10-04T17:08:30.023-07:00Rush Ranch - Marsh & South Pasture Trails<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufNAwxOehwillwzvSBqiE2cKYhv2cKy4fw9LozYnevqw_wYCjs9vr1VpxzTuEBw-1tiB1yu5hC8uxsf6U5w1AXgmpRmXn0wpLTialZtzVc7zFCFr40OB3bFadtuapJAzY6CVaso6oVWE0/s1600-h/100_0744.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufNAwxOehwillwzvSBqiE2cKYhv2cKy4fw9LozYnevqw_wYCjs9vr1VpxzTuEBw-1tiB1yu5hC8uxsf6U5w1AXgmpRmXn0wpLTialZtzVc7zFCFr40OB3bFadtuapJAzY6CVaso6oVWE0/s400/100_0744.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440137324583202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends,<br />have become global garbage cans."<br />-Jacques Cousteau<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Locale: Rush Ranch, Solano Land Trust, Suisun City, Solano County, California<br />Date: Saturday, October 4, 2008<br />Price: Free<br />Duration: 4.6 miles total or 2.2 for Marsh Tr and 2.4 for So. Pasture (2.5 hours for both)<br />Activity Level: Easy<br />All in All: a unique educational hiking experience that incorporates marshlands and ranchland.<br />Rating: ****<br />Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.rushranch.net/">http://www.rushranch.net/</a><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWH6UdHcBY7tmFZElzt5XbXIE2_t7-qJKqzYHoWSqnImkxFY2sDmOJOoqjvW04wm-zuWBL5fJkyLaUJJH9vId2Of-1MT2L92eg40LHcGy7YI1n0WPoaMMT_OoPKYJnlKm05g0PXFbiALX/s1600-h/100_0735.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWH6UdHcBY7tmFZElzt5XbXIE2_t7-qJKqzYHoWSqnImkxFY2sDmOJOoqjvW04wm-zuWBL5fJkyLaUJJH9vId2Of-1MT2L92eg40LHcGy7YI1n0WPoaMMT_OoPKYJnlKm05g0PXFbiALX/s400/100_0735.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253438968965045234" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">In an era that only seems to care about getting our economy back on track and battling countries for oil, our environment tends to take a backseat to other priorities. That's why it can be refreshing to go to Land Trusts where you feel relieved (for the time being anyway) that this area can be preserved. This hike was far more worthy then I had actually expected. We wanted to hike somewhere close by and something not intense. I came across this hike in "101 Great Hikes of the San Francisco Bay Area" by Ann Marie Brown. Take I80E into Fairfield. Take Hwy 12E from there and follow Hwy 12 for about 5 miles. Then turn right on Grizzly Island Rd for about 3 miles until you get to Rush Ranch on the right. As soon as you approach the ranch, you will most likely see a few cars by the various fishing spots. You will also see a sign which announces the Suisun Marsh as the largest contiguous estuary in the country meaning the largest area where fresh water mixes with tidal water.<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18DbVBITdP5NZ0LxwT2-lJYfvSBCA3gp54d2qXRmnUig8KOvhhNy_vB0YOhC_SlM9EQ2UcMP2yT_-QuNLfw2s3J2OYEUBPwVjLcSrjObbb1qeK45-uk_ZvwcWoDmzijBxmoRKF0n_CQml/s1600-h/100_0742.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18DbVBITdP5NZ0LxwT2-lJYfvSBCA3gp54d2qXRmnUig8KOvhhNy_vB0YOhC_SlM9EQ2UcMP2yT_-QuNLfw2s3J2OYEUBPwVjLcSrjObbb1qeK45-uk_ZvwcWoDmzijBxmoRKF0n_CQml/s400/100_0742.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253438987356743666" border="0" /></a>Rush Ranch is no ordinary ranch. It hosts many events including carriage rides, blacksmith demos and nature hikes every month. Many schools come here on field trips. We were pretty surprised by the amount of artists who were enjoying a peaceful spot beneath the trees on the ranch sketching and painting the landscapes. After parking, go to the visitor's center and get two brochures called the Rush Ranch South Pasture Trail Guide and the Rush Rance Marsh Trail Guide. Head out the back door and start on Marsh Trail. What my boyfriend and I really appreciated about this hike were these two guides. On both trails are numbered posts. The numbers are indicated in the brochures and they tell about the wildlife, flora and fauna, the water and even history about the Native Americans who lived here centuries ago. Another thing that struck us about the Land Trust was it's cozy down-home feel. My boyfriend comes from the Iron Ranges of Northern Minnesota near Lake Itasca - the source of the Mississippi River. A river with such importance in our country and sometimes while walking along Marsh Trail we were reminded of the muddy shores of the riverbanks. I came from the farmlands of Wisconsin. My father's side has a long line of dairy farmers who worked the lands 365 days a year through bitter winters that caused chapped hands to bleed. Spending half of my childhood on a farm, I got a bit homesick when looking around the hilly pastures and grazing cattle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrC1Dd9aCk1i2PHzYPh1m5eD_MFnT-iZvhW3jUPnXR4Phic7bCCzckhxOpgJAfzX48kD-8dwPgzQbxhvaGOCUiWVL1bBgyCdencVEMKn6L2aN2TUphPsWrl5JYYyQToTRkA0MBNP1lFYo/s1600-h/100_0737.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrC1Dd9aCk1i2PHzYPh1m5eD_MFnT-iZvhW3jUPnXR4Phic7bCCzckhxOpgJAfzX48kD-8dwPgzQbxhvaGOCUiWVL1bBgyCdencVEMKn6L2aN2TUphPsWrl5JYYyQToTRkA0MBNP1lFYo/s400/100_0737.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253438979509219746" border="0" /></a><br />Marsh Trail has excellent views (on a clear day of course) of the wetlands, boats, flora and fauna and bluffs. You will pass by many blackberry bushes and cattails. Below is a picture of handmade levees that are placed in the marsh to drain the water low enough so cattails do not grow and to provide more open space. Below is a brief video of the panoramic view of the area.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzsRcwWSH-VUAFd01lbFc2Nn1zd4gJEvSoZVHtTVBypi3PGZZi3NKGMztMmP-AWK2y0LUG6VlWNfaV3Ywla-A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> You can faintly see Mt. Vaca, the Potrero hills and Mt. Diablo.<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xnBtwcbv04781kMT46j-mvn1l5j6BACZ6mWTcn34ZcXNxDL-WrLVJAW1-X9zA7szDxJfGSsTps6SyeCsBdByV9SYfRJNljBJqG8Y_KxK0b-z1r9svJZ4bbBaEUtFOW6488RH-ZF4Oqya/s1600-h/100_0740.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xnBtwcbv04781kMT46j-mvn1l5j6BACZ6mWTcn34ZcXNxDL-WrLVJAW1-X9zA7szDxJfGSsTps6SyeCsBdByV9SYfRJNljBJqG8Y_KxK0b-z1r9svJZ4bbBaEUtFOW6488RH-ZF4Oqya/s400/100_0740.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253438988095837666" border="0" /></a>Following Marsh Tr is quite simple as it's the only wide trail at this particular spot and following along with the guide is quite educational. It is a short trail however and before you know it you are through the gate and back where you started - at the ranch. But you are only halfway done.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nBoaojb5u6_cApN4zhSYxdISFYxNZWePyzIuf9D67cSEMx3N1cyy2Rg6uSAM9ZFH_sH78qe4uDPaGCsHFadG4FAFiH5OQ95ZVQlLsFNsZNHjOC-hlUtwCeogsD35MVrQcyCtJGMBCi9x/s1600-h/100_0743.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nBoaojb5u6_cApN4zhSYxdISFYxNZWePyzIuf9D67cSEMx3N1cyy2Rg6uSAM9ZFH_sH78qe4uDPaGCsHFadG4FAFiH5OQ95ZVQlLsFNsZNHjOC-hlUtwCeogsD35MVrQcyCtJGMBCi9x/s400/100_0743.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440128950385794" border="0" /></a>Prior to starting the South Pasture Trail, check out the water tower and windmill. Next to it is a 'boneyard'. When equipment is being saved for later use or is no longer able to be used it's placed here. There's rusty wheels, plows and even an old tractor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIlSLqNYtTUzV2YksKFQ6KsGLiHb7rH0kFdD33_dhFwZtLwxLwu-vxBZ1dZ6XLRTV9zr-vVmNZm6sMaBir-quDOm18kn2brfOpsrC6Moyz8DNnuiLxUD085z1MqBZ_p5A-zXAOmIkdo6c/s1600-h/100_0745.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIlSLqNYtTUzV2YksKFQ6KsGLiHb7rH0kFdD33_dhFwZtLwxLwu-vxBZ1dZ6XLRTV9zr-vVmNZm6sMaBir-quDOm18kn2brfOpsrC6Moyz8DNnuiLxUD085z1MqBZ_p5A-zXAOmIkdo6c/s400/100_0745.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440134940413778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkWQe60gE_BpawWiw4FHLL6pMayLaAGq4dJ3vTfVoZt7zl4TZc1Tt25wBcsr3LI8SDuJLF6vkXANGd2ffO0y4nPADmaF6F9GElvXLo6WOCapLF7tbF2YGYn2mmeEqgGo63dwGNP8LGpAe/s1600-h/100_0746.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkWQe60gE_BpawWiw4FHLL6pMayLaAGq4dJ3vTfVoZt7zl4TZc1Tt25wBcsr3LI8SDuJLF6vkXANGd2ffO0y4nPADmaF6F9GElvXLo6WOCapLF7tbF2YGYn2mmeEqgGo63dwGNP8LGpAe/s400/100_0746.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440139323407186" border="0" /></a><br />The South Pasture trail may seem a bit similar to another hiking spot in the Bay Area - Briones Park near Martinez. Like Briones, S. Pasture Trail is open lands under blue skies and a warm sun. It also has many many cowpies, cattle fences and of course, grazing cattle. After exploring the Indian grinding rock site, continue towards the cattle grazing near the water tank.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZvuA-lvoyvjONyDTVOI-X1Yr0nKCqFfLEGVl2AmTMrD_L26Pq5PJvKIeQWhpocVZvustQaxQujcGNV-1O1gxxa7Yjq35E-T9nymAx7c0exy2187XskuZCCuWPoglfCsNbTpLy7-5Lu9U/s1600-h/100_0751.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZvuA-lvoyvjONyDTVOI-X1Yr0nKCqFfLEGVl2AmTMrD_L26Pq5PJvKIeQWhpocVZvustQaxQujcGNV-1O1gxxa7Yjq35E-T9nymAx7c0exy2187XskuZCCuWPoglfCsNbTpLy7-5Lu9U/s400/100_0751.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440599896677330" border="0" /></a>We have been on many a hike where cattle grazed. I grew up around cows and farm animals. But wait, what if the entire herd is starting to jog towards you? This was the first time in my life where I actually was in fear of cattle. As the picture above illustrates, the entire heard of cattle came towards us fast. They were not charging but damn close. The three horses in the back stood motionless during our presence but their eyes never left our sight. The picture was taken during the second time the herd came towards us. The first time startled us so much we backed off and headed diagonally off the trail getting poked by thorns. This was enough for the herd to retreat towards the water but we wanted to continue our hike. "Should we tempt them when we have such a short hike?" My calm but wary boyfriend asked. We did. After the second time they came towards us, they retreated and broke up into two groups. One went off, the other milled around and stared us down til we left.<br /><br />At this point, we were a bit confused as to where the trail was. We had zigzagged so much and the literally shitty trail was no longer clear. Alas we found the post to set us back on the right track. On South Pasture Trail, all you will hear is the wind rustling and some cattle mooing and occasionally a military plane taking off from nearby Travis Air Force Base.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb42lytNxUiDZJQ1ZOtDcOwtVst0tHf5EqPlDPoepsK2TD5usgh_2sOlgdL2RNjm3nSa9hoIexq9mWWHLM3YS6GmDExGrV1dzvMHYEANuWExQj2ADKS91wKdBZUAzJGbR3X6elStMJog25/s1600-h/100_0750.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb42lytNxUiDZJQ1ZOtDcOwtVst0tHf5EqPlDPoepsK2TD5usgh_2sOlgdL2RNjm3nSa9hoIexq9mWWHLM3YS6GmDExGrV1dzvMHYEANuWExQj2ADKS91wKdBZUAzJGbR3X6elStMJog25/s400/100_0750.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440595594784066" border="0" /></a>It caught me off guard because I had gotten into the country cozy feel of this half of our hike that I nearly forgot how close were to Fairfield and civilization. After post 13, there will be a narrow path to the left of the main path. We found a fallen post on the ground that denotes direction. Take the left narrow path even if it doesn't look right. Follow it to a large fence that may or may not be an electric fence. There will be a tiny gate to go through to continue on the trail. There will be a post and wooded planks. This area is a creekbed which only rises with water in the winters. As the path turns left, you will see a small pond and cow heaven. Cow heaven is a place where ranchers placed dead cattle. Upon exploration, we found a pelvis and other bones.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdlJclnfhRgM9ObUbPgMCy4909Vbr5HqxSgTjIC-Xz6kiFGUZs1UeJeuf-rxZ7Atv2ZfTjxXbKSrpU4SolNLOTaNW8yuQP7SWPeejMTxvs08N8B6PKxkkexi423b2VJEReJv3YEuITmXY/s1600-h/100_0754.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdlJclnfhRgM9ObUbPgMCy4909Vbr5HqxSgTjIC-Xz6kiFGUZs1UeJeuf-rxZ7Atv2ZfTjxXbKSrpU4SolNLOTaNW8yuQP7SWPeejMTxvs08N8B6PKxkkexi423b2VJEReJv3YEuITmXY/s400/100_0754.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440615808352546" border="0" /></a>Another .25 mile or so and the hike is finished, back at the ranch. This hike is by far unique. It does not have the beautiful redwoods of Muir Woods nor the endless Pacific Ocean of many Marin hikes but there is a definite spark igniting the intrigue of this hike. Maybe it's because I was born and raised in the green hilly pastures of western Wisconsin and the heaps of information at every post throughout the hikes that differentiates Rush Ranch from any other hike. All I know is I wouldn't mind coming back to it, after all there must be something about it because with all the beauty that Northern California offers with the Redwoods, the ocean and the mountains, why did we so many artists enjoying the breezy humid air around the ranch and being inspired to draw? As the great landscape and nature painter Claude Monet said, "I only draw what I see."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOYH7fRxxP48VuFltwgul-96X-8BEoiBA6KxuBbzlg0snEQgSbyYoGZ2UzasuWOhqzlLHrtMSGc23i-zvXXksdp-8J6M09mkmqjgfqb970MtCeloxV2sl2q7g6EPnrYdrLT_OlURbG70A/s1600-h/100_0755.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOYH7fRxxP48VuFltwgul-96X-8BEoiBA6KxuBbzlg0snEQgSbyYoGZ2UzasuWOhqzlLHrtMSGc23i-zvXXksdp-8J6M09mkmqjgfqb970MtCeloxV2sl2q7g6EPnrYdrLT_OlURbG70A/s400/100_0755.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253440620154419506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-59614298250661117732008-09-28T09:11:00.000-07:002008-09-28T15:54:19.839-07:00Point Pinole - Bay View Trail Loop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxh2VgB7ATRVTqPGWphu62zioVJ32lE2nlftqiurWdB8P4QWumLgLOiVzzrlgVSsvbYggMc-_ul6Oxx1wcurCRumPxIKaTJ5Vlb9mxPDfuU1LE49QhvMYh7QjcONbLItEmP48kv5vLs5r/s1600-h/100_0721.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxh2VgB7ATRVTqPGWphu62zioVJ32lE2nlftqiurWdB8P4QWumLgLOiVzzrlgVSsvbYggMc-_ul6Oxx1wcurCRumPxIKaTJ5Vlb9mxPDfuU1LE49QhvMYh7QjcONbLItEmP48kv5vLs5r/s320/100_0721.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251200946238426770" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;">"It's two thousand miles I roamed<br />Just to make this dock my home<br />Now, I'm just gonna sit at the dock of the bay..."<br />- Otis Redding (Lyrics to <span style="font-style: italic;">Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay)<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Locale: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond/Pinole, Contra Costa County, CA<br />Date: Sunday, September 28, 2008<br />Price: $3<br />Duration: approx. 5 miles (2.5 hours)<br />Activity Level: Easy<br />All in All: A diverse and easy hike that is available for bicyclists, hikers, strollers, fishermen and picnic-ers.<br />Rating: ***1/2<br />Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/pt_pinole">http://www.ebparks.org/parks/pt_pinole</a><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegrmHyZstColHRkOxob_00NEwVNN1JokqwyErpZz9jXjUY8gllEipLKOBJT7AzLs030J5zjLJwaV7lHttcqmoOX-LDTh3CZN3hj0oGz9obzssklCexytWZ8Een7iTgtrhPhfVl7bg_jtV/s1600-h/100_0715.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegrmHyZstColHRkOxob_00NEwVNN1JokqwyErpZz9jXjUY8gllEipLKOBJT7AzLs030J5zjLJwaV7lHttcqmoOX-LDTh3CZN3hj0oGz9obzssklCexytWZ8Een7iTgtrhPhfVl7bg_jtV/s320/100_0715.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251200955554287410" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hiking trails this close to Chevron oil refineries? Right next to Richmond? And near the interstate? These three facts are a few reasons why the park is mainly utilized by locals to Contra Costa County. And all three facts are no reason to stray from it either. Getting there is quite simple, from I80 (coming from SF) take the Richmond Pkwy exit, turn left at the light and follow about two miles until the Giant Hwy turn. Turn right here and follow the signs to Point Pinole. It'll eventually be on the left with a big sign, kiosk and lot. <br /><br />I actually live on the northern edges of the San Pablo Bay. Our apartment complex had a small picnic area that overlooks the bay in fact. I couldn't think of a better song then Otis Redding's posthumous released "Sittin on the Dock by the Bay" to encapsulate any sizable body of water and its view here. Since this was our first place since moving 2,000 miles away from home, again, the lyrics are symbolic. <br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQNyFaYajV8lx81l5RVpx2E0EeVMIeI75lfOb0BWZpNh454o3WP-Jp0_mvQvUG8s9Lnf8GvloTLWPzpBwMZUzQz8UTDDWLg6QHZVghaItkI5g0E0qfJEvGJZZlst_ds1-eTZwqn18D9Qp/s1600-h/100_0717.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQNyFaYajV8lx81l5RVpx2E0EeVMIeI75lfOb0BWZpNh454o3WP-Jp0_mvQvUG8s9Lnf8GvloTLWPzpBwMZUzQz8UTDDWLg6QHZVghaItkI5g0E0qfJEvGJZZlst_ds1-eTZwqn18D9Qp/s320/100_0717.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251200959569128850" border="0" /></a>Like many of the hikes we've trekked this past year, many are quite historical. This hike was once a dynamite base. In the 60's, it was actually contemplated for NASA's Mission Control center which was eventually based in Houston. This was all interesting to me - and all of it can be found in the brochure. The decision of NASA's to not build Mission Control at the shoreline may have been a relief to natives but perhaps not as well. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgG_K6Btq8ADR2OvWM4QA_a-nJASox29bBm4DGi-7k6sLKroKatVim1xu8CLgER92_ADyvxudzuzrwync1VuVW88qM9-hIOrD2RvXTxXezhAVArM0uV0f_oBgsSUiHBD7XRq4A2vW_K-/s1600-h/100_0718.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgG_K6Btq8ADR2OvWM4QA_a-nJASox29bBm4DGi-7k6sLKroKatVim1xu8CLgER92_ADyvxudzuzrwync1VuVW88qM9-hIOrD2RvXTxXezhAVArM0uV0f_oBgsSUiHBD7XRq4A2vW_K-/s320/100_0718.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251200962700354818" border="0" /></a><br />The hike is fairly easy. There are few if any elevation changes on the trails and poles are quite unnecessary. Start from the lot towards the bridge that goes over the railroad tracks. After the bridge get on Bay View trail on the left. Oil refineries will be on the left, Mt. Tam on the right. As you walk closer to the water you will see many signs warning to keep out of it. It's a resource preserve and dogs and humans are not allowed to go into the water no matter how hot the day may be. After about two miles on Bay View Trail comes my favorite park of this hike. Take the narrow trail on the left down to the fishing pier. The pier is 1/4 mile long and if you love to fish this may or may not be a great place. No license is needed but take note of the signs for which fish you are not allowed to take home with you. Also note that eating only a couple meals of the fish a month is advisable due to mercury and other chemicals the fish may take in.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFNRs_VwLUG6lzI-sTAgqbM6iV5khAvq6EkwZ8C7w-5C5Ev8fc138gYSTaSO44W2mQZ-q1w85DHfWDgISWvAnE4aMgJ3tLSxpHZfUjYt7If5nmvxiUoUU2mSYinD-bqNqL9rDz_Nsr_2x/s1600-h/100_0723.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFNRs_VwLUG6lzI-sTAgqbM6iV5khAvq6EkwZ8C7w-5C5Ev8fc138gYSTaSO44W2mQZ-q1w85DHfWDgISWvAnE4aMgJ3tLSxpHZfUjYt7If5nmvxiUoUU2mSYinD-bqNqL9rDz_Nsr_2x/s320/100_0723.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251201453067944594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYWq-AzYSAdDALliIZH05WHMojMiwjHAk2snx-5NgDis8OBGT0_p85iUv48J-FWtGd1kkl8oE2tr2L8sOjmLuHUjlUoMipsQ8E5ocR_XYp-QAlhYv1Z7UGqTaxSYIx_dp4F1_sj9DwaMC/s1600-h/100_0725.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYWq-AzYSAdDALliIZH05WHMojMiwjHAk2snx-5NgDis8OBGT0_p85iUv48J-FWtGd1kkl8oE2tr2L8sOjmLuHUjlUoMipsQ8E5ocR_XYp-QAlhYv1Z7UGqTaxSYIx_dp4F1_sj9DwaMC/s320/100_0725.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251201462869831410" border="0" /></a><br />As you walk down the pier, you will notice on the right the old fishing pier. There were at least a dozen or more people on the pier fishing as we strolled. My boyfriend asked a man if he caught anything, "Not a thing all day," he replied. As we reached the end of the pier, the contrary seemed the be occurring. Just in time, we saw a man pull out a sting ray - barb and all! This was something I'm not used to seeing everyday. A few minutes later, a man from the same party caught two fish on the same line. Fishing, something I haven't done since moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota over six or seven years ago. It was something I used to enjoy in local lakes and rivers despite my distaste for most fish and seafood. Time to finish the hike, we thought as we stopped briefly for a snack.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm2ARIra3Rny-lAnG7ghjy08WXbg0JBJv47lZVBAEMXN6_1HYZEpNe3_53195FRgTKzqrtvZY7IuceJwCmW0ohqaTzBaLQptBJ875gTaYVoTOGXgxl8dGei1DkFFreYSpCDJODR_ulwqt/s1600-h/100_0719_edited.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm2ARIra3Rny-lAnG7ghjy08WXbg0JBJv47lZVBAEMXN6_1HYZEpNe3_53195FRgTKzqrtvZY7IuceJwCmW0ohqaTzBaLQptBJ875gTaYVoTOGXgxl8dGei1DkFFreYSpCDJODR_ulwqt/s320/100_0719_edited.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251200968477646706" border="0" /></a>Leaving the pier, you'll pass the bus depot. Yes, there's a bus depot in the middle of the park for those who fish and would like a ride to and from the pier. It's a dollar to go the mile or two back. Turn left onto Owl Alley trail. You shouldn't be on the blacktop anymore. The rest of the hike has a more Sunday picnic feel to it. You'll pass many benches and grills and even a pond. After a .25 mile, turn onto Marsh Trail. After another .48 miles, turn right on Cook's Point trail. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsTw5BrzPzRrAKsZLCzn1MWn4Bpmjd4DF9Uu0Do2TYnxDi1r_rGfYUwuNEKSCYSRhrsEH8lG0EBwBc4HVIqnY7JtEPvaTw0a6YAcgy3Uo8wr8nCtnW1Fyl3-bVQPhl6zZFTnsmEHugn4n/s1600-h/100_0727.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsTw5BrzPzRrAKsZLCzn1MWn4Bpmjd4DF9Uu0Do2TYnxDi1r_rGfYUwuNEKSCYSRhrsEH8lG0EBwBc4HVIqnY7JtEPvaTw0a6YAcgy3Uo8wr8nCtnW1Fyl3-bVQPhl6zZFTnsmEHugn4n/s320/100_0727.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251201464659796594" border="0" /></a>Planes, trains and automobiles... and boats - we saw these quite frequently on our pleasant little hike. Not much wildlife seen on this hike but I didn't care. It was enough to suffice my intermittent addiction to the great outdoors. For some, Pt. Pinole may not be isolated enough and may not have the awe that Point Reyes has but whether you are coming or going, it'll always be there for people to enjoy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn6BBm6LUY7SebvW-Z3SXngmN27vei5mfZxaYEBT9-gJKuu2PpNZqfwot7tmGPdfEJhyNJKsyMS85VHORMIxdpFxOgpAvZQB0pUHhz28iHAEskSO8SN6TdibCC42Z9e5SF_bvg8310bE_/s1600-h/100_0729.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn6BBm6LUY7SebvW-Z3SXngmN27vei5mfZxaYEBT9-gJKuu2PpNZqfwot7tmGPdfEJhyNJKsyMS85VHORMIxdpFxOgpAvZQB0pUHhz28iHAEskSO8SN6TdibCC42Z9e5SF_bvg8310bE_/s320/100_0729.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251201477659640658" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-34966039774772937992008-09-21T17:28:00.000-07:002008-09-21T17:50:41.590-07:00Hiddenbrooke - Bay Area Ridge Trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5X6l1yf59Rca6dxLzFvoauAKfGdn33RCADS95DDQYtd-VECyeCiGptn0d-LX9JQrY20vS04cOmy6Ib8KNCVf2WRg9WoPhkTaOK75vbpxzdjA-PbkcseEd8Sk5ngc8Vk6NkenSqetD0dK/s1600-h/100_0663.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5X6l1yf59Rca6dxLzFvoauAKfGdn33RCADS95DDQYtd-VECyeCiGptn0d-LX9JQrY20vS04cOmy6Ib8KNCVf2WRg9WoPhkTaOK75vbpxzdjA-PbkcseEd8Sk5ngc8Vk6NkenSqetD0dK/s320/100_0663.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248637367424326642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Locale: Hiddenbrooke Community, Vallejo, CA<br />Date: Sunday, September 21, 2008<br />Price: Free<br />Duration: approx. 5 miles (2.5 hours)<br />Activity Level: Easy/Moderate<br />All in All: A lesser known trail which is a great way to burn off calories in Solano County.<br />Rating: ***<br />Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.bahiker.com/eastbayhikes/hiddenbrooke.html">http://www.bahiker.com/eastbayhikes/hiddenbrooke.html</a><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbBLxjrWehiOR4bRr3v-V65YjhFz6TCBqNEJmwq3le0Jvt2MUY-yMmEq1ao18jgYrHT5__Mmr5DGVcraXORUPwc8YKJQnRT9E1cmmCAkYVzOK0IsalxNpQgEkysWQO4s_Fzn67c9fqv2Y/s1600-h/100_0664.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbBLxjrWehiOR4bRr3v-V65YjhFz6TCBqNEJmwq3le0Jvt2MUY-yMmEq1ao18jgYrHT5__Mmr5DGVcraXORUPwc8YKJQnRT9E1cmmCAkYVzOK0IsalxNpQgEkysWQO4s_Fzn67c9fqv2Y/s320/100_0664.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248638434898977474" border="0" /></a><br />Living in Solano County for two years now, I figured that hiking would involve a lot of driving. After checking out local hikes, I realized this was only a few miles away from where I lived and didn't know it. Conveniently, it's right off of I-80 E coming from San Fran/Oakland and Vallejo. Just passed Vallejo and shortly before Fairfield, look for HIddenbrooke/American Canyon Rd exit on the right. Take it and take the first right off the exit right before the Hiddenbrooke exit. There's a little parking lot alongside the highway. This will be the nearest parking. <br /><br />Head onto the sidewalk along the road going through the entrance of Hiddenbrooke. Unfortunately, you'll have to walk uphill on blacktop for about .5 miles to get to the trailhead. On the right will be a sign of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Start here just left of the fence. You'll be climbing upwards initially on cracked soil. <br /><br />The trail continues mainly uphill for 2.5 miles or so before reaching a dead end. You can alternately go on some of the trails off of the main trail but these also become dead ends. Not too much wildlife on this hike. Simply come cattle in the distance and feisty meerkats. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCDzWGwmgGc2YL7ihx8OXUFTGT0cO4mkVz_3M2J2cQV3dxszguSwXFl_oqsJz8jx2eFHTwJvJJiEyx8bn7CUy8h2nADL-XzBw_9wjztu_TZ8aD0fzdGZF1GP4XcVpnmDOL8Ribpcv8UEx/s1600-h/100_0665.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCDzWGwmgGc2YL7ihx8OXUFTGT0cO4mkVz_3M2J2cQV3dxszguSwXFl_oqsJz8jx2eFHTwJvJJiEyx8bn7CUy8h2nADL-XzBw_9wjztu_TZ8aD0fzdGZF1GP4XcVpnmDOL8Ribpcv8UEx/s320/100_0665.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248638442670284722" border="0" /></a>But yet the hike like all hikes, is rewarding. Though the sound of the highway traffic may seem inescapable and the affluent neighborhood of Hiddenbrooke is nearby, the hike offers sun, excellent breezes and different terrain for this time of the year. Most of the hike is easy but there are a couple of steep uphill sections which can be taxing. I opted for poles though it was a short hike and I was glad I brought them for the steep sections. For those of you who are lucky enough to live in the heart of the Bay Area and have hiked plenty of the well known park hikes, then this may be a nice change of pace. We only saw one other hiker with his small sons and other then them and some golfers down below, we were completely isolated, well, to some extent - civilization is still within the naked eye. And for those of you, like I, who live on the edges of the Eastern North Bay and dislike commuting, this lesser known hike is simply in your backyard waiting for you to take advantage of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN-PGc23NvB8XEhze8llBYXV85j8Y2ApQoNpwK6EmsWt7Sq15eFni_-LIZvCbY9xP87hQFYE-eLTRf1RukfzC33AXrio4W5dJb0xbVyExq9ANdG5v9i19kGZNFWP4mnU7ls4ix9yuya6M/s1600-h/100_0667.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN-PGc23NvB8XEhze8llBYXV85j8Y2ApQoNpwK6EmsWt7Sq15eFni_-LIZvCbY9xP87hQFYE-eLTRf1RukfzC33AXrio4W5dJb0xbVyExq9ANdG5v9i19kGZNFWP4mnU7ls4ix9yuya6M/s320/100_0667.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248638446752446466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO1kKX3XImHNI_RGsMnPsTfZGIGOfhN1fFh2YbF4ZVxk_EvfK6rQa_DCjL6qDVeXazerqMHXlyjiihWp8QBLbZKQb6IpgWVqf1Wi66Q3dY1k-N8QUvkP-7plLsfCJqmzhXQvBsFKXRGXW/s1600-h/100_0672.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO1kKX3XImHNI_RGsMnPsTfZGIGOfhN1fFh2YbF4ZVxk_EvfK6rQa_DCjL6qDVeXazerqMHXlyjiihWp8QBLbZKQb6IpgWVqf1Wi66Q3dY1k-N8QUvkP-7plLsfCJqmzhXQvBsFKXRGXW/s320/100_0672.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248638453760674370" border="0" /></a>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-20765704110641736482008-07-08T08:27:00.000-07:002008-07-08T18:40:59.856-07:00Marin Municipal Water District - Bon Tempe Trailhead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakawxs0qWvJXY8b2j1aBJsc71r7FVOOQEHHZZMSap5Ypq0ymLtIGbz377RzSI6B-pJdAFpeYZzaHwEJ6LPUITl_msJHC0xfT-O-mMlw51csKKorQ8d5PojXorgbRJNCu42PZxugGSaV8s/s1600-h/100_0592.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakawxs0qWvJXY8b2j1aBJsc71r7FVOOQEHHZZMSap5Ypq0ymLtIGbz377RzSI6B-pJdAFpeYZzaHwEJ6LPUITl_msJHC0xfT-O-mMlw51csKKorQ8d5PojXorgbRJNCu42PZxugGSaV8s/s400/100_0592.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220822696583952738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh6rcxCkIJbGpeN6JJE8jCRDUtc8vvVxz-fuOuQqKvloC5KP01aUBqn-A_QyVSTctIVSedTIbrR3nv3XG9AvPgbdGzx1xsbO3KshWHmsxGyUo-1Nh4OOkC0J4-kgIGbMnKclfKbTSXUPs/s1600-h/100_0594.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh6rcxCkIJbGpeN6JJE8jCRDUtc8vvVxz-fuOuQqKvloC5KP01aUBqn-A_QyVSTctIVSedTIbrR3nv3XG9AvPgbdGzx1xsbO3KshWHmsxGyUo-1Nh4OOkC0J4-kgIGbMnKclfKbTSXUPs/s400/100_0594.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220822701326319090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>The water is your friend. You don’t have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move. ~Aleksandr Popov</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Locale: Marin Municipal Water District, Fairfax, Marin County, CA</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Date: Sunday, July 6, 2008</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Price: $7</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Duration: 5.3 miles (3.5 hrs)</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Activity Level: Moderate</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>All in All: A varied hike that offers a touch of everything.</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Rating: ***1/2</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.marinwater.org/">http://www.marinwater.org/</a></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>I do not live in Marin County but must say that it offers some of the most magnificient hikes in the area. Many of the hikes noted also have educational value as well. Particularly this one which is found just in the wooded area behind downtown Fairfax in Marin. The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) is the source of the water output in Marin County. The lakes here are tapped to serve some 60 million gallons per day! They are filled with different kinds of fish from trout to bass and on a hot summer day, diving into the Bon Tempe Lake feels too tempting to resist. Unfortunately it is not allowed or else it pollutes the water source.</strong></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUNY52rhgDk8AYuw-kc3KAFh3Q3vAsl5NrFUJA1E3mEE0WPGv5N-uO6qugKxidyrJ8yQqxEX4s0ZNnxmkYiuZxtsAQUEZJ99EFWNJDatn2ncX6n10X4vFXUB_tj0AYDbj58naBPkmcNeT/s1600-h/100_0596.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUNY52rhgDk8AYuw-kc3KAFh3Q3vAsl5NrFUJA1E3mEE0WPGv5N-uO6qugKxidyrJ8yQqxEX4s0ZNnxmkYiuZxtsAQUEZJ99EFWNJDatn2ncX6n10X4vFXUB_tj0AYDbj58naBPkmcNeT/s400/100_0596.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220822706584123762" border="0" /></a><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>To get to the Bon Tempe trailhead, get on Sir Frances Drake Blvd from 580 (San Rafael Bridge) or from 101. Drive around 10 miles to Fairfax and turn left on Claus which is a dead end in a parking lot. Turn the next right and follow onto Sky Oaks Road the uphill path to the MMWD, pay at the kiosk and go to the second parking lot found on crushed gravel. To start the hike go up the hill from the lot and right away you will see Bon Tempe Dam and lake. The water is nearly transparent and you can sense right away that there will be plenty of wildlife here as the water source looks so pure. We saw a duck cross in front of us as we drove from the kiosk and birds are plentiful here.</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Note the signs where fishing is allowed (catch and release is encouraged) and also PLEASE note you are not allowed to swim or have animals swim in the lake as well. On our hike, it was hot and dry and the pretty water was beckoning us but we endured. That didn't stop fellow hikers from letting their dogs covort in the water however. Turn right after the path splits and follow Kent Trail. It begins to climb uphill into the woods alongside the water. It is quite interesting how this hike steadily got more difficult as we went along. Jane Huber on bahiker.com also states something similar. Though the elevation change is not too large and it is only 5 miles long, the hike became a bit exhausting at times due to steep climbs, fallen trees, hiking on loose rocky turf and belts of dry heat. We passed an older woman wearing uncomfortable rubber flip flops (I do not know how and why she chose to wear them). Sturdy boots are recommended.</strong></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nMduH1D8ADBzeAC7-MvwPgzsrypEGMeby9L-ClqXBaUFtMLDSIvnTHGjGfoa0PPyskjI0V4Q_JrKdgb8Yxb9mgVDCrAiRf94pEuxApfaojJ418xxwfFsdVXToVeqmqlV4WYrGEHsIf1M/s1600-h/100_0601.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nMduH1D8ADBzeAC7-MvwPgzsrypEGMeby9L-ClqXBaUFtMLDSIvnTHGjGfoa0PPyskjI0V4Q_JrKdgb8Yxb9mgVDCrAiRf94pEuxApfaojJ418xxwfFsdVXToVeqmqlV4WYrGEHsIf1M/s400/100_0601.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220823058833352930" border="0" /></a><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>As you climb up and down watch for birds and sounds of small animals in the brush. There will be a junction with Helen Markt Rd at around 2 miles in but stay on Kent Trail. Here you will be walking away from the water and deeper into the redwoods. Notice how many of the redwoods share a core and branch out. It makes for interesting pictures. Also look for Hidden Lake or "Hidden Swamp" which is what we called it. At about 3 miles or so in and over half done you may feel as if you've been hiking for much longer due to the steep sections and the heat if you go on a hot day. As it is July, we opted to go to this Marin hike rather then go to the desert-like feel of Las Trampas but were we in for a shocker when we got onto Stocking Trail. Stocking Trail will be at about 3.7 miles in and you will take a left onto it. It will lead you the last 1.5 miles to the dam where you started. </strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0rgKxRH_ogq7Zs1vbtvURS6CcPfzn48Ur20pFNr5li9_yIXkF03UDnl3-fsI-MnPPmIEW4CqDQaehDhGvMcps1jYS6QzzryQBtFLzDSi8DRg7TEqi1-mmnB9NF5I259Du525J7XPZ4MK/s1600-h/100_0600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0rgKxRH_ogq7Zs1vbtvURS6CcPfzn48Ur20pFNr5li9_yIXkF03UDnl3-fsI-MnPPmIEW4CqDQaehDhGvMcps1jYS6QzzryQBtFLzDSi8DRg7TEqi1-mmnB9NF5I259Du525J7XPZ4MK/s400/100_0600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220823049935555858" border="0" /></a><div align="left"><strong>It was past high noon on a sunny hot day in July and we realized we were heading uphill on loose rock no longer shaded by tall redwood guards soaking up the UV rays. At this point as well we were about to run out of water (which I recommend bringing a lot of as well as sunscreen) and I had started to stop sweating. A sign of dehydration. At last, the trail at the top gives us vast views of Mt. Tam and Marin. It's literally all downhill for the next mile. At times steeply so. If you are lucky you'll walk through pockets of breeze followed by pockets of dry hot air. </strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rQGsK7neIi4ImllTgz7AgU0Wwlc9laiOMtyL6OBoUzvDDi6CuzVdi-xLNWs6wHY7DdbfI_padeeLzRN94A-961G_D_sVYt68kS6RmI62uibf5vufP1iv8pVKUS-Vzfvjzne65fRkukUf/s1600-h/100_0604.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rQGsK7neIi4ImllTgz7AgU0Wwlc9laiOMtyL6OBoUzvDDi6CuzVdi-xLNWs6wHY7DdbfI_padeeLzRN94A-961G_D_sVYt68kS6RmI62uibf5vufP1iv8pVKUS-Vzfvjzne65fRkukUf/s400/100_0604.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220823068505696546" border="0" /></a><div align="left"><strong>You will come out next to the starting point - right at the edge of the dam. I made a huge mistake before even starting the hike and I later paid for it in the car on the ride home (I'm sure no details are needed). I did not eat nearly enough for breakfast adding to my loss of energy, hunger pangs and dehydration. We also only brought one odwalla bar between us. I didn't feel very well for a few hours following the hike but made sure to still drink enough. For hikes such as this I recommend eating a hearty protein filled breakfast, drinking lots of water, bringing sunscreen and watching for signs of dehydration. Never the less, I enjoyed this hike quite rightly. It gave us a bit of redwoods, beautiful lakeshore views, desert-like air, ridge top views and wildlife scenery. I highly recommend this brief but thigh-workout.<br /></strong><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqpKdpWZnDgZuJ1KTLM4feTq3gkgKuOtGhGiOZrGjRN8aqtUv_iiGi0xtGKsrQpzkEbkvOejK5dIpOjAFNoqIO9OvJqG2jDfCeBNkY1Epm9RJvWygeEfi-thpNO0gW0_L4EQ_PNRj8NLj/s1600-h/100_0605.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqpKdpWZnDgZuJ1KTLM4feTq3gkgKuOtGhGiOZrGjRN8aqtUv_iiGi0xtGKsrQpzkEbkvOejK5dIpOjAFNoqIO9OvJqG2jDfCeBNkY1Epm9RJvWygeEfi-thpNO0gW0_L4EQ_PNRj8NLj/s400/100_0605.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220823083527038434" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-70968300948002132782008-06-30T16:57:00.000-07:002008-07-02T16:53:56.620-07:00Pt Reyes - Bear Valley to Arch Rock<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFzhxAtkapDxcstpfmD-v1uLP2J6PCQQwQGxoNAtZzXmtuh7chfIitlhKqfdOkpeAIZAYtaFWx5JdnuogY8WDHVS9OlcA36cTZxKyT2HgynskMWiA-UNqRBbMRiWRo9Ae4nDXkRCm2Nth/s1600-h/100_0496.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFzhxAtkapDxcstpfmD-v1uLP2J6PCQQwQGxoNAtZzXmtuh7chfIitlhKqfdOkpeAIZAYtaFWx5JdnuogY8WDHVS9OlcA36cTZxKyT2HgynskMWiA-UNqRBbMRiWRo9Ae4nDXkRCm2Nth/s400/100_0496.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218568372603223186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiwGbVxPCHtIK8ntZ0iCeDEsW76Z8XYs5zyr0-Z4Q0kD2M3Ah3mgrQXPD7tvCm2TcVqtvB6h50amQZ5E0_W4q76ebp_6WzyB4kvSrBQHWi0VdirduKnrnxKR8hArYdAlp5Sbof8EcOvbJ/s1600-h/100_0498.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiwGbVxPCHtIK8ntZ0iCeDEsW76Z8XYs5zyr0-Z4Q0kD2M3Ah3mgrQXPD7tvCm2TcVqtvB6h50amQZ5E0_W4q76ebp_6WzyB4kvSrBQHWi0VdirduKnrnxKR8hArYdAlp5Sbof8EcOvbJ/s400/100_0498.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218568387104328098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"To cross this valley to the peninsula (Point Reyes) is to leave modern California and enter an island of wilderness, forgotten by progress, a quiet land misplaced in a noisy world."</span> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Stephen Trimble<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Locale: Point Reyes National Seashore, Olema, Marin County, CA<br />Date: Saturday, June 27, 2008<br />Duration: 8.8 miles (4.5 hours)<br />Price: Free<br />Activity Level: Easy<br />All in All: A great way to spend a morning or afternoon stroll to the ocean.<br />Rating: ****<br />Maps and More Info: </span><strong><a href="http://www.nps.gov/pore">http://www.nps.gov/pore</a><br /><br />I love Point Reyes. I don't think I can emphasize this notion any other way then to simply express it. It's not very far away from the Bay Area and offers people such an array of things to do. Whether it's hiking, camping, kayaking or just eating oysters. In fact I get so upset when I find Bay Area natives who have never been here. I have only lived here for 2 years and could not imagine living here my whole life without escaping to this national seashore. This particular hike is easy to get to, far easier than the Palomarin hike. Simply from 101N or S from either San Fran or the north, take the Sir Francis Drake exit near San Quentin. Follow this through the cities of Fairfax and San Anselmo through Samuel P Taylor Park into the small town of Olema. Once at the stop sign in front of numerous Olema lodges, turn right, followed by a quick left on Bear Valley rd. Take this left past the red barn to the end of the lot by the visitor's center. Though we didn't spend much time perusing the center, it offers books, maps, a donation box and a few exhibits.<br /></strong><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1oLAjgUGGiwDcXxz73dRBYEHuuZSzxYJTvUcj2SxzBGYCDkF6dyLwEaooTiFf_ZuRM6roRIhsjSQPBKMtISo4f2yhONIzvdDno2n1CcO6qGV7jhMghJ_3iuYKOesNZlQqgz-Zdy9OsKv/s1600-h/100_0499.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1oLAjgUGGiwDcXxz73dRBYEHuuZSzxYJTvUcj2SxzBGYCDkF6dyLwEaooTiFf_ZuRM6roRIhsjSQPBKMtISo4f2yhONIzvdDno2n1CcO6qGV7jhMghJ_3iuYKOesNZlQqgz-Zdy9OsKv/s400/100_0499.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218568761185693890" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>There are many trailheads here but take the Bear Valley trailhead at the end of the horse trailer parking lot to begin. You'll stay on Bear Valley Trail all the way except for a small bit approaching Arch Rock - just follow the signs. This trail is so simple that you do not need a map or compass, all you need to do is stay on the trail and take in the fresh air. In our case, it was a bit of smoky air coming from the numerous wildfires. But this and the cool weather didn't stop us or dozens of other hikers we saw on the trail. As I hear, the Bear Valley hike is one of the most popular Point Reyes hikes. I could tell just by parking in the lot. There were scores of cars and we passed many families and campers on the trail as well.</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>The beginning of the hike leads you into woodsy area with Bear Valley Creek to the left side. At around 1.6 miles in, you will see a bathroom and carved out trees made into benches. This is a good spot to have a quick break if you need, though you have about 7 more miles to travel.</strong></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s5GwNnz2bP29hZqZctH-RilH_g6cTLG7L46fjlv9IstwUV8K4wFqIVPQy3t6DdZ319bNNewoqCNbJx5fPWlN4T2CpgREW5btl0pULlf7Q4BXvFNSsNbOOc-bKs5DouBY0It9ZqUWPok2/s1600-h/100_0507.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s5GwNnz2bP29hZqZctH-RilH_g6cTLG7L46fjlv9IstwUV8K4wFqIVPQy3t6DdZ319bNNewoqCNbJx5fPWlN4T2CpgREW5btl0pULlf7Q4BXvFNSsNbOOc-bKs5DouBY0It9ZqUWPok2/s400/100_0507.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218568823901507522" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>About a mile before Arch Rock, there's a bike rack. Weird, huh? Not really. Bicyclists are allowed on the trails to this point and are expected to park here for the remainder of their hike or stay. If you do not sharing trails with equestrians then I suggest taking the hike on the weekends even if it's a bit more crowded. Equestrians aren't allowed here on the weekends but you will definitely be stepping in and around horse droppings.</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQA3VrrP08wWR4rcrRWI2ZzLxjao49mWpuV2oPfFaSG1GrfNUxVxiJ9DRPRduVavUZy4Z22YyxuUc7-PoMTtV8t_4hnqQQ94VM6lE0ycdXfZWpZ10BsbB5rQk0wLvMiRqhiBpSsEAPm7jV/s1600-h/100_0504.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQA3VrrP08wWR4rcrRWI2ZzLxjao49mWpuV2oPfFaSG1GrfNUxVxiJ9DRPRduVavUZy4Z22YyxuUc7-PoMTtV8t_4hnqQQ94VM6lE0ycdXfZWpZ10BsbB5rQk0wLvMiRqhiBpSsEAPm7jV/s400/100_0504.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218568774946845522" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>The hike to Arch Rock is around 4.4 miles after which, you turn back and go the way you came. Approaching Arch Rock is exciting because if you've been driving on Sir Francis Drake, you have yet to see the beautiful Pacific. When the trail splits into two, take the left descending trail. At this point you will not be able to see the ocean quite yet but you can hear it. Soon enough though you see Arch Rock with people around sitting enjoying a brief lunch. This is what I like about Pt Reyes, it's ability to completely astound you. Atop Arch Rock you will see the beach below and many cliffs to either side of you and below. The trail continues down to the beach as well if you like to get closer to the water. We chose to simply sit and have a snack and watch seagulls.</strong></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWh7KG_Rd-S5J42oU_B2tvATYLAoVI-Otzz1IFIUMGJ7VjPZNEytBlGn3D-OarTPFVB53ONtRIPP4gtQH8g8l6J0VmdBkdka-MmlXq2e_F_lWwbBbtfd5ghHhq3hIfUBDcJ13Zd1nGIEi/s1600-h/100_0511.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWh7KG_Rd-S5J42oU_B2tvATYLAoVI-Otzz1IFIUMGJ7VjPZNEytBlGn3D-OarTPFVB53ONtRIPP4gtQH8g8l6J0VmdBkdka-MmlXq2e_F_lWwbBbtfd5ghHhq3hIfUBDcJ13Zd1nGIEi/s400/100_0511.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218569010135290786" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Before we headed back, we saw a group of kayakers go by and waved at them. It was still a bit smoky and cloudy but it was still a wonderful view to take in. I can never deny a day at Point Reyes. When ready, turn back and follow Bear Valley Trail the way you came in. Hopefully you'll enjoy this featured hike as much as I did. Though I did enjoy the Palomarin hike to Alamere Falls a bit better, Bear Valley still has me wanting to come back for more.</strong></div><strong></strong></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Xcs5CDFO-oDfDsvYEOySn5d7K_jWof4IX_aNpxsD4pwXUticS6i5qM-qFZpO07YKWxWLD1wtEq7gNtVXr9X3cJTeh7jV4C3LydCHJFGQyXEiPd-VlO-EjYsFCEkmvssW3MQrjLnUijR7/s1600-h/100_0506.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Xcs5CDFO-oDfDsvYEOySn5d7K_jWof4IX_aNpxsD4pwXUticS6i5qM-qFZpO07YKWxWLD1wtEq7gNtVXr9X3cJTeh7jV4C3LydCHJFGQyXEiPd-VlO-EjYsFCEkmvssW3MQrjLnUijR7/s400/100_0506.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218568792449059042" border="0" /></a><p><strong> </strong></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj9gF-ECF2WVzGgCDu9NemAdky8gKCJ1088F3hFHgM9iOioM1KXm9YiZVLEzoxpukvpO066FbCG6KmDrLGCNa46XDEYQgcPsmB1RObUPiA6FHt1jh57jewKc-KI9lVm_Rbsy6rVJvUDgO/s1600-h/100_0508.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj9gF-ECF2WVzGgCDu9NemAdky8gKCJ1088F3hFHgM9iOioM1KXm9YiZVLEzoxpukvpO066FbCG6KmDrLGCNa46XDEYQgcPsmB1RObUPiA6FHt1jh57jewKc-KI9lVm_Rbsy6rVJvUDgO/s400/100_0508.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218568878042556066" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /></strong></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-14432974462971961032008-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:002008-06-11T09:39:06.349-07:00Land's End - Coastal Trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bw7UmQJriTjWM5GVwTAF1F1VJuEUp9oVIY0wudnkfo1MQ3_FP2RukV7agJnLbU7mlnzuKSewMTu6TJn4NANcIttEKcNU8DZ5athsfl2bUcRZzsl9tPKusI7ZkI_yaut6l7wGw_dRucsN/s1600-h/100_0422.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bw7UmQJriTjWM5GVwTAF1F1VJuEUp9oVIY0wudnkfo1MQ3_FP2RukV7agJnLbU7mlnzuKSewMTu6TJn4NANcIttEKcNU8DZ5athsfl2bUcRZzsl9tPKusI7ZkI_yaut6l7wGw_dRucsN/s320/100_0422.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210664077132310066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nonb6EpEafhmZLFHlDr2MWnQGMZJFJpKqK3txH5xKdCxqagfykIECyDNQqT7ktB8ciHYS-W4kASvYKVvSzxq80jaSU8T1mZRxorwBEU7E_5g39v_n8YOooArU1NQcWtY4_YVjZPumPkt/s1600-h/100_0408.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nonb6EpEafhmZLFHlDr2MWnQGMZJFJpKqK3txH5xKdCxqagfykIECyDNQqT7ktB8ciHYS-W4kASvYKVvSzxq80jaSU8T1mZRxorwBEU7E_5g39v_n8YOooArU1NQcWtY4_YVjZPumPkt/s320/100_0408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210663781436871970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiuI9IoMR9Q2xFOdex05DgCYnyR6pqDCQcVDBlSQH2EFkaJXolh22_geIYTmJ1yrNbgra2_s94JQaNCu-NYrRUQsry1FC76eO9YtjiwDX-2nY7TdG7fYR05-RBnxrGC2nD0e4HQgTYiu9/s1600-h/100_0411.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiuI9IoMR9Q2xFOdex05DgCYnyR6pqDCQcVDBlSQH2EFkaJXolh22_geIYTmJ1yrNbgra2_s94JQaNCu-NYrRUQsry1FC76eO9YtjiwDX-2nY7TdG7fYR05-RBnxrGC2nD0e4HQgTYiu9/s320/100_0411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210663790173446226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCzV8kXfZ3zGVveBLathgnh6r0_8A2S06nhleFR09NprEH1jCMjq1mNQl2CjEGwEhkCcHSfT6xHEciSumbMpltXUv1CONVj1TWJEp2q4y4SFRz7F3coqBXqGeREvXA7hvk1VpyBtX1-6E/s1600-h/100_0415.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCzV8kXfZ3zGVveBLathgnh6r0_8A2S06nhleFR09NprEH1jCMjq1mNQl2CjEGwEhkCcHSfT6xHEciSumbMpltXUv1CONVj1TWJEp2q4y4SFRz7F3coqBXqGeREvXA7hvk1VpyBtX1-6E/s320/100_0415.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210663817392305618" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>“The writer loves the fog as it pours in; he loves the sun when the fog pours out. The rest of California is Beach Boys country, but San Francisco has that moody thing going on, those blues notes wrapped in moisture, an atmosphere that tempers California dreaming and makes life more real. But he loves the sun, too, that Frisbee-tossing, forehead-baking golden sun that prevents the loss of eight months of the year to winter. The fog brings reality, but it is still a California reality, one spent outdoors the whole year round.” </strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>-Eric Maisel</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Locale: Land's End-Coastal Trail, San Francisco, CA</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Date: Sunday, June 8, 2008</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Duration: 3.5 miles (2.5 hours)</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Price: Free</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Activity: Easy</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>All in All: A great walk through Sutro ruins, beaches, and Sea Cliff</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Rating: ****</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6031673">http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6031673</a></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><br /><div align="left">If you have a few hours to kill and are in the city, you might want to trek down to this easy brief hike in between China and Ocean Beaches. Follow Geary straight towards the water and park along the street down by the Cliff House. Currently the big parking lot at Merrie Way is under construction and you can't park here but there's plenty of parking across the street. Start by walking along the Sutro Bath ruins. As many locals know, this once housed a large pool house surrounded by the Pacific, theaters and artifacts. It was built by millionaire mayor Adolph Sutro in the late 1800's. It was later destroyed by the big earthquake and fires. Now all that's left is the foundation of some of it and muddy water but look at the picture of what it once was (found at Louis' Restaurant) and you can imagine why thousands flocked to it everyday. After exploring the ruins climb back up to the sidewalk and up to the intersection at the top of the hill and you'll find coastal trail on the left. It starts on a paved double path. Up ahead you'll see the Golden Gate and you'll hear the sounds of an old lighthouse.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH3kwKxqmJS4VsFsGYjv6mVNZYr3AUZpPPGbB0QPdffcNNepEl88Sz7ASKIF5kpvT893cn_wGYDLpGb3BIXx2XbiBns76uFdKsm9BNDUcEBpPXBHmnv7reNuFYN1oHM0GZ1lWFKtyseLL/s1600-h/100_0414.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH3kwKxqmJS4VsFsGYjv6mVNZYr3AUZpPPGbB0QPdffcNNepEl88Sz7ASKIF5kpvT893cn_wGYDLpGb3BIXx2XbiBns76uFdKsm9BNDUcEBpPXBHmnv7reNuFYN1oHM0GZ1lWFKtyseLL/s320/100_0414.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210663807041150898" border="0" /></a><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="left">Most likely you'll be accompanied by runners, bicyclists, tourists and dog walkers. The trail eventually becomes dirt and you will climb stairs. At the end of Coastal Trail, continue along the sidewalk on El Camino Del Mar. You are now in wealthy country and you won't be mistaken by this once you see the mansions and beautiful multimillion dollar houses that make up the Sea Cliff neighborhood home to many of the rich and/or famous such as Robin Williams. Continue straight until you see a road going down on your left to China Beach. Enjoy a nice picnic or wade through the cold waters of the ocean while taking in some rays and enjoying the great views of the Golden Gate and the Marin Headlands beyond it. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxKN0SyoK6jlyeuldWvx8Du_az8_Os5qLc7CaJR4Vr7fYr9KDhCdP2KYIY-mdaAjEj12bE9_G5sNdJBR-XSkRoGG3dzEbF5DtxocZM25RnbMpY20Y9MN4044t7E3jqb_4Qb0aLiB4qzlq/s1600-h/100_0427.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxKN0SyoK6jlyeuldWvx8Du_az8_Os5qLc7CaJR4Vr7fYr9KDhCdP2KYIY-mdaAjEj12bE9_G5sNdJBR-XSkRoGG3dzEbF5DtxocZM25RnbMpY20Y9MN4044t7E3jqb_4Qb0aLiB4qzlq/s320/100_0427.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210664083385902434" border="0" /></a><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="left">Walking back to your car - just follow the same way that you arrived along Coastal Trail. If you long down at the cliffs below you may see some remnants from shipwrecks. These spots are pointed out on a large map post at the end of the trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tuDPPsA66iXPeCdrTECqWX3q88y8hyphenhyphenkKs-OKOmf5Wx2nUgR_vdvUklB-3TJjIV1FUthYiP1cAFQ9d8-CzIgxlKyy2pr-K7ygFYt3MB4VX3WVCiL3bjiG49mXuswLT_c_yAwap4QbMBAk/s1600-h/100_0412.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tuDPPsA66iXPeCdrTECqWX3q88y8hyphenhyphenkKs-OKOmf5Wx2nUgR_vdvUklB-3TJjIV1FUthYiP1cAFQ9d8-CzIgxlKyy2pr-K7ygFYt3MB4VX3WVCiL3bjiG49mXuswLT_c_yAwap4QbMBAk/s320/100_0412.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210663801618555650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKv5BwmAcuEe7a5rZ5Ka8v3TzVNU6S0pimpb8vKzlkr_cGmJO3DjwE1gKzDwh6fi8KVLM6kywkbsuUIO_vFEytuGeWbIxI6G18C8L6bDTvmBguzlzCRNBr5Mp2WMajM_x85PQeED2jynL/s1600-h/100_0423.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKv5BwmAcuEe7a5rZ5Ka8v3TzVNU6S0pimpb8vKzlkr_cGmJO3DjwE1gKzDwh6fi8KVLM6kywkbsuUIO_vFEytuGeWbIxI6G18C8L6bDTvmBguzlzCRNBr5Mp2WMajM_x85PQeED2jynL/s320/100_0423.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210664093913599602" border="0" /></a></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-64164659746277518222008-06-01T16:50:00.000-07:002008-06-01T17:12:11.380-07:00Wildcat Canyon Regional Park<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Wilderness is the raw material out of which<br />man has hammered the artifact called civilization."<br />-Aldo Leopold<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3xI-nIr-jRDNUJDrkYzgVOCJTeR8w-nCZP9cO_VsDAxu3JIDeuEnG7K-hzH6A4topeP4OD9nj8TKEH9EYonidRK_m5GuEvtIBHRjk0ijJ_W1sUFohQLuySm0Xdfmrby2w1u9SNrZbHuH/s1600-h/100_0361.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3xI-nIr-jRDNUJDrkYzgVOCJTeR8w-nCZP9cO_VsDAxu3JIDeuEnG7K-hzH6A4topeP4OD9nj8TKEH9EYonidRK_m5GuEvtIBHRjk0ijJ_W1sUFohQLuySm0Xdfmrby2w1u9SNrZbHuH/s320/100_0361.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207065520157548690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Locale: Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, San Pablo, Contra Costa County, CA<br />Date: Sunday, June 1, 2008<br />Duration: 7 miles (3.5 hours)<br />Price: Free<br />Activity: Moderate with a strenuous uphill section<br />All in All: A great hike with wonderful views of the best of the bay area.<br />Rating: ***1/2<br />Maps and More Info: <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/wildcat">http://www.ebparks.org/parks/wildcat</a><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwS-sZzVkPt4CZCV9phkIordyX88ghXPKoPqyjleDtz7iMvs43GdTCkbC7l1W7kFCQcuc7jd3EU_mLftkRNziVoSQ8tDUhjFyNGkIcf8byIFqiOEzJ_yesjao1tmqcR3g_kQLnswLV7Fw/s1600-h/100_0407.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwS-sZzVkPt4CZCV9phkIordyX88ghXPKoPqyjleDtz7iMvs43GdTCkbC7l1W7kFCQcuc7jd3EU_mLftkRNziVoSQ8tDUhjFyNGkIcf8byIFqiOEzJ_yesjao1tmqcR3g_kQLnswLV7Fw/s320/100_0407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207066164402643186" border="0" /></a>The hike is fairly easy to get to and also fairly easy to follow as well. If you are coming from San Francisco on I-80, turn on the Amador/Solano exit at San Pablo and drive a few blocks east on Amador and then right on McBryde. If coming from the north on I-80 go on the McBryde exit and turn left onto it. After about .5 mile you'll see Wildcat Canyon park. Parking is a bit sparse but maybe you'll get lucky as we did. Admire the goats before starting. Start the hike at the entrance cattle gate on paved road. For those of you who do not like hiking on paved or blacktopped roads, I'd suggest not going here but it's maybe for about 2 or 2.5 miles of the hike. <br /><br />The trailhead is on wildcat creek trail, follow this for about half mile and turn left onto Belgum Trail, that's Belgum, not BELGIUM. Belgum is named after a nurse named Belgum who used to work at the sanitarium which was along this trail. Stop and read the signs to find out more. In the early 1900's a sanitarium for those with "nervous disorders" as they were called before the DSM came out, was located near a few palm trees (which are still there now). Long after it was abandoned, vandals just had to burn it to the ground. You will continue on Belgum for a few miles and climbing up to the summit. Behind you, you will start to see expansive views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate, Mt. Tam and even northwards. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FwiuFN998rhmkzt1975vvf-X9dMymgLTvkl4ugiBltpYHVuRdZKtbID7rBEu1zWJr6NxYg6TnHD2Mdo9CQSEfSQ_b3feVUnYW8CFHqZJY9OG9vVipZxyMdLhgVwAww4CzzogJSGGwbLM/s1600-h/100_0397.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FwiuFN998rhmkzt1975vvf-X9dMymgLTvkl4ugiBltpYHVuRdZKtbID7rBEu1zWJr6NxYg6TnHD2Mdo9CQSEfSQ_b3feVUnYW8CFHqZJY9OG9vVipZxyMdLhgVwAww4CzzogJSGGwbLM/s320/100_0397.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207065958244212914" border="0" /></a>Once you think you're at the top you are not. Past the bench on the left, you will see two hills. One fairly close and one in the distance. You will be climbing both of these hills. The first hill has the steepest stretch. Turn right on San Pablo Ridge Trail right before the first hill. Climb upwards, rest a bit, and climb a bit more and then take in the view. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M7GBY9791iM2RQnDKawO6wOBYTEJsWOUpz5a7MugxPfzFoYAkW16AcWpS0bQ9jwvc0yWpsF9xKQIN5Pk31S7OxrtnS0U4X_j3muAvG42kHcBKwIGz-nzmrShsKOr_O4xFC3IMKObUTwf/s1600-h/100_0401.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M7GBY9791iM2RQnDKawO6wOBYTEJsWOUpz5a7MugxPfzFoYAkW16AcWpS0bQ9jwvc0yWpsF9xKQIN5Pk31S7OxrtnS0U4X_j3muAvG42kHcBKwIGz-nzmrShsKOr_O4xFC3IMKObUTwf/s320/100_0401.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207065962539180226" border="0" /></a>Follow San Pablo Ridge for awhile as it flattens before you reach the second hill in the distance. You'll pass by cattle which are grazing the land. But don't try to frighten them as they may grunt at you or even charge. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNMaoNUXh5g-mEcLsAy399VWPJeurT15N06LNi6KfGutPbNL8rjbTgQmZ4xiXG0Ucrg4myCzUnK3lApyT3iN9NPG5-ZRbx10lzKekcKksQxmwM1jaE9G5TmPw9W4wsOXpfYQTBl4fo5rq/s1600-h/100_0404.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNMaoNUXh5g-mEcLsAy399VWPJeurT15N06LNi6KfGutPbNL8rjbTgQmZ4xiXG0Ucrg4myCzUnK3lApyT3iN9NPG5-ZRbx10lzKekcKksQxmwM1jaE9G5TmPw9W4wsOXpfYQTBl4fo5rq/s320/100_0404.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207065966834147538" border="0" /></a>Continue up the second hill and shortly after you'll reach a cattle gate. You will then be on Nimitz Way Trail. After about a mile, turn right on Havey Canyon Trail. This will take you into the woods for some comfort shade. One thing to note on this hike is that it can get very still and warm in certain areas, cold and windy at the top of the hills and then cool in the shaded woods. On Havey Canyon, you'll also cross a small creek and follow this trail for around 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Wildcat Creek Canyon for the last 2 miles. The last bit is paved and familiar but is mainly flat the whole time. This hike is pretty convenient for East-Bayers and offer some great views at the top of the hills. Recently, a mountain lion and her cub were located so if you are looking for wildlife, this may be the right place. We saw some wild turkeys. The hike may not be the most traveled nor the most beautiful but it is unique.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEhr5b2mx0HnKeOO1H-Mup4k5Vips08LgJWjgl6g55sdCQtrgy-jO6LbqsGOstfPi3xbDIzHPQJl3cHzgUXPw6cfnF_LUEzrnBs8OZGfcFF4xUf3Ha0nEhu0EDMxobqZMvXfc9k2J59X-/s1600-h/100_0406.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEhr5b2mx0HnKeOO1H-Mup4k5Vips08LgJWjgl6g55sdCQtrgy-jO6LbqsGOstfPi3xbDIzHPQJl3cHzgUXPw6cfnF_LUEzrnBs8OZGfcFF4xUf3Ha0nEhu0EDMxobqZMvXfc9k2J59X-/s320/100_0406.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207065971129114850" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-85203300682706483322008-05-26T08:29:00.000-07:002008-05-27T07:31:55.931-07:00Marin Headlands: Hill 88 and Pt. Bonita Lighthouse Loop<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous."<br />-Aristotle<br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4VNU5-XSEbSNV4-tBCgePGEJ7sby4khOLB-hl3x9cHE9iSsHBUlpSE8kaeOVZWpAh_s7g0J-kmx5LDyzMF2kh7YVkgomj023gKMVyx1LrVLTvIjdaX9SnlzcEcDXTBTabVf0luIsOETB/s1600-h/100_0379.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204709659208897282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4VNU5-XSEbSNV4-tBCgePGEJ7sby4khOLB-hl3x9cHE9iSsHBUlpSE8kaeOVZWpAh_s7g0J-kmx5LDyzMF2kh7YVkgomj023gKMVyx1LrVLTvIjdaX9SnlzcEcDXTBTabVf0luIsOETB/s320/100_0379.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Locale: Marin Headlands Hill 88 Loop to Lighthouse, Sausalito, Marin County, CA<br />Date: Sunday, May 25, 2008<br />Duration: 8.6 miles (5+ hours due to wait at lighthouse)<br />Price: Free<br />All in All: Arguably the most beautiful hike the Bay Area has to offer<br />Rating: *****<br />Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm">http://www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm</a><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOrq0vDlZShgzc__lBeOZaGgp243dfSaOKuPVcPf1DCaKDGyrMn21NdksWNq_3eYynnw6u5u7cbO-BE_sAiZK9kAs07RzZq7aFICWhVJ4_mWsWujLBwRNAA4BCjvdWZmBunvwMCunlxYL/s1600-h/100_0374.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204711587649213266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOrq0vDlZShgzc__lBeOZaGgp243dfSaOKuPVcPf1DCaKDGyrMn21NdksWNq_3eYynnw6u5u7cbO-BE_sAiZK9kAs07RzZq7aFICWhVJ4_mWsWujLBwRNAA4BCjvdWZmBunvwMCunlxYL/s320/100_0374.jpg" border="0" /></a> This long and heavy-moderate hike was my favorite of all hikes completed thus far. It has a touch of everything - ocean, beach, gorgeous views of the golden gate bridge, history. This particular hike begins at the visitor center. Go across the Golden Gate from the south or Hwy 101 from the north, get on the first exit before or after the bridge (depending upon which way you're coming) at Alexander Ave. Turn onto Conzelman rd and follow a few miles passed bicyclists and tourists, turn left at the bottom of a hill and soon you'll see the presidio-like buildings, one of which is the center. Follow the signs to the visitor center parking lot. I highly encourage you to go inside before your hike. You'll see artifacts, stuffed birds and a convenient gift shop where you can buy anything from hiking books to t-shirts to snacks. If you do not feel like purchasing a big map of the area, there's a free paper map on the counter for this hike.<br /><br />Begin at the end of the parking lot by the bathrooms and follow trail to the right, cross the road to the warehouse and start on Miwok Trail which is to the right of the warehouse. You will stay on Miwok for the next 1.6 miles, it will be flat for the first .5 mile or so and then will steadily climb away from the water, curving up the hills bringing vast views of the headlands.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpurWY2cM3vQ9y32CXT_KHLwAPWqOzJvbSil-_qVV6CVHn5fs4J5yqDZAeOtLQGEpIJdrIPaHgqmdyY3AS9b7jnu5dcDY0dSkC78FYXo2YpVZyofGYs4zxrpQAFMDQUAf2Nz3rONLWZs8/s1600-h/100_0370.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204713400125412194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpurWY2cM3vQ9y32CXT_KHLwAPWqOzJvbSil-_qVV6CVHn5fs4J5yqDZAeOtLQGEpIJdrIPaHgqmdyY3AS9b7jnu5dcDY0dSkC78FYXo2YpVZyofGYs4zxrpQAFMDQUAf2Nz3rONLWZs8/s320/100_0370.jpg" border="0" /></a>After climbing the first long hill, turn left onto Wolf Ridge Trail which is a single track trail (you may be glad to get rid of those fast bicyclists). Wolf Ridge continues to go uphill steeply, be careful of footing in places. At 2.7 miles into the hike, turn left on Coastal Trail to the top of Hill 88, you already will get a prized view of the Rodeo Beach and the Pacific side of the bridge. As you go up the paved walkway to the top of Hill 88, you will start hearing the lighthouse which is only open Sat through Monday from 12:30-3:30. At the top of Hill 88, you will see marvelous views and graffiti laced buildings. The graffiti ranges from standard gang tags to x loves y to political statements.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadxXvd4uqGKqMbPIuxRacnIb4-y6FQFqE0Y674eFo7thpSJ_HkVjIcTm_dnRuhN6T2_1cw7zcPfrpmNzgaKruD0rVl72ysefuteg2MrZ_oCY1DkVffoJy9q3kJBUPCUktdKU_SCRN7EqP/s1600-h/100_0364.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204716410897486754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadxXvd4uqGKqMbPIuxRacnIb4-y6FQFqE0Y674eFo7thpSJ_HkVjIcTm_dnRuhN6T2_1cw7zcPfrpmNzgaKruD0rVl72ysefuteg2MrZ_oCY1DkVffoJy9q3kJBUPCUktdKU_SCRN7EqP/s320/100_0364.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyBpDKf7rNROVueE9ZcDvKyCnXP6L6y90FdP-6NReBi1MYG3-hdOuFeKxgCspz_HVTc1cecN6ibjrmAOayZu4M_qfBea_vhP0lqx64XBoS3O87Xb-EBaEUOKO135e6yP2NJzfNNLdNB9l/s1600-h/100_0363.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204709796647850770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyBpDKf7rNROVueE9ZcDvKyCnXP6L6y90FdP-6NReBi1MYG3-hdOuFeKxgCspz_HVTc1cecN6ibjrmAOayZu4M_qfBea_vhP0lqx64XBoS3O87Xb-EBaEUOKO135e6yP2NJzfNNLdNB9l/s320/100_0363.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T6ICSWz_TPUhGuRCDvbjdBQGOw4uuRVbgoReW78H6XpvRkQNu3B-dFxOGY0MhNT0nQfx8gCXBvK8Mg5T31PNr2PdL8TApb_d2CC1dxgjJrzFwr2h5DECY5h4PwstyOq49pUVin75h0IO/s1600-h/100_0369.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204710011396215586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T6ICSWz_TPUhGuRCDvbjdBQGOw4uuRVbgoReW78H6XpvRkQNu3B-dFxOGY0MhNT0nQfx8gCXBvK8Mg5T31PNr2PdL8TApb_d2CC1dxgjJrzFwr2h5DECY5h4PwstyOq49pUVin75h0IO/s320/100_0369.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S677jXpRpJ2su5_KjYhdZg4piDbgOVXZ6XQHq7-d-w2pE1KRL6R2RlDnNpplnZtcGeu-kcZcsZe4PZibhnbZLxv1g149ztBUH0uH0LcZcEUJ1Kr4NO-lAqsjth5GGnhL9aYOqg6xqvgj/s1600-h/100_0382.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204714680025666418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S677jXpRpJ2su5_KjYhdZg4piDbgOVXZ6XQHq7-d-w2pE1KRL6R2RlDnNpplnZtcGeu-kcZcsZe4PZibhnbZLxv1g149ztBUH0uH0LcZcEUJ1Kr4NO-lAqsjth5GGnhL9aYOqg6xqvgj/s320/100_0382.jpg" border="0" /></a>Now go back down the way you came and continue down on the paved Coastal trail to the beach below. You will pass bunkers and continue on dirt and paved trails. Before getting to the beach walk through the Battery Townsley tunnels, here is where one of the missile launching sites was. Continue downwards to the beach.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJGhMkwiuHnCHkMnmxJ59xywc7k6v2ZfLBWNU22qbQlgEXrs1Q3O-K33mdaZV2Uj-666MAFTsjG3HC4XIhXTEo0SirMb6aUrd6NhYGyh14VEQIuZIILYGw8aWBeabSkpJcAlHWL0hEJbH/s1600-h/100_0372.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204710698590982978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJGhMkwiuHnCHkMnmxJ59xywc7k6v2ZfLBWNU22qbQlgEXrs1Q3O-K33mdaZV2Uj-666MAFTsjG3HC4XIhXTEo0SirMb6aUrd6NhYGyh14VEQIuZIILYGw8aWBeabSkpJcAlHWL0hEJbH/s320/100_0372.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx6suvUxD_tvQTXLo46SQpX0z3N-KeZ9tZy1pdfxTlnzHzuToixkgV25xGduWeJ7lNdbg27rnV_X5jDppcjBchT2I_9ICf3u4_Dw0DVe3GdX5vKbVPaqUtMbAIJQ6s_XWgMKSZU87iTIw/s1600-h/100_0376.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204715354335531906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx6suvUxD_tvQTXLo46SQpX0z3N-KeZ9tZy1pdfxTlnzHzuToixkgV25xGduWeJ7lNdbg27rnV_X5jDppcjBchT2I_9ICf3u4_Dw0DVe3GdX5vKbVPaqUtMbAIJQ6s_XWgMKSZU87iTIw/s320/100_0376.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JIFhXfo5canddccZrTX8y1L4MsNSAScD3YiHp1Q1o9J0mAcNzzGDnGXGGIi4Qa8EynkTtA8If7g1BT4PbZVZgAlRC_qzvAO6-BPAO2CNPPZGNn_0xBoN1r7xjtvvqFZP1tf0H228Htg5/s1600-h/100_0373.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204710410828174130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JIFhXfo5canddccZrTX8y1L4MsNSAScD3YiHp1Q1o9J0mAcNzzGDnGXGGIi4Qa8EynkTtA8If7g1BT4PbZVZgAlRC_qzvAO6-BPAO2CNPPZGNn_0xBoN1r7xjtvvqFZP1tf0H228Htg5/s320/100_0373.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />You may feel a bit out of place as we did crossing the beach in our camelbaks and trekking poles but with a sunny warm day and tides coming in, who cares? Continue to trek alongside the beach to the other side where you will go up the bluffs nearest the water. Keep right to go towards a bunch of green buildings - this is the YMCA staff buildings. Go right after the lot to the rd up to the Battery Mendell which looks like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcX6KHbOLghGseQwhQ4DC8Y1HmbSkqM_WVXyEHft94xpsyFSbP1kzESrRdxEuuK-w5Hka39xB0nqVCtr10A9ezahBlaRhcNfkg5dlCIq_ovjxGe2RlqYH_wI4bgEoEZXXlQiOsDIPr1Yii/s1600-h/100_0377.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204716333588075410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcX6KHbOLghGseQwhQ4DC8Y1HmbSkqM_WVXyEHft94xpsyFSbP1kzESrRdxEuuK-w5Hka39xB0nqVCtr10A9ezahBlaRhcNfkg5dlCIq_ovjxGe2RlqYH_wI4bgEoEZXXlQiOsDIPr1Yii/s320/100_0377.jpg" border="0" /></a>Climb up the stairs to the top and explore the building before continuing on the dirt trails behind it. You are now 6+ miles into the hike but the best is still yet to come. Walk alongside the dirt path on the cliff through some brush to the radar tower. Next to it is another graffiti painted building. You can go up to the second story but DONT LOOK DOWN IF AFRAID OF HEIGHTS. Below is a 100 foot fall or more to a private beach where rough waves hit the rocks and pieces of metal from an old shipwreck are still ashore. After going down the steep stairs, continue on the dirt path around the fence. Go left on the dirt trail, you'll see tourists walking down the paved road towards the lighthouse. Follow them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2FJyr6_Cot7R98uFIynnYfIB8NNQELa5Zu1E1mDiMcPwgYlVHAnJZW5k5Q4HPxg81UG-AGRfWZASzdzhlRld5JUvEamVxfiwWlKLmLnEuHfw6xXFss-9rBBsq8Azir7Ugp4eQKZWHLvU/s1600-h/100_0384.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204717463164474290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2FJyr6_Cot7R98uFIynnYfIB8NNQELa5Zu1E1mDiMcPwgYlVHAnJZW5k5Q4HPxg81UG-AGRfWZASzdzhlRld5JUvEamVxfiwWlKLmLnEuHfw6xXFss-9rBBsq8Azir7Ugp4eQKZWHLvU/s320/100_0384.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL0bK_z2ccoosVsvAn2a06n5sV1QDvhReNOCuoSSrmMvdYZHriMcVV2n-R91OBqifn-UKcb5WECN29wrGQfl7yyPfkTRtYmzz7vve22Ddq42RDtWxroijZGn5TiQstkd-ydggyNLXRsdO/s1600-h/100_0388.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204717596308460482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL0bK_z2ccoosVsvAn2a06n5sV1QDvhReNOCuoSSrmMvdYZHriMcVV2n-R91OBqifn-UKcb5WECN29wrGQfl7yyPfkTRtYmzz7vve22Ddq42RDtWxroijZGn5TiQstkd-ydggyNLXRsdO/s320/100_0388.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The paved road will take you downhill onto a fenced bridge and then through a tunnel. Be sure to get there when the lighthouse is open or else you'll be SOL. We managed to get in line (at the other end of the tunnel) about 15 minutes before closing. A volunteer will be talking to you about the lighthouse as you wait. The suspension bridge to the lighthouse was built in 1953 and is a bit... unsteady. In fact they only allow 2-3 people at a time to go across it as it is starting to erode and it does bounce when you go across. Once you are to the other side, explore the lighthouse, it can get a bit chilly here as well so have a sweater handy. You'll wait in line again to cross the bridge. After, continue back the way you came until to the parking lot. Now follow the road to the left, cross the road and go up the dirt track to the Battery Wallace. Go through the tunnel and turn left and follow the road until it curves downhill, you'll see the beach to the left and the familiar buildings. Turn right at the stop sign and follow the road back down the next .5 miles to the visitor center. When leaving on Field Rd, there is a 5 minute stoplight in front of a bike tunnel to enjoy. Hopefully you're hike will be a fulfilling as ours and with history and beauty that this hike brings, we'll most likely be back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8WAVmMbLxP4e9IlklqYQ_k7nKO_Ar_HXPQgm2IGMlTSSLDEPcZrifXl757c32wnXHSwySG6ENqa2WMov9rhZI4e60qABpMnRxHdU_SdC5VxmYI-ROB1MUCrDCn2ffpyVknCC126kC8-P/s1600-h/100_0392.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204717720862512082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8WAVmMbLxP4e9IlklqYQ_k7nKO_Ar_HXPQgm2IGMlTSSLDEPcZrifXl757c32wnXHSwySG6ENqa2WMov9rhZI4e60qABpMnRxHdU_SdC5VxmYI-ROB1MUCrDCn2ffpyVknCC126kC8-P/s320/100_0392.jpg" border="0" /></a>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-13884908685582513782008-05-11T10:10:00.001-07:002008-05-13T16:51:48.192-07:00Samuel P. Taylor State Park<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"This is the foundation of all. We are not to imagine or suppose, but to discover, what nature does or may be made to do." </strong><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>-Francis Bacon</strong><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0bhE7sGA_RT69SK4XfxORQYMgzF_2PzaN2uA09COn47DowK-nSYEaJI11lEZdYIrymMdrA0dlLjxvMtF-15HB1wNkzLFHJ-XS2o6ZWcPUe2EwYhKUNka2Yw-G8mTxyVEhN491XhCYMOq/s1600-h/100_0329.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0bhE7sGA_RT69SK4XfxORQYMgzF_2PzaN2uA09COn47DowK-nSYEaJI11lEZdYIrymMdrA0dlLjxvMtF-15HB1wNkzLFHJ-XS2o6ZWcPUe2EwYhKUNka2Yw-G8mTxyVEhN491XhCYMOq/s320/100_0329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200013936750599218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVqXUzQgEX_3H9DwNEsykmCDu2jSYO-x8nMeOOfNXfLKszhm-knIXB3oYDrIACGPaP5euFfc_R-icbmMpVRJy1K8ZAgf9iUdTCf04yl3NIHWTyw4p2cDYS8e-uDFfqmSkFgSZHF8mgayU/s1600-h/100_0331.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVqXUzQgEX_3H9DwNEsykmCDu2jSYO-x8nMeOOfNXfLKszhm-knIXB3oYDrIACGPaP5euFfc_R-icbmMpVRJy1K8ZAgf9iUdTCf04yl3NIHWTyw4p2cDYS8e-uDFfqmSkFgSZHF8mgayU/s200/100_0331.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200012807174200290" border="0" /></a><strong></strong><div><strong></strong> </div><br /><div><strong>Locale: Samuel P Taylor State Park, Laguintas, Marin County, CA</strong></div><div><strong>Date: Saturday, May 9, 2008</strong></div><div><strong>Duration: 7 miles (4 hours)</strong><br /></div><div><strong>Price: Free</strong><br /></div><div><strong>All in All: A rainforest-like hike to the peak with glorius sunny views to the bottom.</strong><br /></div><div><strong>Rating: ****</strong><br /></div><div><strong>Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=469">http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=469</a></strong><br /></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSbsfEtELR_lWR_1gUgi9pUryRaJ1mN05U2Vw8Ld4MoExPoJhYQQ2IYBmYTrmnVZQYQRQDJ1sYZYXbS8rdp8HDDWJQ1AFsWmyHaX4v-f8GU_WrgjuC6-OhHEcF5c0Xa-j5v5OARqOElgt/s1600-h/100_0339.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSbsfEtELR_lWR_1gUgi9pUryRaJ1mN05U2Vw8Ld4MoExPoJhYQQ2IYBmYTrmnVZQYQRQDJ1sYZYXbS8rdp8HDDWJQ1AFsWmyHaX4v-f8GU_WrgjuC6-OhHEcF5c0Xa-j5v5OARqOElgt/s200/100_0339.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200012970382957554" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Getting to this trailhead is fairly easy. Go onto Hwy 101 from San Francisco or 580 from East Bay, past the San Rafael Bridge and take the Sir Francis Drake exit. Follow Drake for about 17 miles through small towns, after Laguintas you will see Samuel P Taylor Park entrance, keep going one mile until you see Devil's Gulch Camp on the right. There's a small dirt lot on the left, park here, admire the swimming hole/creek then cross the road to the camp to start the hike. The first .1 mile of the trail is paved blacktop and the creek will below on your right. Turn right at onto the wooden bridge. Now turn left onto Bill's Trail. This is the trail that will take you to Barnabe Peak. Over one hundred years ago, Samuel Taylor inhabited the area where he set up one of the first papermills in California alongside his wife and eight children. He also invented the first paper grocery bag. Barnabe Peak is named after his beloved mule Barnabe. The 4 plus mile climb to the peak is easy (until you reach the fire tower area). </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>The climb to the summit is filled with wildlife surprises as well as cool comfortable shade. The 4 miles to the summit are forthe most part quite easy. There are quite a number of small foot bridges and switchbacks but the trail is graded ever so slightly and you don't even notice you're gaining altitude if it wasn't for the hills levelling off with your point of views and the creek getting lower beneath you.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03T6eksZCNqWSQqQ1qXAZeRVmtVmx6IRdczkpek63-Cxt9blQZ9IQ7q9i5h7ryXQ4ID8Yu6vJh6SvuXgQAL2CfP9zPjnUCLGy1ZP7LVI67ZSO77ftmdsZEYthl2jl7mFoB9SIgNT-5DUM/s1600-h/100_0328.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03T6eksZCNqWSQqQ1qXAZeRVmtVmx6IRdczkpek63-Cxt9blQZ9IQ7q9i5h7ryXQ4ID8Yu6vJh6SvuXgQAL2CfP9zPjnUCLGy1ZP7LVI67ZSO77ftmdsZEYthl2jl7mFoB9SIgNT-5DUM/s200/100_0328.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200012403447274450" border="0" /></a><div> </div><br /><div>After a mile or so you'll see the step waterfalls trail, take this for a short dead end to see the waterfalls which when we went were just above a trickle. We could see where the water flows through and makes a crevace during the winter months but on our hike, just a long trickle of water flew down to us. After stopping here, return to Bill's Trail and go left to continue onwards.</div><div>We saw many lizards, garter snakes and a few squirrels on the trail. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiogK0l3HRgzFT6ZTe9n_xxHpdF0YOMH2X5OOJOanVfE2zQ78XiVRwPftUs6MQSDbkpqMT1QWDzWZCCSEVxPtpfKe9yPG15knQRSHO1MYXV6OPZb-AKHaK_SuwlIHEW8ulz2UgS7NiiSdh/s1600-h/100_0358.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiogK0l3HRgzFT6ZTe9n_xxHpdF0YOMH2X5OOJOanVfE2zQ78XiVRwPftUs6MQSDbkpqMT1QWDzWZCCSEVxPtpfKe9yPG15knQRSHO1MYXV6OPZb-AKHaK_SuwlIHEW8ulz2UgS7NiiSdh/s320/100_0358.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200013112116878338" border="0" /></a><div> </div><br /><div>After about 4.2 miles, you reach a wide open area with nothing in front of you but some grass, a wide dirt trail and a breathtaking view of forest lands, San Pablo Bay, and hills. To the left the trail continues up to the fire tower station. This part is optional, you may either climb the moderate stretch to the top or continue down back to the trailhead. We continued to climb up to the tower. From now on there will be very little shade so put on the sunblock. The short rest of the climb to the tower was much steeper but brief. The tower was closed up but here we found better views. A 360 angle of lush landscapes surrounded us. If it wasn't for a small parking lot below full of cars, I'd say it was perfect. Continue back down the wide trail. The somewhat steep descent will bring you to Samuel P. Taylor's gravesite on the left. Stop here to read more about him and his wife. I mysteriously have been choosing state parks with cemeteries on them lately, hmm. After stopping at the bench, return to the trail and follow it back to the wooden bridge you crossed earlier, turn left onto the paved road and cross Sir Francis Drake to your car.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNoXds9RtA6lEUs9tbRsCkjXL87mqIMtUm10_6EIbeezNlUgLs3qYUAb-ctBGbe4YdmBTqQGE_JmdaGBKv12ZWqTx8nIK6XneQ5GaGkzYyzcPOgk4iulluLFGXAwSWQ21OWLd6NS9E1li/s1600-h/100_0333.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNoXds9RtA6lEUs9tbRsCkjXL87mqIMtUm10_6EIbeezNlUgLs3qYUAb-ctBGbe4YdmBTqQGE_JmdaGBKv12ZWqTx8nIK6XneQ5GaGkzYyzcPOgk4iulluLFGXAwSWQ21OWLd6NS9E1li/s320/100_0333.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200013485779033122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5Z_1I3UrV3UWyhNS_7PW1Clf9WDbzdmOeYkH5ZaJaisgc9t2Sm-RRd_0EazLX5bQaWcA-NQHUklm_d8vrphvg1R459W8r0P7Ek45FQeDIeA7gKQJAxc53BtGFQbANpEQjwzmOu2j_kyB/s1600-h/100_0354.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5Z_1I3UrV3UWyhNS_7PW1Clf9WDbzdmOeYkH5ZaJaisgc9t2Sm-RRd_0EazLX5bQaWcA-NQHUklm_d8vrphvg1R459W8r0P7Ek45FQeDIeA7gKQJAxc53BtGFQbANpEQjwzmOu2j_kyB/s320/100_0354.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200013262440733714" border="0" /></a></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-47704068468197761742008-05-04T08:01:00.000-07:002008-05-08T09:13:04.109-07:00Jack London State Park<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"I write for no other reason then to add to the beauty</span></span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">that now belongs to me. I write a book for no other reason</span></span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">then to add three or four hundred acres to my magnificent estate."</span></span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-Jack London</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uFfGbZvLhOcBvFklPBewrTe6ul9ZQ58ZVAnsZZGtKqb3OQKzmmqC_7vdMEXA2wNWbkGd_NVZeW-DDyAdqyBQEiNO-ao-1xgnePLYjkLhutUMUE8nr9pUj7P7YhpHLQPAF5TLbSqk58Ks/s1600-h/100_0313_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196538576773628482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uFfGbZvLhOcBvFklPBewrTe6ul9ZQ58ZVAnsZZGtKqb3OQKzmmqC_7vdMEXA2wNWbkGd_NVZeW-DDyAdqyBQEiNO-ao-1xgnePLYjkLhutUMUE8nr9pUj7P7YhpHLQPAF5TLbSqk58Ks/s320/100_0313_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Locale: Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen, Sonoma County, CA<br />Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008<br />Duration: ~6 miles (took us 3.5 hours)<br /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Price: $6</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">All in All: A hike that takes you back into the early 1900's<br />Rating: ****<br />Maps and more info: <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=478">http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=478</a><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK_csEe2Q6JU5B-ni3efPRYQq-36Eq0pdStW-jqChyphenhyphenVNadTxE5X5Kd2KU86pffpExvqrcc2XNc4w3TmClJkgfNO0Pw4tf8qbOYPjUJG1rCm8G8gTE1jKI0NE04Y-yeIJYhmep88mP9wvi/s1600-h/100_0301.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196539710644994642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK_csEe2Q6JU5B-ni3efPRYQq-36Eq0pdStW-jqChyphenhyphenVNadTxE5X5Kd2KU86pffpExvqrcc2XNc4w3TmClJkgfNO0Pw4tf8qbOYPjUJG1rCm8G8gTE1jKI0NE04Y-yeIJYhmep88mP9wvi/s320/100_0301.jpg" border="0" /></a> For those who have read London's most famous books ("Call of the Wild", "White Fang") in school to those who are avid London fans and even to those whom never heard of Jack London, this hike offers a great treat. Nearly one hundred years ago, London bought this 1400 acre ranch in Glen Ellen along for almost $27,000 with his second wife Charmian. It was his dream home that brought charm, happy memories and tragedy as well. A few days before the couple was to move in, a fire took place burning their original plan of the home. Later they moved into the wooden cottage which is found near the parking lot.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd7QqJdeTARt0i1TTUEn-OEvArXRiC_0dhkMJ86Rr5PLt3Z9ZQraDCXeyK7YsaXkY3Uq8DQ6c-bBs4OzvoOeDPfXPDOp_AVPUs4ayh97opKVEwjrCrzLLmBaB8VYs5UTL1CJrFFor5nwe/s1600-h/100_0311.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196540904645902946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd7QqJdeTARt0i1TTUEn-OEvArXRiC_0dhkMJ86Rr5PLt3Z9ZQraDCXeyK7YsaXkY3Uq8DQ6c-bBs4OzvoOeDPfXPDOp_AVPUs4ayh97opKVEwjrCrzLLmBaB8VYs5UTL1CJrFFor5nwe/s320/100_0311.jpg" border="0" /></a>The London's Cottage.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">To get to Glen Ellen (a small quaint town with cute restaurants and shops named after Jack London) get onto CA 37 from either Hwy 80 east or from 101 N, from 37 get onto CA 121 and go straight for about 7 miles, continue straight at a 76 station onto Arnold Drive. This is also CA 116. Follow this into Glen Ellen which will be about 9 miles after the gas station. On your left go to London Ranch Road and follow it to the kiosk.<br /><br />Feel free to first park in the lot on the left of the kiosk. Here will be the museum, grave sites, and wolf house. Visit the museum for some really interesting tidbits about the Londons. The House of Happy Walls was built following Jack London's death by his wife. There are rooms with her old clothes, artifacts from their adventures, helpful park employees and even an opportunity to buy or peruse his books. After leaving here follow the signs to the grave site. It's about .5 miles from the museum.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnBCABRB_Y-RR73DH7qN2CAwPrUy6RkkgTUmS2Tn7VfxC3wLfxLCgG__EWLkgHGjcqaqJtiRxdnFpRGAD2p1-KofI0ZUKhuwB8wI8nj0KKlYuTb2Vhc_K6JsL9sPjn7qLTfs-MFNRKQXc/s1600-h/100_0305.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196543460151444098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnBCABRB_Y-RR73DH7qN2CAwPrUy6RkkgTUmS2Tn7VfxC3wLfxLCgG__EWLkgHGjcqaqJtiRxdnFpRGAD2p1-KofI0ZUKhuwB8wI8nj0KKlYuTb2Vhc_K6JsL9sPjn7qLTfs-MFNRKQXc/s200/100_0305.jpg" border="0" /></a>At the grave site, look to your right. You will see a picketed fenced square with two grave stones (most likely the original wooden markers). These two siblings were young children who died in the 1800's. Their names were David and Lillie Greenslaw who were pioneer children living on the ranch. Illness cut their lives short. London found these graves one day and soon announced to his family that when he died he wished to just be buried in this place with a boulder over him. This is precisely what happened in 1916 when 39 year old London perished in his cottage. Some still believe suicide was the root of his early death but his death certificate states uremic poisoning. Charmian placed his ashes nearby and placed a boulder over them. In 1955, Charmian died at the ranch and also had her ashes buried here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip22IXjjbfk8HkY4RmjfisvCS_h5dLn1zqcg6fN07rdE8DGr5P0y3-yVd4M0M9krNi5_k6PqR7BzP7L6KqFlXL8NJRmuniMW5EpeptiuEx7KvoXD3UACcQ0eR4qjN7m00Co8RGYC2ffhR3/s1600-h/100_0303.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196543378547065458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip22IXjjbfk8HkY4RmjfisvCS_h5dLn1zqcg6fN07rdE8DGr5P0y3-yVd4M0M9krNi5_k6PqR7BzP7L6KqFlXL8NJRmuniMW5EpeptiuEx7KvoXD3UACcQ0eR4qjN7m00Co8RGYC2ffhR3/s200/100_0303.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">From here, if you like may continue .15 miles to the wolf house then follow the road back to the parking lot. Once back at the lot you may either drive or walk to the other parking lot on the right side of the kiosk where you drove in. Follow the path up past the picnic benches and grills and you will now see barns and London's cottage. Proceed into the house and donate a few bucks to the save a park foundation who are trying to earn money to restore London's lake.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9np_Gq_ayv6_wjgZ1ao4G71IGX2MFgj2LnJ2QW2BdM3Vd9EqaSOczhs75HMeUNUJsjXDqDzA3rdMuxFNUmlBhyphenhyphen1fIYxqkmevhX7rsdWTdwi7seqWG6TCBOMgeMXM2eTXDO4dL5xXh3GKw/s1600-h/100_0314.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196545835268358802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9np_Gq_ayv6_wjgZ1ao4G71IGX2MFgj2LnJ2QW2BdM3Vd9EqaSOczhs75HMeUNUJsjXDqDzA3rdMuxFNUmlBhyphenhyphen1fIYxqkmevhX7rsdWTdwi7seqWG6TCBOMgeMXM2eTXDO4dL5xXh3GKw/s200/100_0314.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />London's writing room.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Apart from the front desk and tourists in modern day clothing, it is exactly the same as it would've been ninety years ago. The hallway especially feels as if you were transported through time. The writing room caught my attention the most. On the right there was his safe where he put his drafts in case of fire and on the left was a sleeping porch in which he died. After leaving the cottage, tour the area and look at the barns, the old workers' quarters, and what is that? Cacti?<br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDOge4jqtubgdFvoMKFSYY_RmBPayG1PDm5fTmj7OPhpHGi4nAhCTsY3EXlc7b8lR_on3lkXmPFaoxiuMz5Q4MgjWbCNm5Lv9Mt7shhKLRbIqXSpi2DDSW9pGbfcgbuFDxiO-oDTv2gxQ/s1600-h/100_0309.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196545959822410402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDOge4jqtubgdFvoMKFSYY_RmBPayG1PDm5fTmj7OPhpHGi4nAhCTsY3EXlc7b8lR_on3lkXmPFaoxiuMz5Q4MgjWbCNm5Lv9Mt7shhKLRbIqXSpi2DDSW9pGbfcgbuFDxiO-oDTv2gxQ/s200/100_0309.jpg" border="0" /></a>London did many experiments on his farm, many failed, including growing spineless cacti for the horses. Read the sign at this site for more interesting insights before continuing on the main path past the vineyard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d2pEeUQDjDxSlKjrlQncCS15tWvY1PN32Y-P2Sx7MA4qyFaFsJB6zDTygE8envnkOwH6nOyzIkuxPz4-Z6-iibjFcAv6a5BZwJnNuZsMM6rs090264CGLfckgeVW4RIRjggHujMxY47C/s1600-h/100_0316.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196547093693776562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d2pEeUQDjDxSlKjrlQncCS15tWvY1PN32Y-P2Sx7MA4qyFaFsJB6zDTygE8envnkOwH6nOyzIkuxPz4-Z6-iibjFcAv6a5BZwJnNuZsMM6rs090264CGLfckgeVW4RIRjggHujMxY47C/s200/100_0316.jpg" border="0" /></a>Past the vineyard, tour the pig palace and silos and return to lake trail. Continue on Lake Trail for about a half a mile then continue on it by turning right at the cattle gate. Climb slightly up another half mile until you reach the lake at the right (you'll have to climb a small grade to see it). Here is where London took his guests fishing and swimming. Today it looks very unappealing. It's full of moss and sediment. It has shrunk to half it's size. There are brochures if you wish to help donate money to restore the lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZmjviJlVAxMcCAiu6EA629TyECY2YRU4f_j_pMhM-0WdKUUQK2L0y8o_lcRDxzzrt0EptOexPFIk0wvuVtyM1MO8u7cTcmflxusoFN1FafoFY5ao61388q5FeEO-Pjy18yCabIjE5iKr/s1600-h/100_0319.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196547931212399298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZmjviJlVAxMcCAiu6EA629TyECY2YRU4f_j_pMhM-0WdKUUQK2L0y8o_lcRDxzzrt0EptOexPFIk0wvuVtyM1MO8u7cTcmflxusoFN1FafoFY5ao61388q5FeEO-Pjy18yCabIjE5iKr/s200/100_0319.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the lake follow Mountain Trail. The next 2.5 miles to the summit of the park. Sonoma Mountain actually continues passed the park on private land. We actually went about 2/3 of the way up Mountain Trail which is actually not too steep for being labeled a 'mountain' until we saw a sign stating the summit was closed for restoration. We were going to continue anyways but were short on time as the park closes at 5. We were disappointed that there wasn't a sign at the lake but never the less we continued back down through the redwoods. If you wish to reach the summit, ask or call ahead to see if it's open. On the right you will see Quarry Trail, go on it for about .5 miles and then turn left on Vineyard Trail and Vineyard Rd until you get to a cougar crossing. Continue up the bank until you're back at the lake. From here go back the way you came back to the parking lot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyKl5BtHSOP0Q9EvVlhV1ygDTPSxcE6Ue9WUXP8ppoaHN4tZGDzByZWAWEvckc35pEIXObe3z_nOF55UKMz9pDvCSW97PWHiYeWjsH3BbpIBnI-6kX95s6A3PtoV4ArLcFQaHD_eAI0IS/s1600-h/100_0318.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196549176752915154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyKl5BtHSOP0Q9EvVlhV1ygDTPSxcE6Ue9WUXP8ppoaHN4tZGDzByZWAWEvckc35pEIXObe3z_nOF55UKMz9pDvCSW97PWHiYeWjsH3BbpIBnI-6kX95s6A3PtoV4ArLcFQaHD_eAI0IS/s200/100_0318.jpg" border="0" /></a>Leaving the park, we stopped at Jack London Village for dinner and free chocolate samples. It hit the spot after a nice hike that took us back into literary history. I encourage you to do the same. We ate at Bluegrass Restaurant presumably known for their great BBQ. After the first few hundred yards of hiking a new why London called his ranch magnificent. With all the wildlife and acres of redwoods just feet from my front door, I would be content as well.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwbCmmAShrV4anTWunQsgLP42ephlFFipfjE47dOLaauxmWB52Cm4CZc2U0B-cce4nO0DOtinEZrtzpVr3LVUu5K3RETZg5Ow1dFM3L5xIVQSfpvs8nwqfiMJctkHaKGUJ_yovzZnVoNI/s1600-h/100_0315.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196550198955131618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwbCmmAShrV4anTWunQsgLP42ephlFFipfjE47dOLaauxmWB52Cm4CZc2U0B-cce4nO0DOtinEZrtzpVr3LVUu5K3RETZg5Ow1dFM3L5xIVQSfpvs8nwqfiMJctkHaKGUJ_yovzZnVoNI/s200/100_0315.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-58609096071122518832008-04-27T15:59:00.000-07:002008-04-27T21:01:46.556-07:00Briones Regional Park<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day."</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Harry S. Truman</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vInfqlXMCfE1uaGKHIb_B0ybX91OeVGNEniDefH7rfLT6jACs6J20drqlPzfwHcp6QfQVphDT-zofu-FV3p2COxFOomZdwgM1tIjyCZvLoUJgZc0tLU5vfdQIQwYhXolLF14Lt0OHO8X/s1600-h/100_0296.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vInfqlXMCfE1uaGKHIb_B0ybX91OeVGNEniDefH7rfLT6jACs6J20drqlPzfwHcp6QfQVphDT-zofu-FV3p2COxFOomZdwgM1tIjyCZvLoUJgZc0tLU5vfdQIQwYhXolLF14Lt0OHO8X/s320/100_0296.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194063958351593922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Locale: Briones Regional Park (North Section), Martinez, Contra Costa, CA<br />Date: Sunday, April 27, 2008<br />Duration: 7 miles (we actually did 7.5 or so in 4 hours)<br />Price: Free<br />All in all: A grassy getaway on an immensely hot spring day<br />Rating: ***<br />Maps & More info: <a href="http://www.ebparks.org/parks/briones">http://www.ebparks.org/parks/briones</a><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkl_Rb1Hh7goF4WKBLQoNM_yDz-hdiD6xwctxCNjqZf4XRayvCX1dnZHSFae6zfZaCcdeKf4fxXpXghIh1dKw_wWh06NfMKQd9WyAuli1urXdFK-Xe4hdwMgZa7dnOZkE0MdjzT-tAvaN/s1600-h/100_0282.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkl_Rb1Hh7goF4WKBLQoNM_yDz-hdiD6xwctxCNjqZf4XRayvCX1dnZHSFae6zfZaCcdeKf4fxXpXghIh1dKw_wWh06NfMKQd9WyAuli1urXdFK-Xe4hdwMgZa7dnOZkE0MdjzT-tAvaN/s320/100_0282.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194064860294726098" border="0" /></a>I could not find anything more fitting then the amusing President Truman quote to describe our day at Briones. I would describe our four hour plus hike as a successful letdown. Do not get me wrong, Briones Regional Park offers acres upon acres of lush landscapes filled with lagoons, wildlife, grazing cattle and preying vultures flying overhead. The mishaps on our journey were to the fault of our own for we should have hiked much earlier in the morning or perhaps not on such a hot breezeless day and paid better attention to the trails (we actually had to backtrack twice - both times steep uphill sections). So I will attempt to give the few of you reading this the adequate information needed to have a actual successful loop tour of the northern and less traveled end of Briones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismSXIfN1zboEvSTE1RKvd3xGk00jMcGukkLTSfHgye3rKlM_49ikAbIWg3nSDy6QL_AV30TaHV6S-t0GNZ3ADP_srgnGs1VJzcI0bgiwKsJCSJLYFUXICjjOFR-nTpgwXSIzFcwPOb4I7/s1600-h/100_0279.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismSXIfN1zboEvSTE1RKvd3xGk00jMcGukkLTSfHgye3rKlM_49ikAbIWg3nSDy6QL_AV30TaHV6S-t0GNZ3ADP_srgnGs1VJzcI0bgiwKsJCSJLYFUXICjjOFR-nTpgwXSIzFcwPOb4I7/s320/100_0279.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194066204619489762" border="0" /></a>Getting to the northern end is a breeze. Simply go on Hwy 4 into Martinez, take the Alhambra exit and take a right. Then go right on Alhambra Valley Rd, after a mile turn left on Briones road and drive the remaining 1.5 miles til you get to the dead end. Got it? If not, just look for the signs guiding the way. The many trails of Briones are populated by hikers, bikers, equestrians, dogs and cattle. So as you can imagine in the winter, the trails are muddy and are full of animal and footprints. Today in the hot dry air of late April, the trail was completely dry but was rough terrain from all the footwork of last winter and the previous years. In reading about Briones, I found that over a century ago, a man named Felipe Briones ranched the land with his family before being killed on the land. Decades later, the park became an official regional park, more recently Briones Regional Park hit news when this man died:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLRmxdoWWOnS8S3x2QA690pATkEUnj4qw4kgyGTKYI0F5j3ueRpX6mEWm7W-6BxSNG_TBFNvL6NHAOcjrYB9lU4E2eQAPSEYVlRe2UzpTgELvr5WgPoP0YHYW63quozRDGHXU_Ity3pwk/s1600-h/100_0284.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLRmxdoWWOnS8S3x2QA690pATkEUnj4qw4kgyGTKYI0F5j3ueRpX6mEWm7W-6BxSNG_TBFNvL6NHAOcjrYB9lU4E2eQAPSEYVlRe2UzpTgELvr5WgPoP0YHYW63quozRDGHXU_Ity3pwk/s320/100_0284.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194137290623205874" border="0" /></a>Ivan Dickson donated nearly half a million dollars to the East Bay Park District when he died, in return they named this loop trail after him at Briones as well as buried his favorite beer and food by a park bench.<br /><br />Start out this loop at Old Briones road (it'll be at the right of the parking area/or straight through the cattle gate). After a half mile of pretty flat terrain, you will go through another gate - turn right to stay on Old Briones. On this trail you will pass natural ponds and here will be the beginning of the grasslands on this hike. Beware: it was extremely hot and dry in the sun today with very little breeze so either wear a bunch of sunscreen or all white clothing because it would put Dante's Inferno to shame at times so if you know it's going to be hot be prepared. I'd say about 85% of this loop was in the hot sun. After another .3 miles bear a right on Briones Crest Trail - be careful for those cow or horse pies!! At the top of the hill you'll see to your right the Benicia-Martinez bridge as well as the Mothball fleet (aka old warships at bay that have been put to use in many of the Earth's bodies of water). At 1.5 miles, join Mott Peak Trail which is to the left. You'll start to climb before seeing a gate at the top. Ascend to the left first to get a full view of Mt Diablo, the bay, the fleet, and the acreage of beautiful grasslands.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiQ3Iz3koF8bjPKKBLktOoSl-98Fyab-gOhuHWxKDbpv1oHKAvMthWQoO5rkW4FLXhmLXsH1PktoMOtnuKy25Ft42rolxM3h6X_mqBwJEdLNA1xwBjntBzbpZVoQmIJZhbKUa2imx7j4T/s1600-h/100_0286.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiQ3Iz3koF8bjPKKBLktOoSl-98Fyab-gOhuHWxKDbpv1oHKAvMthWQoO5rkW4FLXhmLXsH1PktoMOtnuKy25Ft42rolxM3h6X_mqBwJEdLNA1xwBjntBzbpZVoQmIJZhbKUa2imx7j4T/s320/100_0286.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194138957070516738" border="0" /></a>Back at the Mott Peak Trail, go through the gate and descend. You will see cattle and for those of you not too friendly with cows, they are more scared of us then you are of them that's for sure. You should be heading west now and in about .75 miles turn right on Abrigo Valley Trail. You'll pass 2 camps and as the trail starts to go steeply and curvy you'll hear a faint brief waterfall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt0Ew6wdeMRHGcRAoncO6j9s-IZflpSCiNa01lPzYoxqaIOr_46sNX1kwbM_2hdv3zWz5BwKK00xlk64FD2Jz_yGehYWKqwHviNyBVcO_ddFjRjHqxOckVY3yh6aY2IVNwhoCbERgkAUb/s1600-h/100_0282.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt0Ew6wdeMRHGcRAoncO6j9s-IZflpSCiNa01lPzYoxqaIOr_46sNX1kwbM_2hdv3zWz5BwKK00xlk64FD2Jz_yGehYWKqwHviNyBVcO_ddFjRjHqxOckVY3yh6aY2IVNwhoCbERgkAUb/s320/100_0282.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194139695804891666" border="0" /></a>But oh fore where art thou trail to reach it? We could not find out. We just saw the creek which was a trickle. We couldn't find the waterfall but found a small fountain like area which was too far away (due to thick poison oak and weeds) to reach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcEzWXKYFP_zUUFxwC9mijxF0JKi_qYKF_hxzCPnh9mNEfjZBLU-kvh2UsFbmP402kkUfuK-uiI69V_NTRBBXL2ieOt5d9DuCxgoS92KnyTpwoE_iTsykuHab7HjhPY0obswFNjA9drbB/s1600-h/100_0297.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcEzWXKYFP_zUUFxwC9mijxF0JKi_qYKF_hxzCPnh9mNEfjZBLU-kvh2UsFbmP402kkUfuK-uiI69V_NTRBBXL2ieOt5d9DuCxgoS92KnyTpwoE_iTsykuHab7HjhPY0obswFNjA9drbB/s320/100_0297.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194140022222406178" border="0" /></a>How lovely it would've been to cool off with cool running water. Out of breath, we continued to climb up past more cattle to yet another gate. Here turn right until you get to Lagoon Trail, now turn left. The majority of the rest of this hike is all downhill. Lagoon trail will continue for a mile and then proceed left onto Toyon Canyon which is very downhill for another mile. At least here there is some much needed shade. Lastly, turn right to Pine Tree Trail. Pine Tree Trail climbs alongside the road you drove in on. At this point in the hike I'd normally be content but today I was just too damn hot and was out of my 2 liter camelbak water. My boyfriend and I took frequent stops (I was nearly hyperventilating unfortunately) even though we were almost back to the car. As we drove back into Martinez and then onto Hwy 4 I did not regret our weekend hike at Briones Regional Park even though we had experienced a bit of a drawback, instead, I decided to marvel it because it is natural, it is beautiful and like John Muir might have thought, it is a wonderful place of open wilderness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmNgHJwb492VMXIJHRJX28DmcRH2EKo6dXR8ynMZ72knkUWB5MWdOa9ERn5bnGf1jwNFAqp1w4rIoIad58ySvvTRwVDok9zyDl2KmqUeWBte7AUhqR73f3LYNocAPURPBPBNTCfkmdkz6/s1600-h/100_0299.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmNgHJwb492VMXIJHRJX28DmcRH2EKo6dXR8ynMZ72knkUWB5MWdOa9ERn5bnGf1jwNFAqp1w4rIoIad58ySvvTRwVDok9zyDl2KmqUeWBte7AUhqR73f3LYNocAPURPBPBNTCfkmdkz6/s320/100_0299.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194140949935342130" border="0" /></a>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-82329900750404006932008-04-20T09:25:00.001-07:002008-04-26T11:36:26.073-07:00Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Too sweet a flower to bloom on Earth,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">she is gone to bloom in Heaven."</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Epitaph on a 2 year old child's gravestone at Rose Hill Cemetery</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrep5w_IpGjSgOBeccMOUA7cP_XnMicO90iQzfQtz1zprmOZSt4JVPTp0qsggZcNy1OAK8xlDZ98Zt8ZQM7tMDuNecxBzT-VfGz2fQBYcwyW7YQqJSJYG54BzE9ira54u_tfecGcewKsb/s1600-h/100_0250.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191364790171897954" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrep5w_IpGjSgOBeccMOUA7cP_XnMicO90iQzfQtz1zprmOZSt4JVPTp0qsggZcNy1OAK8xlDZ98Zt8ZQM7tMDuNecxBzT-VfGz2fQBYcwyW7YQqJSJYG54BzE9ira54u_tfecGcewKsb/s320/100_0250.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Locale: Black Diamond Mines, Antioch, Contra Costa County, CA<br />Date: Saturday, April 19, 2008<br />Duration: 5.3 miles (took 3.5 hours)<br />Price: $5 at kiosk<br />All in All: A wonderful place to explore nature and local history<br />Rating: **** </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=471">http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=471</a><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALHsfp_YSpJnOmpRlG5XbaqNx1hFe-0hdNxcSncpLJ2z_JhC297yMhFnmdenmr8p1sAEeIJl8ETVyPKjsmgNoz5AlWgoMQPBYDqOzsOlMbTtulL1WSy5QGvHOlhx2bZcN7D5U0sjkk07W/s1600-h/100_0248.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191365610510651506" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALHsfp_YSpJnOmpRlG5XbaqNx1hFe-0hdNxcSncpLJ2z_JhC297yMhFnmdenmr8p1sAEeIJl8ETVyPKjsmgNoz5AlWgoMQPBYDqOzsOlMbTtulL1WSy5QGvHOlhx2bZcN7D5U0sjkk07W/s320/100_0248.jpg" border="0" /></a>Out of all the hikes we have completed thus far, I can't think of a place that is so well rounded. There are over 60 trails at this reserve all of which are full of history. These hikes/trails are great for regular hikers, families, couples, and children. It is very simple to get to as well - just go on Hwy 4 towards Antioch until you get to the somersville exit. Go right on this exit straight for a few miles until you reach the reserve. You will drive to a kiosk where you must pay a fee and receive a map. There are two parking lots. The first is for the information center. STOP HERE IF YOU WANT MORE USEFUL INFO! We had headed to the trailhead and found ourselves a bit confused as to where to start (I definitely wanted to see Jim's Place and the mine shaft). We stopped at the center where there are a couple of live snakes to seek plenty of maps for local hikes and a helpful guide who showed us exactly where we needed to go. From here, drive up the road a mile to the final lot to start the hike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRTrUaLAAgxBYkqe8oAMbsyXnkiYlEJbYh3HCX18FBiXk2egelDr7fU_PARCwws63sXfNQpjQ-uvxD8A6rpX22ZsH6ceRZuh6OgxrSiXePpjBzS-KFHAc_C7_WvKQni33kjefrBJycl5P/s1600-h/100_0249.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191366851756200066" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRTrUaLAAgxBYkqe8oAMbsyXnkiYlEJbYh3HCX18FBiXk2egelDr7fU_PARCwws63sXfNQpjQ-uvxD8A6rpX22ZsH6ceRZuh6OgxrSiXePpjBzS-KFHAc_C7_WvKQni33kjefrBJycl5P/s320/100_0249.jpg" border="0" /></a>At the trailhead is restrooms and when we arrived a treasure hunt start. A woman who works for the EB Parks service was handing out GPS's to use for treasure hunts. We saw many children with their parents starting and ending their hunts here. The trails for these were only about a mile or two (mainly up to the cemetery). We decided to not do this or to go on the atlas-mine tour which is $3, though I would go on the tour next time. Before we started we overheard the story of Sara Norton - or the "white witch" who is buried among the 200 at Rose Hill Cemetery (more about her later). I had read the reserve was allegedly haunted adding to my enthusiasm of the hike but I tend not to believe in the occult so I did not feel scared, perhaps, if it was dark out when apparitions have presumably been seen it might be different.<br /><br />The hike starts out on a blacktop road where you pass mounds and go up stairs pass the old visitor center which is now boarded up for maintenance. After the stairs you will see the Eureka Slope - used to hoist coal to the surface. Do use your map to see the points of interest at each pit stop. (See above picture).<br /><br />Turn to the right to go on Chaparral Loop. Eventually you will go left on Manhattan Canyon and climb a ways and will come to a cattle gate. Go through it to enter Black Diamond Trail. Black DIamond Trail has the best views. You see the hills, the rocks, the wildflowers, Antioch and the windmills in the distance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFEpqlHnbgxmyRrkXS_2SVFQ0yXSNihhSLVMefdZVmODW2OZGwRWEEppS7uy2rniZWE2H1RTNtLsQwh8pL7iSnBZa91pqwrt9rDj63Vg9fatIAm4TKs8KNEwaD_7RLTKDI9fZu6g0FBT0/s1600-h/100_0256.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191368754426712210" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFEpqlHnbgxmyRrkXS_2SVFQ0yXSNihhSLVMefdZVmODW2OZGwRWEEppS7uy2rniZWE2H1RTNtLsQwh8pL7iSnBZa91pqwrt9rDj63Vg9fatIAm4TKs8KNEwaD_7RLTKDI9fZu6g0FBT0/s320/100_0256.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGmqsH_5Wbdr33sUKsRB7KUSbfI8hk9AvHgM9M0227lXDFQbXJdOlR4tSGweLTkwClVJi47jfbeJX-F6WBfWaziD7mFdKOlbFtl8wA_sbBxjbG6Xxo52YyfZavegYWIwyXiPk8inj6mL5/s1600-h/100_0253.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191368917635469474" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGmqsH_5Wbdr33sUKsRB7KUSbfI8hk9AvHgM9M0227lXDFQbXJdOlR4tSGweLTkwClVJi47jfbeJX-F6WBfWaziD7mFdKOlbFtl8wA_sbBxjbG6Xxo52YyfZavegYWIwyXiPk8inj6mL5/s320/100_0253.jpg" border="0" /></a>Black Diamond is fairly flat for awhile then climbs upwards with more remarkable views. If you have been to the Donner Falls you will see the same area from the top of B. Diamond as well as Clayton. As Black Diamond becomes a paved downhill curved path, at the bottom you will see Cumberland Trail. Cumberland Trail is brief and leads to an open mine shaft for you to explore. It only goes in a hundred feet or so but a flashlight is handy to view spiders, sandstone, and people who carved their initials and obscenities (shame!).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAuOk7G8XfRDLvivBWjDZwsLXxMS2JTpTZaLLLVYML0T2sTYLJwiYftt7MueoKoudlgPZ-bmnDFxy7-gDIcf-zCTIlzBgDnOKkG2U9SGDoSGvpJBd4REo1F0jay1LiiT6BwgVWIEdx7u-/s1600-h/100_0259.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191369909772914882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAuOk7G8XfRDLvivBWjDZwsLXxMS2JTpTZaLLLVYML0T2sTYLJwiYftt7MueoKoudlgPZ-bmnDFxy7-gDIcf-zCTIlzBgDnOKkG2U9SGDoSGvpJBd4REo1F0jay1LiiT6BwgVWIEdx7u-/s320/100_0259.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Continue back to Black Diamond Way. After about .20 miles turn right on coal canyon to see Jim's Place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgS12GaagM0RUq886Ciifd-X03ugxXzjiGik0-lLkLiUomJud_yCw312JKF1Enb_6GXguXS31OY71G-8lehVYGL3fh3kEAaPIhmwL1N20TIe4HXrr6iIy3rR9PwnYY34ZEFb43zfAg9Na/s1600-h/100_0261.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191369768038994098" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgS12GaagM0RUq886Ciifd-X03ugxXzjiGik0-lLkLiUomJud_yCw312JKF1Enb_6GXguXS31OY71G-8lehVYGL3fh3kEAaPIhmwL1N20TIe4HXrr6iIy3rR9PwnYY34ZEFb43zfAg9Na/s320/100_0261.jpg" border="0" /></a>Jim's Place was a carved out cave with a skylight, stovepipe hole, and a shelf carved out. It's small but cozy if it was still the 1800s. No one is sure of who lived here or for how long. Continue on the trail. The trail is narrow and watch out for the huge pine cones that fall along here. On this path you will see other mine openings to explore. Eventually, you will go through another cattle gate and turn right onto Nortonville Trail. Stop at the signs to view pictures of what Nortonville looked like. Here over a hundred years ago was one of the small mining towns that held families from all over the world (Australia, South Wales, Scotland, etc) who came to mine. There was a saloon, a school, houses, and shops. After visiting history, continue climbing up the endless hill.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi6piHFIeekcHy43NTsQ2VSabYdpGbHI2V6qou_vlFdHqns2n56d8QVVkCvDGKa0lexP68JUi3NCXi7SjL_a8FOP33fPGjNEYtPO-m4YXfZGzeuy2Ojs_M6pQOZnxuer90DxKnGJ48ZO3/s1600-h/100_0269.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191371335702057170" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi6piHFIeekcHy43NTsQ2VSabYdpGbHI2V6qou_vlFdHqns2n56d8QVVkCvDGKa0lexP68JUi3NCXi7SjL_a8FOP33fPGjNEYtPO-m4YXfZGzeuy2Ojs_M6pQOZnxuer90DxKnGJ48ZO3/s320/100_0269.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Once to the top, there will be another sign to read about the grazing of cattle and the ecology of the area. At this point there's only around a mile left. The most interesting point of the loop is to come on the left ahead - Rose Hill Cemetery.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwItB7zuyLxlNagZQk8FdvXgZPqhSzo7piR4VZxI4agzbwBhqO39M0qd4IewUD60_5qvfwvNmIg8X_B-x0LQtbcXrsoS5FD1si1Gi2Jz641QjKCwHXym8-f9JusUOhXsSxhx7kgYFXmQxv/s1600-h/100_0274.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191371425896370402" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwItB7zuyLxlNagZQk8FdvXgZPqhSzo7piR4VZxI4agzbwBhqO39M0qd4IewUD60_5qvfwvNmIg8X_B-x0LQtbcXrsoS5FD1si1Gi2Jz641QjKCwHXym8-f9JusUOhXsSxhx7kgYFXmQxv/s320/100_0274.jpg" border="0" /></a>The park has a whole brochure just for the interesting cemetery. You can get this at the center or at the cemetery but beware the holders may be empty here. The brochure has a map of the 200 burial plots and some interesting biographies of people buried here. Sadly, last century idiots decided to vandalize and destroy plots and many just have the base of a stone. But the park service has done their research and have repaired broken headstones, placed plaques over proper areas but they still have more to restore. The most interesting plot holder may be of Sara Norton.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTCOa_ZR7tyJKMWcMul202AOrlDYl4hWmheiGZ9Yx0ZQcMUwI8n7aDlHjAfyU_rt0aQxRruoDg5oFP2s9X09abyPa9HglQWBmcy7grE3lzW_bLLcyXHr1iPZ7gXYcyuHbcBaD0AJSqthv/s1600-h/100_0273.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191371546155454706" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTCOa_ZR7tyJKMWcMul202AOrlDYl4hWmheiGZ9Yx0ZQcMUwI8n7aDlHjAfyU_rt0aQxRruoDg5oFP2s9X09abyPa9HglQWBmcy7grE3lzW_bLLcyXHr1iPZ7gXYcyuHbcBaD0AJSqthv/s320/100_0273.jpg" border="0" /></a>She was a midwife who delivered scores of babies who died being thrown from her buggy. People have claimed to see her ghost here at night wearing a white gown, some say they have seen a buggy hearse climbing up the hill as well. True? Who knows, I'm not one to give into the myths but I don't want to be around after dark to find out. The tombstones are interesting and historic. They also tell sad stories. Many are buried with their infants and children who died from disease, accidents, and the mines themselves. I would say the average age of the people buried here is around 20 years old or so. Rarely did we come across an elderly person's grave. Try to read the epitaphs and poems on the grave, some are hard to read.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypHFD9uC6oEyPRNvzHhFvhaWV8XNk9wUNxaaQnryr2okmPBx73xcvP2q6bIkHFJhP3uhhXqv4fO12UxiJKm5x11aYlRk4xAlvdN9hCi4umk7wuPMcmoEp7tvhRMluoNbHuwE9OQfGMFd2/s1600-h/100_0275.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191373126703419650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypHFD9uC6oEyPRNvzHhFvhaWV8XNk9wUNxaaQnryr2okmPBx73xcvP2q6bIkHFJhP3uhhXqv4fO12UxiJKm5x11aYlRk4xAlvdN9hCi4umk7wuPMcmoEp7tvhRMluoNbHuwE9OQfGMFd2/s320/100_0275.jpg" border="0" /></a>Notice the misspelling on this stone.<br /><br />After admiring the cemetery and mourning the tragedies, continue down the hill to the parking lot. A shorter hike through a history chamber was how I felt at the end of the day, one definitely well spent.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLs0QuWYsjkgyBEgDs2MwIILcDtnEHU4pR8eIghiB8Q3iysIP4JHavG2C8E9Yxsh3ABD_qyK5sjdLg7iVXCSYuhuywHgow4edWCLTSJj3IAlTfCtHniAko7YRSFd1i-h08tWChYIxSjhY/s1600-h/100_0276.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLs0QuWYsjkgyBEgDs2MwIILcDtnEHU4pR8eIghiB8Q3iysIP4JHavG2C8E9Yxsh3ABD_qyK5sjdLg7iVXCSYuhuywHgow4edWCLTSJj3IAlTfCtHniAko7YRSFd1i-h08tWChYIxSjhY/s320/100_0276.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192572174475772338" border="0" /></a> Above is a picture of a baby snake which said au revoir as we exited the park.Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-3414088988965990492008-04-15T20:14:00.001-07:002008-04-26T11:31:19.145-07:00An Effort to Save our State Parks<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-John Muir, <span style="font-style: italic;">Our National Parks<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">For those of you who are well aware and well, those of you who may not have heard, Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed to close 48 state parks and 16 state beaches in California for the next fiscal year. That is 64 LESS places to enjoy and cherish. In a society in an era that has dealt with blows such as 9/11, the War on Terror, the increasing gas prices and the economic recession, it at times may seem less important to fight to save state parks but hopefully after experiencing them firsthand (if not virtually through blogs and websites), we all can pitch in to at least try to save these 48 parks and 16 beaches.<br /><br /><br />Below is a link to the names of these proposed closures as well as places you can go to donate or contribute somehow to the cause. Thank you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.calparks.org/act-now/proposed-park-closures-map.html">http://www.calparks.org/act-now/proposed-park-closures-map.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.savestateparks.org/">http://www.savestateparks.org/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://ca.audubon.org/newsroom/080114_park_closure.php">http://ca.audubon.org/newsroom/080114_park_closure.php</a><br /></span>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-9875369676347721412008-04-14T16:02:00.001-07:002008-04-26T11:28:13.063-07:00Steep Ravine-Matt Davis Loop<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and sorry I could not travel both</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And be one traveler, long I stood</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And looked down one as far as I could</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">To where it bent in the undergrowth;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then took the other just as fair,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And having perhaps the better claim,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">because it was grassy and wanted wear;</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Though as for that the passing there</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Had worn them really about the same,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And both that morning equally lay </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In leaves no step had trodden black.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oh, I kept the first for another day!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yet knowing how way leads on to way,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I doubted if I should ever come back.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I shall be telling this with a sign </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Somewhere ages and ages hence:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I took the one less traveled by,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And that has made all the difference."</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Robert Frost, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Road Not Taken</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1rfwdAyNQwVANNWBStQrKG6VEW6hkrBFVV1l08rP7yj8uNp8gIFRITRWtGohyiMS-b45quxEuW9Uv-mvXVW4Z9TlK_qNaWGQKdQj8vLQp_Aub3lOpli1TVlHFeYegYmFjR9CWtj4vQ8o/s1600-h/100_0234.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189240569223538530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1rfwdAyNQwVANNWBStQrKG6VEW6hkrBFVV1l08rP7yj8uNp8gIFRITRWtGohyiMS-b45quxEuW9Uv-mvXVW4Z9TlK_qNaWGQKdQj8vLQp_Aub3lOpli1TVlHFeYegYmFjR9CWtj4vQ8o/s400/100_0234.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Locale: Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop, Stinson Beach, Marin County, CA<br />Date: Sunday, April 13, 2008<br />Duration: 7.5 miles (took us 5 hours due to our car parking situation and a brief backtrack)<br />Price: Free if starting at Stinson Beach, if at Pantroll ($6)<br />All in All: A great way to spend a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Rating: **** </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=471">http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=471</a><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPcoKrq1NvdoqF7e8r7kZif-_x5E2D2wE9PlvQXwVwj_kc59Z7eyhKVRGGAwktmCgUW8MV01RmOOaeQkCEc30LMMqWhprjipCmqsL9rSWpjdcidvS_vC1EiBzfWijdvhOWm1H9dIfXAKX/s1600-h/100_0201.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189241312252880754" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 275px; cursor: pointer; height: 206px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPcoKrq1NvdoqF7e8r7kZif-_x5E2D2wE9PlvQXwVwj_kc59Z7eyhKVRGGAwktmCgUW8MV01RmOOaeQkCEc30LMMqWhprjipCmqsL9rSWpjdcidvS_vC1EiBzfWijdvhOWm1H9dIfXAKX/s400/100_0201.jpg" border="0" /></a>Amongst the small but lively city of Stinson Beach lies many famous weekend explorations. Stinson Beach has many shops, restaurants and inns that fall alongside Hwy 1 just yards away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean and miles of trails that cover Mt. Tam State Park. Across Hwy 1 is the fire station on Belvedere Ave where parking is sparse for trail hikers. Our adventure was delayed in starting due to two reasons, however. First of all, coming from Hwy 101 then onto Hwy 1, we missed the first mention of Panoramic Hwy. Instead, the first time we saw Panoramic was when we were just a block away from the trailhead and ended up going up Panoramic when it was unnecessary. For those of you who are heading to Matt Davis trail, I find it simpler and much more scenic to just follow Hwy 1 until you get to Stinson Beach. You'll see the fire station (Belvedere Ave) on your right, take this right and the trailhead begins at the do not enter sign post. As we pulled into Belvedere it was already about one o'clock on a hot and sunny Spring day. The beach was packed and parking was almost impossible. We decided to park at the community center which was not open along with other cars. Just as we got out of our car, a man and his very soon to be wife pulled up and stated, "Do you know this is a tow away zone?" Cripes. In fact, he and his fiance' were to be married that afternoon. Fellow hikers and us were forced to repark. We parked a few blocks away in the confusing one way streets of cramped but lucky tenants overlooking the area. We found a tight spot and finally headed on our way.<br /><br />Please let it be known that there are in fact 2 starting points and ending points of this loop. You may choose to start at Stinson which this blog is based (which we found to be more difficult then the other start/end) and try to find a parking spot (but not pay a fee) OR you may start at Pantroll station which is actually on Panoramic Hwy. If you choose to start at Stinson, you will reach the Pantroll station halfway through the hike which is a nice pit stop if you have a packed lunch, need some guidance from the ranger, need a bathroom break and water, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8SU-XUJJq180gI1rCJZi5NxgwC4pXID08Xma3NcUC0586TFlt_Ne0wXFedS_7nGoRjwhS0jfLsfcla3PpHWIR9ED5X724Iom2DDwrhZu1kCGRVSNwaYpWMRWTRJqNXEIf5WXbk_yagms/s1600-h/100_0205.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189244198470903682" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8SU-XUJJq180gI1rCJZi5NxgwC4pXID08Xma3NcUC0586TFlt_Ne0wXFedS_7nGoRjwhS0jfLsfcla3PpHWIR9ED5X724Iom2DDwrhZu1kCGRVSNwaYpWMRWTRJqNXEIf5WXbk_yagms/s320/100_0205.jpg" border="0" /></a>Matt Davis-Steep Ravine contains numerous bridges that cross Webb creek like the one above. In fact, as soon as you start out on Matt Davis you will cross one. Sadly due to the heat in the afternoon, I was already partially winded (walking on pavement uphill from the car) once we got to the trail, I figure this along with my long work week added to the strenuous nature of the first half of the hike. What is good about starting at Stinson is you get the hardest part of the hike out of the way first. Matt Davis climbs upwards 1500 feet. As the trail zigzags up the small mountain, we crossed the creek, admired the firs and redwoods and said hello to many other hikers. The trail uses many series of steps so if steps are not your thing, I do not recommend this hike as it can be tiring in the sun and heat. Luckily, this harder part of the hike was in the shaded woods though there was little breeze. We had purchased a pair of blu bandoos which you soak in cold water and wear around your neck to keep cool. I was so glad we got these as they came in handy. We often soaked them in the cool creeks.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUChpPVKtfgKKhI6EeOObgZVnmZWyajN4VI9rAPZuuJ3-fSC1_OvC0S77Yxb_B7R5UlQMUeNLTLOnTa1FXR8kB8eCOcmuc1tkhUNNN3R2_bGwI-Ou7n5RxYhOSSYsrD_CjkMbSFmf4udWV/s1600-h/100_0210.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189245491256059794" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUChpPVKtfgKKhI6EeOObgZVnmZWyajN4VI9rAPZuuJ3-fSC1_OvC0S77Yxb_B7R5UlQMUeNLTLOnTa1FXR8kB8eCOcmuc1tkhUNNN3R2_bGwI-Ou7n5RxYhOSSYsrD_CjkMbSFmf4udWV/s320/100_0210.jpg" border="0" /></a>We did notice many families (with small babies and children) coming from the Pantroll Station way (which made sense due to it being downhill and not uphill). Never the less, we trekked onwards up to the top of the hill. We stopped at one location where we saw a family eating lunch. It's flat gray rock overlooking the beach. Standing towards the far right we notices a small memorial to a woman who passed away in 2005, though it did not mention why the plaque was placed here, I did not need to question. Shortly after this, we stopped at a small waterfall to get some cold water to splash on our face and saw an angel someone had placed there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrEglRhCOpOwsAbAHfw3NpIIF39ku70T7NALEeFe6hMgIm2tL7pDxsM5evB0hFoI8dvDW_KnYDVSBuYrEBP6JZ4td0pq1MAQCRJF-ecd7_RW1xAY66QYEhyphenhyphenTR1GmC39o1GIjKpfvK3Jfy/s1600-h/100_0209.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189246195630696354" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrEglRhCOpOwsAbAHfw3NpIIF39ku70T7NALEeFe6hMgIm2tL7pDxsM5evB0hFoI8dvDW_KnYDVSBuYrEBP6JZ4td0pq1MAQCRJF-ecd7_RW1xAY66QYEhyphenhyphenTR1GmC39o1GIjKpfvK3Jfy/s320/100_0209.jpg" border="0" /></a>After you get to the top of climbing, you find yourself out of the woods and on a grassy plain. There are three trails. One small dirt trail goes back into the woods, another small trail goes higher up still, and the main trail continues straight on into the sunny plains. Continue on Matt Davis (the sunny straight path). I was actually thankful for getting out of the woods into the hot sun. Call me crazy but I needed a break from climbing up stairs as much of an achievement as it was. The trail continues all the way in and out of wooded areas for about 2 miles where you have to cross Panoramic to the Pantroll Station. But along the much easier 2 miles, be sure to admire the views. Stinson Beach is to your right and San Francisco is straight ahead.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimJ2DdpJor74RjNT5kGXf-IZ_W40qiXl7UhI-mOn8MFtl6VfuC5VY-WrsB4kbM_Mw9OOjigXEUM6NenFimvVQy0W271ARmHvXRM0cVh420ogIZJ9k0gBfEy2dJXv9CzKp39hEneAaVUx_/s1600-h/100_0216.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189247097573828530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimJ2DdpJor74RjNT5kGXf-IZ_W40qiXl7UhI-mOn8MFtl6VfuC5VY-WrsB4kbM_Mw9OOjigXEUM6NenFimvVQy0W271ARmHvXRM0cVh420ogIZJ9k0gBfEy2dJXv9CzKp39hEneAaVUx_/s320/100_0216.jpg" border="0" /></a>Matt Davis Trail as it finishes the ascent and through grass and wildflowers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMO4l2S4kCY5jimmkW5RqFV3urvDet7JupXhf1K1dgAogaBLSyJfHt111RLxuSK5ppFPUAc1dFwsXxcZ_EGZN-FNHQDhHvkQO_ABKMQk3Gc7vvCv3D1EgACuXTWrczz0OkD90dgskX2OU/s1600-h/100_0217.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189247531365525442" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMO4l2S4kCY5jimmkW5RqFV3urvDet7JupXhf1K1dgAogaBLSyJfHt111RLxuSK5ppFPUAc1dFwsXxcZ_EGZN-FNHQDhHvkQO_ABKMQk3Gc7vvCv3D1EgACuXTWrczz0OkD90dgskX2OU/s320/100_0217.jpg" border="0" /></a>A view of the city from Matt Davis.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJJzbDeNKSaMwDOV8T3Hwr30OEN1voiQ5X50L8IP7NolpROPU7PR_QKeYCxAdKbjlQrMdopwBzENr_fCUyEtS4Hc9PAG6YqRPkLocg6k3ITvU3j2B66jf3eIOmdEWIuBIeewk13e53qGD/s1600-h/100_0214.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189247789063563218" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 208px; cursor: pointer; height: 156px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJJzbDeNKSaMwDOV8T3Hwr30OEN1voiQ5X50L8IP7NolpROPU7PR_QKeYCxAdKbjlQrMdopwBzENr_fCUyEtS4Hc9PAG6YqRPkLocg6k3ITvU3j2B66jf3eIOmdEWIuBIeewk13e53qGD/s320/100_0214.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Shortly before reaching the Panoramic/Pantroll Station crossing, you will see the following sign:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ_d3yhP2eKKxuJi46fHfLMbEdCXrdBYHZmqLuMduCufYgJgShkZ9m-ziMg0IgAEZbu2W-jXRThTWYZ6kaeib2AhXq05xBHkdGoLRSsNe5kkR-0U5S7k9MLEEyNZ3fOGmn5iRQxk-AxL0/s1600-h/100_0225.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189248102596175842" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 271px; cursor: pointer; height: 204px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ_d3yhP2eKKxuJi46fHfLMbEdCXrdBYHZmqLuMduCufYgJgShkZ9m-ziMg0IgAEZbu2W-jXRThTWYZ6kaeib2AhXq05xBHkdGoLRSsNe5kkR-0U5S7k9MLEEyNZ3fOGmn5iRQxk-AxL0/s320/100_0225.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Toward the beginning of Matt Davis, you will also come across this tree:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UMXVjIaK__voDXYU7Kr2qj-bYTcS3iXSmNGAZkHYNVDI8OXGW1nygvc_Cpe2n4lLioCTBr1JP8t8_Ixqon6qDNSqLXbnh6HWeVxumHnJ80zo9JQb6LHPn3Mc1jLZVFseGniqIVEcysXW/s1600-h/100_0203.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189248527797938178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 266px; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UMXVjIaK__voDXYU7Kr2qj-bYTcS3iXSmNGAZkHYNVDI8OXGW1nygvc_Cpe2n4lLioCTBr1JP8t8_Ixqon6qDNSqLXbnh6HWeVxumHnJ80zo9JQb6LHPn3Mc1jLZVFseGniqIVEcysXW/s320/100_0203.jpg" border="0" /></a>Gladly but unfortunately at the same time, we did not encounter rattlers or any wildcats, but we did see the below gardener snake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Ko8NItXezdjD8_d4XI4QZq2DREY0Ko8Nb7cmhofgJsxIahPZlIz1VocQyXzNqzVcHqdUQOsOAy4OqKj3MG_13IAQ-B8VtSxkcAp9tUtN7tIeBQM37pJqdIKgFA0W9r9Dp2jPCcqqVB_/s1600-h/100_0223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189248184200554482" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Ko8NItXezdjD8_d4XI4QZq2DREY0Ko8Nb7cmhofgJsxIahPZlIz1VocQyXzNqzVcHqdUQOsOAy4OqKj3MG_13IAQ-B8VtSxkcAp9tUtN7tIeBQM37pJqdIKgFA0W9r9Dp2jPCcqqVB_/s320/100_0223.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There is a bench towards the crossing as well, just a matter of yards later you must cross the hwy to the station. Be careful! At Pantroll station, you have many options. You can stop and eat, fill up with water, ask the rangers questions, use the restrooms or continue on to many different trails. For the purpose of this blog and our trip, continue on to Steep Ravine Trail. This is the most famous section of the loop. It contains a trip into the darkly shaded forest where waterfalls, more bridges, fallen redwoods, and a 10 foot ladder climb awaits you. .8 miles through the trail you find yourself along side a small waterfall and the top of 10 foot ladder.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1rfwdAyNQwVANNWBStQrKG6VEW6hkrBFVV1l08rP7yj8uNp8gIFRITRWtGohyiMS-b45quxEuW9Uv-mvXVW4Z9TlK_qNaWGQKdQj8vLQp_Aub3lOpli1TVlHFeYegYmFjR9CWtj4vQ8o/s1600-h/100_0234.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189240569223538530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 258px; cursor: pointer; height: 193px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1rfwdAyNQwVANNWBStQrKG6VEW6hkrBFVV1l08rP7yj8uNp8gIFRITRWtGohyiMS-b45quxEuW9Uv-mvXVW4Z9TlK_qNaWGQKdQj8vLQp_Aub3lOpli1TVlHFeYegYmFjR9CWtj4vQ8o/s400/100_0234.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS6UUDST7naLVisrdjDdN-ze_5enLkkKaXFDQ6ZFb6J9vlH8x4VjoOPm3GbPUURyoZNXdmJZ1lOCd-bDmjj8T9t0fpUAzjCaZmKS9wQzrubPM2ArAwgPOd_AkHO3uWzLYZA7mMOOpSWqr/s1600-h/100_0235_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189249726093813794" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 246px; cursor: pointer; height: 332px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS6UUDST7naLVisrdjDdN-ze_5enLkkKaXFDQ6ZFb6J9vlH8x4VjoOPm3GbPUURyoZNXdmJZ1lOCd-bDmjj8T9t0fpUAzjCaZmKS9wQzrubPM2ArAwgPOd_AkHO3uWzLYZA7mMOOpSWqr/s320/100_0235_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a>The ladder may be a bit uneasy for those scared of heights (I am included) but is fairly sturdy and safe as long as you hang on. My only pet peeve for those of us climbing DOWN the ladder is there is only one hand rail, I would feel safer knowing there was two. I did not even use the rail, I simply climbed downwards like a regular ladder as the use of one rail was not enough. Admire the falls, take a few pictures and onwards you go, you are now a bit over halfway through the loop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DYzyJqP6Fa5rx4Z6l8rUgovZTix0rqqnAfpJZYt6Hb7N7vCMMBD3KT7AXwk6Kc0DZQPddiNuTAD8dipo_Fo_B1rtUVSJJ17ulyn5XVe5S9LK9ptTfEmQ7zQ2b4taamtufNqsZCCKqoq9/s1600-h/100_0221.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189249605834729490" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DYzyJqP6Fa5rx4Z6l8rUgovZTix0rqqnAfpJZYt6Hb7N7vCMMBD3KT7AXwk6Kc0DZQPddiNuTAD8dipo_Fo_B1rtUVSJJ17ulyn5XVe5S9LK9ptTfEmQ7zQ2b4taamtufNqsZCCKqoq9/s320/100_0221.jpg" border="0" /></a>The redwoods resemble those at Muir Woods throughout this section and you may feel both admiration and sadness for those trees who are fallen over each other on the flank of the trails.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSn0g1EknZyb-PAk5fgwVo_W4CVzCHYWI0o8a18k0kGkwdctSZmEHOzIQsCM3CLNrioTqTrvbwfuYJ6LSxdGsmo_VOLm9uebSxgeyOOKdsxlBoB5Rnxip0xlQvCdI4YPpLMZguLsDS_BX/s1600-h/100_0238.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189250739706095666" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 127px; cursor: pointer; height: 95px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSn0g1EknZyb-PAk5fgwVo_W4CVzCHYWI0o8a18k0kGkwdctSZmEHOzIQsCM3CLNrioTqTrvbwfuYJ6LSxdGsmo_VOLm9uebSxgeyOOKdsxlBoB5Rnxip0xlQvCdI4YPpLMZguLsDS_BX/s320/100_0238.jpg" border="0" /></a>Soon though, you will junction with Dipsea trail. Dipsea is a well known trail that contains miles upon miles of trail. We also hiked it at Muir Woods. Dipsea is not contiguous however. You will see a "Caution: High Voltage" section (bummer! I thought this was supposed to be nature!), continue to your right - this is Dipsea. Dipsea ascends for a short ways and then flattens. Dipsea continues and you must cross the Hwy once again. The last mile or so is either downhill or flat on crushed rocks with bushes on both sides. Directly in front is the Pacific - what a view, if it wasn't for the noise of the nearby Hwys, it would be damn perfect. The trail dips back into the woods before ending back on the other side of the fire station. Hopefully the trail was worth it. I know it was despite the breeze-less heat and dehydration (I actually drank more all of my 2 liter camelbak bladder bag shortly before the end of the trail). Enjoy the beautiful sunset on the curvy cliffside roads of Hwy 1 as you drive back toward the city.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC71XgAWYWELyqHn5ApLIofWyueN4CMp1UlwAnGcMRn-_pw3rfqakCHdqVBctEuOuV4fw4Zu6hUbPe_jpBj22Z-W5HoZcdfzRm3ST1bUGi665YV4ksddm6yP2loZE1PCEyalzN7qyX6-G/s1600-h/100_0245.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189250847080278082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC71XgAWYWELyqHn5ApLIofWyueN4CMp1UlwAnGcMRn-_pw3rfqakCHdqVBctEuOuV4fw4Zu6hUbPe_jpBj22Z-W5HoZcdfzRm3ST1bUGi665YV4ksddm6yP2loZE1PCEyalzN7qyX6-G/s320/100_0245.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-48644573390397602052008-04-07T11:54:00.000-07:002008-04-26T11:51:46.060-07:00Mt. Diablo - Donner Canyon Falls Trail<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"To understand water is to understand the cosmos,<br />the marvels of nature, and life itself."<br />-Masaru Emoto, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hidden Messages of Water<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62iYBA5anexbCqFUeEwEdKLPCSenrRfcj30HwTEeKvup4CppW2KGiU1GnFZRmfP9Ew0BvBr2wev5bzzl9AHiph2yQvyLbBGeP7K3SxcL513s7QltDWTQa_3GkgKnJslUzyaxHBTPaC4m0/s1600-h/100_0192.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187027286637158610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 368px; cursor: pointer; height: 276px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62iYBA5anexbCqFUeEwEdKLPCSenrRfcj30HwTEeKvup4CppW2KGiU1GnFZRmfP9Ew0BvBr2wev5bzzl9AHiph2yQvyLbBGeP7K3SxcL513s7QltDWTQa_3GkgKnJslUzyaxHBTPaC4m0/s320/100_0192.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Locale: Mt Diablo State Park (North Section), Clayton, Contra Costa County, CA</div><div>Date: Sunday, April 6, 2008<br />Duration: Approx. 5.5+ miles, took us around 4 hours</div><div>Price: Free<br />All in all: Don't go chasing waterfalls this time of year BUT still a great hike. </div><div>Rating: *** </div><div>Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517">http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517</a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4Y4Ryg2sknhExN7Fc2x3HJro5R52hGGvQhMi-YmDXhDKob1VhT7F5r9TJK3H3TR3zNYsnN1c95W4N6dm4Rd_XOIaL47QKVceTBr4gkhGA9-i4BL7NGJMroBXxRs_mmooi5lg8nCnOzf7/s1600-h/100_0196.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187027054708924610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4Y4Ryg2sknhExN7Fc2x3HJro5R52hGGvQhMi-YmDXhDKob1VhT7F5r9TJK3H3TR3zNYsnN1c95W4N6dm4Rd_XOIaL47QKVceTBr4gkhGA9-i4BL7NGJMroBXxRs_mmooi5lg8nCnOzf7/s320/100_0196.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tkA-34odTOCDyqZW488CNOCHGDXIkbOlPPofnI67fcqzhbB_wgIq3bwES6PaZDMS5NzRKH2z7wJAR0UdiofPjO_N48KUCLYOvCcia5BjIBcAbagmOREIpSwZ5EHRo0DGITcpHtea-m0W/s1600-h/100_0197.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187028703976366402" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 204px; cursor: pointer; height: 153px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tkA-34odTOCDyqZW488CNOCHGDXIkbOlPPofnI67fcqzhbB_wgIq3bwES6PaZDMS5NzRKH2z7wJAR0UdiofPjO_N48KUCLYOvCcia5BjIBcAbagmOREIpSwZ5EHRo0DGITcpHtea-m0W/s320/100_0197.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Depending on where you are coming from, trying to find the proper exit may be tricky. We were coming from 680 from the North (as we live in Vallejo). The directions that we obtained were coming from the south or from San Fran, however, I go to school in Pleasant Hill and swore I had seen Ygnacio Valley Rd off of 680 as our directions noted. Coming from the North, we passed Walnut Creek and found ourselves in Danville. Danville is home to the main entrance of the Mt. Diablo Park but this is the southern entrance. To do the Donner Falls trail, you must be in the Northernmost part of the park. So we turned around and on 680 and sure enough we found Ygnacio (ONLY accessible from the right side of the interstate coming from the south). So if you are coming from the north, you need to turn around shortly after passing the first Walnut Creek exits or around Olympia exit. The park trail is in a odd location. It's found in the suburbs of a small town called Clayton. After driving on Ygnacio for around 7 miles, you turn right on Clayton and then another right on Regency Dr. Regency is where the entrance of the trail is located. Park somewhere at the end of the road (which is a dead end). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As we parked and looked around at the nice houses, I couldn't help but wonder if these people take advantage of the beautiful landscapes and trails that are literally in their backyard. I'm sure the people who have lived there for years may grow tired of the same trails or perhaps the hikers who take up their guest parking spots on the road. But I feel that's a small price to pay for the views. The trailhead is down a small hill from the street on the left. You enter a gate (see below). Read what the signs say as well. Be careful of rattlesnakes!! Also there may be a few equestrians as there was with our trip (only on the beginning/end of the trail where it's double pathed). We had the Mt. Diablo map which unfortunately was NOT helpful whatsoever. I believe it's the same map at the entrance. The map shows the entire park and does not show all the individual trails. We were a bit confused at first. Three trails are found at the beginning of the entrance. (We later learn they all take you in the same places, well, kind of). We had to ask hikers on their way out. Take the middle doublepathed trail which follows the Donner Creek.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We got about .1 or .2 miles down when we saw a big wild turkey to our left. I've seen wild turkeys before but this one was large. We managed to take a few pictures before it gobbled and we moved onwards. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-h5gtXGAxyNKhKGDDF4npZqPKsdzAEVtwRDX6Dt5W2uy5Gos2iNkJhCzOkirOD66ypIqrhb43g91G-R0m9xh_83vIrbV23ai5K3fmOTOa_Mcr9QlTjQJXERwZry5O7bLFGLcPq5Xz0Ln/s1600-h/100_0167.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187027462730817762" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-h5gtXGAxyNKhKGDDF4npZqPKsdzAEVtwRDX6Dt5W2uy5Gos2iNkJhCzOkirOD66ypIqrhb43g91G-R0m9xh_83vIrbV23ai5K3fmOTOa_Mcr9QlTjQJXERwZry5O7bLFGLcPq5Xz0Ln/s320/100_0167.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div>We followed a detailed guide from a hiking book I had bought but though some of the trails and mile markers were correct. We found ourselves confused by the trail markers. You have to be sure to be looking at the posts correctly or else you may go in a circle and not realize it. Once the trail became a single path dirt trail, my boyfriend swore he saw either the shadow or the real thing - a black panther. I, however, did not. I had mentioned to him previously that people have sightings of the panthers around parks here occasionally. Was there really a panther? Do not know, but I am doubtful. Ode to the power of suggestion perhaps.</div><br /><div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriPLqlPqf0kBNqGn61SB7nIJOT_UplbBFbpLysjymO6leD39ZnxAx0elVPMrksgH1fxgdeOQyN2rmx5Y3VI2jVkec9fkdFJJpv6rPFqpSXSAqwbAMUNJf877JlzagEU5b8DAANhpIxbQ6/s1600-h/100_0170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187029382581199218" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 104px; cursor: pointer; height: 77px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriPLqlPqf0kBNqGn61SB7nIJOT_UplbBFbpLysjymO6leD39ZnxAx0elVPMrksgH1fxgdeOQyN2rmx5Y3VI2jVkec9fkdFJJpv6rPFqpSXSAqwbAMUNJf877JlzagEU5b8DAANhpIxbQ6/s320/100_0170.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Once we hit mile 2, the trail begins to climb and keeps climbing. I was aware that the trail was much like a roller coaster - going up and down but I found it to be a bit of the opposite. It just goes up, then goes down. From around mile 2 all the way to the last waterfall you see, you will be climbing. The first steep section seemed to be the worst in my opinion (depending on if you like hiking uphill). It seemed to keep going. We have not yet purchased hiking poles but poles would most definitely help on this trail. Note: This was the first hike we did with our new hiking liner socks as well as wool socks on the outside. Though it was warm, it made such a huge difference. My feet were just a little sore and I had no blisters (either it was the socks or the moleskin). </div><br /><div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR29EgiFQmXt3JOBM49zava1MzjotF2G1Gw7s_fZcaUjy-6pxNuwgHtQYfNYDQp9hX5mWcTstcMhtDGQ9dO6DYy5w3SnepM9ifysVUHOSwn8EcaIGlvMngrrhZKRFCZGc2E-lJoQ05GYBo/s1600-h/100_0171.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187027630234542322" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR29EgiFQmXt3JOBM49zava1MzjotF2G1Gw7s_fZcaUjy-6pxNuwgHtQYfNYDQp9hX5mWcTstcMhtDGQ9dO6DYy5w3SnepM9ifysVUHOSwn8EcaIGlvMngrrhZKRFCZGc2E-lJoQ05GYBo/s320/100_0171.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Once you get to the top of the first long ridge, however, it is rewarding. Look around. You will see acres upon acres of trees, hills, Mt. Diablo, the creek, endless trails, a bit of the suburbs, and magnificent rocky cliffs. Much like in this picture.</div><br /><div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNe7nioKlKetxQUE7HXYxncvqbx-e4oxuWPSLEhAc2wBb08dTP2FW09xPkkDf6cNLKrKKK9yUtYpIC48DMNg7LCiNMRHa49l0xnn7NxvCFuhKT7R17YFayR3NM9KYaudGb1V5MMOf28O1/s1600-h/100_0182.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187027870752710914" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNe7nioKlKetxQUE7HXYxncvqbx-e4oxuWPSLEhAc2wBb08dTP2FW09xPkkDf6cNLKrKKK9yUtYpIC48DMNg7LCiNMRHa49l0xnn7NxvCFuhKT7R17YFayR3NM9KYaudGb1V5MMOf28O1/s320/100_0182.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div>The first half of the hike is pretty much all uphill, the last half is all downhill. This is how I can describe it best. The waterfalls were much like Monet paintings (much better from a distance). It's been a dry winter and spring so the trails were very dry and so were the falls. The falls were starting to decrease in quantity - you can tell by the mold and moss how big the falls can get. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn50kbpM3mcHT1sEZyF6sOGN8jIMVQpvIrFUgXzED2DgGUBULvp0j67GmAooMKVQBUr6JExBCJeAOrkbfYA8FBkMkNdi116ly75RzNLhCC6gQGGlOdgx4dJCh1JeC-ov5CSB8nEcLxrMp/s1600-h/100_0188.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187028038256435474" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMn50kbpM3mcHT1sEZyF6sOGN8jIMVQpvIrFUgXzED2DgGUBULvp0j67GmAooMKVQBUr6JExBCJeAOrkbfYA8FBkMkNdi116ly75RzNLhCC6gQGGlOdgx4dJCh1JeC-ov5CSB8nEcLxrMp/s320/100_0188.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div>Though we chose the trail mostly for the falls, I found it to be one of the least enjoyable aspects of the hike. I thought just the gestalt view itself was the best part. Of the three hikes I've blogged thus far (Muir Woods, Pt. Reyes, and now Donner Canyon Falls), I found this to be the most challenging even though it was the shortest. This is due to the fact that it is all uphill one way and all downhill the way back. Some prefer this as they'd rather expend lots of energy in the beginning but I thought going downhill (there are a couple rather steep downhill sections) was just as hard if not more difficult. We tended to let ourselves run down the hill rather than step by step. This proved to be faster to get through those sections but I found myself face first in the dirt.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHv0hZc9SM9NTxCTHLjDzVzaAz5moXFKoh1gmv4ROzxVB5zIpDB2tTL6pz7uDKZg9qwKeaUFfrRQMGL_cqcxakWMX5hClcrscHyz2MDbzqyREZy9mw0upKWk5APbf1ux6XFUd62zVzl9G/s1600-h/100_0194.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187028923019698514" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 376px; cursor: pointer; height: 281px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHv0hZc9SM9NTxCTHLjDzVzaAz5moXFKoh1gmv4ROzxVB5zIpDB2tTL6pz7uDKZg9qwKeaUFfrRQMGL_cqcxakWMX5hClcrscHyz2MDbzqyREZy9mw0upKWk5APbf1ux6XFUd62zVzl9G/s320/100_0194.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div>All in all, the hike went by very quick. Though it's just the beginning of spring, it was very dry and hot in the sunny areas so I had regretted wearing my fleece vest. Layers like a hoodie would be better as you can drape that around your hips. Climbing upwards got very warm and a couple who passed us were barely wearing anything because of the heat. They didn't have any water as well which I thought was a mistake. We saw them later cooling off with the cool water at the falls and creek. Just bring water to drink. They were in better shape than I but I bet you any money they were dehydrated when they returned.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQgPg2HQK0v2s3zPzRE1pzBHh2If5LssKpdYEmP-Q1lrvod1_6RDSIMxeBJHSRm3kUCVJ7YNsUl-MmhqLcLD3N9uV51dadyfjgqIj4RH95Ne9pYtf6HF93zSTbgLvhXi6N9oRWh4hqIfN/s1600-h/100_0183.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187028502112903474" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 198px; cursor: pointer; height: 148px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQgPg2HQK0v2s3zPzRE1pzBHh2If5LssKpdYEmP-Q1lrvod1_6RDSIMxeBJHSRm3kUCVJ7YNsUl-MmhqLcLD3N9uV51dadyfjgqIj4RH95Ne9pYtf6HF93zSTbgLvhXi6N9oRWh4hqIfN/s320/100_0183.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatPMaGXJf5IdKVvlF3_MHAc_x0FHvKqZonpkZbTRT5wfKNaf23i63GCfYI9f7CNiNxvd0dLTqpZbzG0TcdoLHbnYQL06WyxiFZM8O0PM3YrSGgdZg7H-9S1et5LERTmDyon6fNlqS1QYT/s1600-h/100_0173.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187029172127801698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 267px; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatPMaGXJf5IdKVvlF3_MHAc_x0FHvKqZonpkZbTRT5wfKNaf23i63GCfYI9f7CNiNxvd0dLTqpZbzG0TcdoLHbnYQL06WyxiFZM8O0PM3YrSGgdZg7H-9S1et5LERTmDyon6fNlqS1QYT/s320/100_0173.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>As we headed back, the last mile of trail is pretty flat which was a big relief. It also transitions you from the rocky hills back into civilization. If you so choose, you can reach the summit from this trail as well, it's about 4 miles from the entrance. We figured if we were a bit winded after this hike, we better go on some more day hikes before tackling the summit. One of these days.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlbREfTPXseASNSfUk7H91cH4unA-o8F3Dwdwv4BurSX7BrfoCuo5cq_gs7cVZN1ILc1uVSUqSAOe2BWKsVUPujDR8Ng5K-uzbAlbzWdPYCXGL5H2NtXUJCpvcIWkSyOP248p9oVhtcfq/s1600-h/100_0193.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187028214350094626" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlbREfTPXseASNSfUk7H91cH4unA-o8F3Dwdwv4BurSX7BrfoCuo5cq_gs7cVZN1ILc1uVSUqSAOe2BWKsVUPujDR8Ng5K-uzbAlbzWdPYCXGL5H2NtXUJCpvcIWkSyOP248p9oVhtcfq/s320/100_0193.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-66866165882522984482008-04-04T16:55:00.000-07:002008-04-26T11:22:50.292-07:00Pt. Reyes National Seashore - Polomarin Trail to Alamere Falls<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"I see a vision of a great rucksack revolution thousands or even millions of young Americans wandering around with rucksacks, going up to mountains to pray, making children laugh and old men glad, making young girls happy and old girls happier... writing poems that happen to appear in their heads for no reason and also by being kind and also by strange unexpected acts keep giving visions of eternal freedom to everybody and to all living creatures." - Jack Kerouac</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuGF603-vLweaJKdf0I4MOZQoidq8swZQQ1yZv2cBisEcKfTLowtn_WXVw3EtMEgwDt4NW2x5eePAUPZnEN6-7itt5Hva1VOfagHtz-9_Ib1wI34rYwPV_28d7SeOK6U6GHfwA6_aLy4s/s1600-h/100_0157.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185554194459009090" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuGF603-vLweaJKdf0I4MOZQoidq8swZQQ1yZv2cBisEcKfTLowtn_WXVw3EtMEgwDt4NW2x5eePAUPZnEN6-7itt5Hva1VOfagHtz-9_Ib1wI34rYwPV_28d7SeOK6U6GHfwA6_aLy4s/s320/100_0157.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HHACDGB9-hv2mV2vxPc9d1qxz8UB673Gg-i0ZBWRDQ7OekCxHFQOfFwPGqrTFMA5WK57e9V1jq3Y9BfocmD3Ws-SxxvGxA-iN6vXb-c1Ep0NJ6GRj_eZRl5vJJQWmwADWYDZKc-0dzS_/s1600-h/100_0131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185544758415859682" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 396px; cursor: pointer; height: 296px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HHACDGB9-hv2mV2vxPc9d1qxz8UB673Gg-i0ZBWRDQ7OekCxHFQOfFwPGqrTFMA5WK57e9V1jq3Y9BfocmD3Ws-SxxvGxA-iN6vXb-c1Ep0NJ6GRj_eZRl5vJJQWmwADWYDZKc-0dzS_/s320/100_0131.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Locale: Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Marin, CA<br />Date: Sunday, March 30, 2008<br />Duration: 8.5 miles (took 5+ hours)</span><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Price: Free and priceless all in one</span><br /><strong>Rating: *****</strong><br /><strong>Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/pore">http://www.nps.gov/pore</a></strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cn3B_vrkUMTGhqquSpYQ7Oinsxw45uTYCDsBhOn09uE-Ko7iCp-oQ6t8q9biWuS3swk2dLvFvB5RwqN9_MrpLfCoYTKmqxhfQ4J4y9GzVZLoorJ5eDb7sOlHg2SvZOD6SWazV2KAYNsk/s1600-h/100_0129.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185545003228995570" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Cn3B_vrkUMTGhqquSpYQ7Oinsxw45uTYCDsBhOn09uE-Ko7iCp-oQ6t8q9biWuS3swk2dLvFvB5RwqN9_MrpLfCoYTKmqxhfQ4J4y9GzVZLoorJ5eDb7sOlHg2SvZOD6SWazV2KAYNsk/s320/100_0129.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZAJd3DVZh7qQSg-lC2VdYju2BS4ldHPTB-IkmC-vp6DBoOxhFTKteyxxLmucV-1OAlXRVWHjF_6eo_gEJjnvzAz6c-oLmhVqXcHzEF12ZAXYPHUDXlTEcKV-rb0YVnfXrGYYPu1z3K-E/s1600-h/100_0159.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185554825819201650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZAJd3DVZh7qQSg-lC2VdYju2BS4ldHPTB-IkmC-vp6DBoOxhFTKteyxxLmucV-1OAlXRVWHjF_6eo_gEJjnvzAz6c-oLmhVqXcHzEF12ZAXYPHUDXlTEcKV-rb0YVnfXrGYYPu1z3K-E/s200/100_0159.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">I only mention Mr. Kerouac because on your way to the Pt. Reyes National Seashore, you will pass the Zen Center on your left. This center resembles Zen Centers that were visited by Kerouac and others of his fellow rucksacking Buddhist friends. I, myself, am not Buddhist but after the hike at Polomarin Trail to the beach could understand some of the enlightenment that is entailed.<br /><br />Pt. Reyes was a place I chose (my boyfriend chose Muir Woods) because I love the seashore. I know some native bay area residents who avoid the beaches during certain times of the year due to the wind and chill. As I've mentioned earlier, we are from the frozen tundra of the midwest and like to go to the beach regardless. We know the Pacific waters are frigid year round here but it's not about that at all. I did some reading about it on <a href="http://www.bahiker.com/">http://www.bahiker.com/</a> and was impressed by the pictures. This hike was a bit further then Muir Woods but oh so worth it. Far less people and so much to explore.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBle8Wx-1j08q802QqSdiQqqjAipAVywAwQlddo9mDDgE510PZf0jDAfTD7kXQFH3gZSfYzP1j04aZGM6bqBLv-Nd5sLh5Phu2FBGPCQy4vk_KSufuAhBvh9enHilgqoBlnTF1qeLHrxY/s1600-h/100_0146.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185548190094729234" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBle8Wx-1j08q802QqSdiQqqjAipAVywAwQlddo9mDDgE510PZf0jDAfTD7kXQFH3gZSfYzP1j04aZGM6bqBLv-Nd5sLh5Phu2FBGPCQy4vk_KSufuAhBvh9enHilgqoBlnTF1qeLHrxY/s320/100_0146.jpg" border="0" /></a>This was also our first hike after buying proper boots (such a great investment). I got a pair of hi-tecs which were originally sixty bucks, better and more expensive ones are available but I'm a student and my job doesn't provide ample finances so they work great. What I really like about Pt. Reyes is there's a mixture of beach, waterfalls, woods, forest, lakes, cliffs and grassy knolls all into one trail. The drive there has a LOT of curvy roads so be careful. It's quite a drive from Mill Valley/Muir Woods to the seashore. I'd say a good twenty plus miles which takes longer due to the curvy, hilly roads but the views are amazing. The road resembles that of Big Sur. Not at all straight, narrow, not a continuous guardrail with a steep and beautiful cliff over the pacific. On your way you might pass stands of local vendors selling fruit and roasted almonds.<br /><br />It tends to get windy here so definitely wear layers. The beginning of the hike goes through some shade and woods areas away from the coast. This doesn't last very long before the trail opens up to the coast. A trail also exists that you can walk down to the beach and walk all the way to the falls when the tide is low but we were unaware of it at the time and stayed to the regular trail above. There is no potable water here and be sure to have phone numbers in case of emergency as there is no one at the trailhead as there is at Muir Woods. My cell phone worked at the parking lot but not on the trail. One might say screw technology out in the wilderness anyway, I'm one to agree but sometimes shit happens and a cellphone is the only way out. Maybe if the Donner Party had one back when they were pioneering the Sierras, they wouldn't have resorted to cannibalism.<br /><br />Anyhow, the trail gets a bit strenuous because of loose rocks and a short steep trail forward - this happens as the trail first curves away from the shore which for us was a bit of a blessing as it got extremely gusty where the trail was exposed. And we were walking against the wind as well. In fact, a couple's dog in front of us nearly fell over due to the winds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwESK6qIsBSePojgnb4gxRakhQu38mWKgbBt5NWE5kfhu02UQKFyf36pBLgu-epO3yM8yj__JJKm135VlR3WuPOJBH5rqYgoDQbb0os1OLF9ALQHn0Wg-EaGOHYhoSAAolyttAWK4nwoD/s1600-h/100_0154.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185552506536861730" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwESK6qIsBSePojgnb4gxRakhQu38mWKgbBt5NWE5kfhu02UQKFyf36pBLgu-epO3yM8yj__JJKm135VlR3WuPOJBH5rqYgoDQbb0os1OLF9ALQHn0Wg-EaGOHYhoSAAolyttAWK4nwoD/s320/100_0154.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the short steep walk comes the first lake (Bass Lake I believe) on the left. We took a breather here and shortly ahead of us was a group of fellow twentysomethings, one with a guitar singing. The musician didn't even have a case (in fact we saw them later down at the beach by the falls and were wondering how careful he must've been climbing down with his guitar).<br /><br />About a mile later comes Pelican Lake, if you look at it, it looks like it connects to the ocean. I mentioned to Nat how this must've been the first lakes we'd seen since we moved out here.<br />The trail to the Alamere Falls is marked by a sign stating it is unmaintained and it is indeed so. It's a single file trail that had a lot of brush and poison oak growing over it so it'd be best to wear long sleeves walking down to the falls area. It's maybe .5 miles on this trail before getting to the waterfall. The waterfall is in 3 parts. The source, the second fall, and the third and biggest which goes down to the beach. The whole falls is about 50 feet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdgzr5WPstihoUUjadGUoEAHiE8wIDWVQbbKLf1hUHku5UTxkOn0M8W_Rosji1Hwqa6QUqfzfvzL-zFsq_GW2oCxr0X1ztnyKz4BH_t7KJ3ZXxrgLcuVdFplUlBMFXuAiWQblHql7hd7v/s1600-h/100_0135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185553984005611570" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdgzr5WPstihoUUjadGUoEAHiE8wIDWVQbbKLf1hUHku5UTxkOn0M8W_Rosji1Hwqa6QUqfzfvzL-zFsq_GW2oCxr0X1ztnyKz4BH_t7KJ3ZXxrgLcuVdFplUlBMFXuAiWQblHql7hd7v/s320/100_0135.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span>Once you climb a bit to where you are between the source of the falls and the ocean. You will be standing around forty feet on a cliff so no horseplaying guys. In fact here's a view of my boyfriend laying on the edge.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvBGIB4PnzrfzKEk7TFChLjG1RH4kcqZRqxuGT-h5nsIKttPIHXhOOBdpF0bEyGfYcvW5XhBCdzSRKeWbh35P5nPyPJa093vr6y-C1_UX2Gho_2y2UAjJ8tiNWYtFo5geL6s_bAlmthyphenhyphenw/s1600-h/100_0149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185555358395146370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvBGIB4PnzrfzKEk7TFChLjG1RH4kcqZRqxuGT-h5nsIKttPIHXhOOBdpF0bEyGfYcvW5XhBCdzSRKeWbh35P5nPyPJa093vr6y-C1_UX2Gho_2y2UAjJ8tiNWYtFo5geL6s_bAlmthyphenhyphenw/s320/100_0149.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJWI9NCeClvoGJTMYrP_4y9K4_ODqt1F1oAol8yQyesvtelXqnkckeivh1eYkkE5DKAmrVNTwWfyvJVYDXVPxGXGJylVnX85rh3wG6TEjXQdFAclGR4-vv5u978gtzGsI0Ap52-bvrhiW/s1600-h/100_0153.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185555513013969042" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJWI9NCeClvoGJTMYrP_4y9K4_ODqt1F1oAol8yQyesvtelXqnkckeivh1eYkkE5DKAmrVNTwWfyvJVYDXVPxGXGJylVnX85rh3wG6TEjXQdFAclGR4-vv5u978gtzGsI0Ap52-bvrhiW/s320/100_0153.jpg" border="0" /></a>The climb down to the falls looks scarier than it actually is. I figure if I can do it, then any average person can as well with no hiking/climbing experience. But still be careful. You need to make sure you have a grip on your feet because rocks slip. It was very windy hear. I had dust flying in my eyes and the people above me unfortunately were inadvertently sending rocks down at me. The beach is very beautiful and provides you with a great view of the falls.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIqtJc6jaqiqXuw3zJibdjd75_r8_XdfoMFK8u8Tuiam_fo6DFohRhwyhZWGPhOfKKplk_wcfLhTycTTrCMSCJhrlArbafxKAgZkiiXVMlKWM3BB5ldduOYxTeA9PRlfHpa3HKbRwpc5B/s1600-h/100_0161.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185556475086643362" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIqtJc6jaqiqXuw3zJibdjd75_r8_XdfoMFK8u8Tuiam_fo6DFohRhwyhZWGPhOfKKplk_wcfLhTycTTrCMSCJhrlArbafxKAgZkiiXVMlKWM3BB5ldduOYxTeA9PRlfHpa3HKbRwpc5B/s320/100_0161.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you look closely in this above picture you will find the guitar loving friend in which I spoke. There were actually quite a few people on the beach and when we were ready for the strenuous climb back up to where the falls start, we had to wait in line. If you come here with a group make sure to space people out - you don't want rocks in the face.<br /><br />After getting back on the main trail, you turn right. The way you came and the rest is history. Point Reyes was a great experience. But bring lots of water because there's no water source. In fact on passing one of the non-potable water stations we saw that the pipe was broke. Not much help there.<br /><br />My accident-prone self managed to slip just standing as I was about to kiss my boyfriend on loose gravel. So boots or something with good gripping is key. This time around my feet hurt much less but I didn't stretch enough and after all that climbing from the beach, I soon realized my mistake. But this is definitely one of the most beautiful places to hike for sure.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjv3kIwYsOB6UJ8qHC2s1AXPzbupFiUcvtTQoiFaa6Gs_mm13zo8tjRNaRk5ir-R5PBu-YRfVp0WhRUKXHVZF6RDU36ULGJ9QX7gC1WCsmLkMLKzUcuwwqZxZ1FrgpVxRvWhwrdcQ0Vo9/s1600-h/100_0163.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185558128649052338" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjv3kIwYsOB6UJ8qHC2s1AXPzbupFiUcvtTQoiFaa6Gs_mm13zo8tjRNaRk5ir-R5PBu-YRfVp0WhRUKXHVZF6RDU36ULGJ9QX7gC1WCsmLkMLKzUcuwwqZxZ1FrgpVxRvWhwrdcQ0Vo9/s320/100_0163.jpg" border="0" /></a>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285469246723992876.post-6789664515807304932008-04-04T13:10:00.000-07:002008-04-26T11:22:10.699-07:00Muir Woods - Dipsea Trail<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately,</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn<br />what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die,<br />discover that I had not lived. I wanted to live deep and suck out<br />all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like<br />as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath<br />and shave close, to drive life into a corner,<br />and reduce it to its lowest terms."<br />-Henry David Thoreau, <span style="font-style: italic;">Walden</span><br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV9hts1r39hBC0hBbYyzfFIeOxtB5bOMvMFa7R6OPG1BaHdfQOEZsPZOqkmyLtGEqj8RUhHH3ufbhxmQiQ5avKvdrOnmpah7sR6eU4kA3KzzrdPLKjNfqZmDMtYOBF0sUuX16ppw1TWO_/s1600-h/100_0113.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185540493513334690" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV9hts1r39hBC0hBbYyzfFIeOxtB5bOMvMFa7R6OPG1BaHdfQOEZsPZOqkmyLtGEqj8RUhHH3ufbhxmQiQ5avKvdrOnmpah7sR6eU4kA3KzzrdPLKjNfqZmDMtYOBF0sUuX16ppw1TWO_/s320/100_0113.jpg" border="0" height="260" width="331" /></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Rwz9k9TlStyGY3laucG6f8JlXMi5eihbOOV2I5A6RlgAdZQweEzNvfE9-o92oUN7Pjx6SOHd0a7Ias4J_BY6CKjvYMI4OPHZCOcvj3qJOk9-CZJ1lGVyzUhGHX_w9SCUlmwgEBpteut/s1600-h/100_0092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185538440518967090" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Rwz9k9TlStyGY3laucG6f8JlXMi5eihbOOV2I5A6RlgAdZQweEzNvfE9-o92oUN7Pjx6SOHd0a7Ias4J_BY6CKjvYMI4OPHZCOcvj3qJOk9-CZJ1lGVyzUhGHX_w9SCUlmwgEBpteut/s200/100_0092.jpg" border="0" height="188" width="247" /></a><br /><div>Locale: Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Marin, CA</div><div>Date: Saturday, March 22, 2008</div><div>Duration: Took us about 4.5 hours to do six plus miles (plus some of this was just from where we parked to the entrance)</div><div>Price: Approx. 5-10 dollars (I'm totally blank, it is a small fee to enter, if you go through the main entrance as the picture illustrates.)</div><div>Rating: ****</div><div>Maps & More Info: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/muwo/">http://www.nps.gov/muwo/</a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BQfkSrsQihMUkQfGIJlRAJT3Pk17mRw1KP490UNO3nnjT9mn3InArmvC9neKdLZmtccfyGa01P1nitXlG4gu6pEdOkzXxCvN2RUeDjW88cVurS1LD9V-9jy51V_r8PbO8Frl3rFtZLUO/s1600-h/100_0093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185538749756612418" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center; width: 195px; height: 205px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BQfkSrsQihMUkQfGIJlRAJT3Pk17mRw1KP490UNO3nnjT9mn3InArmvC9neKdLZmtccfyGa01P1nitXlG4gu6pEdOkzXxCvN2RUeDjW88cVurS1LD9V-9jy51V_r8PbO8Frl3rFtZLUO/s200/100_0093.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WekrNMf6fBeKEtoZ7QA9Yo5xl5HlWY-6xXnhEbSNThh-VSaFiG6sRe1QA_pfVTU8TkYuQP60awnEBCmDn6MtSX-KCLbfwBwtybQ5wNV2rtoXYUFVd0xUXi1Gc59cJhlcvsZyC728ozv2/s1600-h/100_0115.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185541331031957458" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WekrNMf6fBeKEtoZ7QA9Yo5xl5HlWY-6xXnhEbSNThh-VSaFiG6sRe1QA_pfVTU8TkYuQP60awnEBCmDn6MtSX-KCLbfwBwtybQ5wNV2rtoXYUFVd0xUXi1Gc59cJhlcvsZyC728ozv2/s320/100_0115.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div>Ah, Muir Woods. This was our actual first hike. Ok, first off we made two mistakes - 1. We came on a Saturday, and 2. Spring Break. Wait, three mistakes, we didn't get there until after 12pm. If you want to have a peaceful and relaxed experience at Muir Woods do the exact opposite of what we did. In fact it was soooo busy that day that traffic was backed up temporarily off of Hwy 1 getting off of Hwy 101. Muir Woods has a series of small parking lots. All of which were plum full. We ended up parking on the side of the road over .5 mile away from the entrance.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikySAvMCzDc5VRpOHqyCxXQ_o9ERG9fnIrgGI29nQ4XPk9dGCdokQGvVWgnl09JvozqKZsJhTn8diea3dn319KizeWtR8l5kLj1JMok7hWnq0J_ujCHmLaDO-NaPkOgKBqUOHgVIf6FGw-/s1600-h/100_0100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185539673174581090" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikySAvMCzDc5VRpOHqyCxXQ_o9ERG9fnIrgGI29nQ4XPk9dGCdokQGvVWgnl09JvozqKZsJhTn8diea3dn319KizeWtR8l5kLj1JMok7hWnq0J_ujCHmLaDO-NaPkOgKBqUOHgVIf6FGw-/s320/100_0100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>We were disappointed by the touristy crowds full of families, foreign tourists, fellow dayhikers, and even people who seemed as if they were just taking a short stroll in their flipflops. The first mile or so following the entrance is well maintained and this is where the majority of tourists are found. If you want to bypass this, on the left of the parking lot there's the trail (which we ended at, but some people can start there). The redwoods here are ancient. Some are up to 1000 years old. Looking up at the trees made me feel like my place in the world is quite small. Once you get past the first mile, you cross over a narrow plank over a small creek (this is important beause now you will see less tourists and more hikers). Going through the redwoods made me feel much more relaxed - getting away from society and civilization is the point of hiking (at least for me) and getting back to nature. As we were walking I was wondering how long parks like these are going to last. The way things are going in California, who knows. But at least Muir Woods is still here and people can enjoy it presently. </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvNjCYT_S-g0fDJBjZjBZVNsr55qDBtGBCk5zu43R3Ei2I9VOpU1RrgX62O3jG0htlWsAdOeVUTPFlHy1zK_F50O5WY0JIb_Q0KkbmJW8RMbrUfgOCgI4ShRJZTF6rLJBHVLl1IsmdlOl/s1600-h/100_0102.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185539973822291826" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvNjCYT_S-g0fDJBjZjBZVNsr55qDBtGBCk5zu43R3Ei2I9VOpU1RrgX62O3jG0htlWsAdOeVUTPFlHy1zK_F50O5WY0JIb_Q0KkbmJW8RMbrUfgOCgI4ShRJZTF6rLJBHVLl1IsmdlOl/s320/100_0102.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IRNxPqHo6OuZbiwfRxh09dtjIKNdgdLcmvjJXzr8oDVKLJiTOLk0DWUkv1TlRPKk5Qfhe6UGfWN_eg15fFrE4F38QYRPTxzsX3YauLV-PCyt6XRPSNvygzuK9SuQkFtm2frowRWC5SMH/s1600-h/100_0105.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185541116283592642" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IRNxPqHo6OuZbiwfRxh09dtjIKNdgdLcmvjJXzr8oDVKLJiTOLk0DWUkv1TlRPKk5Qfhe6UGfWN_eg15fFrE4F38QYRPTxzsX3YauLV-PCyt6XRPSNvygzuK9SuQkFtm2frowRWC5SMH/s200/100_0105.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><br /><div>Backstory of my life (not very interesting so may bypass this section to next paragraph to get back to the hike). My boyfriend and I are from the midwest orginally. He from the Iron Ranges of Minnesota and I from the dairy farms of western Wisconsin just 45 minutes east of the Mississippi River and an hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul and my alma mater (the U of MN). We both grew up in the working class small towns of the midwest. And I grew up in the countryside wanting to one day move to the big city and travel and gain some more perspective. So just over 18 months ago, I found out I got into grad school and we moved out west to California. Now I find myself so fed up with big city life that sometimes I just want to drive to places like Big Sur and Muir Woods to get the hell away from endless traffic, busy lifestyles, a crappy job, the crumbling economy, my lack of funds, and just the noise of it all. I think we all tend to just forget that there are these pockets where places exist where we can sit and get the hell away without things getting too drastic. And hiking provides that along with good exercise and a way to de-stress.</div><br /><div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYFOYiCpOgjH6ccqYaBEEwToU7G6NKNcLL13pZfnHavRabjTg_Bihzjk8CS4C89vKeLF5UvTfef1yN1HArZV5XYOovM7Po3AiBeHw_vyUWHxqr7OAg5Qq63Vp6qtHqPC9k6hAkn3edPOT/s1600-h/100_0103.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185540106966278018" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYFOYiCpOgjH6ccqYaBEEwToU7G6NKNcLL13pZfnHavRabjTg_Bihzjk8CS4C89vKeLF5UvTfef1yN1HArZV5XYOovM7Po3AiBeHw_vyUWHxqr7OAg5Qq63Vp6qtHqPC9k6hAkn3edPOT/s320/100_0103.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Since this was my first hike and I am... I guess a bit on the portly side and I haven't been in the gym in a few months, after about mile 3 I was starting to hurt. I was wearing my gym shoes because I hadn't gotten my hiking boots yet. Our initial plan was to turn back to the trailhead once we hit the junction where the trail went up a steep hill and acted as a loop. I was leaning towards heading back the way we came but my boyfriend decided we should press on through the loop. The climb up the hill was a bit rough on me in my cheapass gym shoes, I had to take a few short breaks, but it was the last big hill of the trail. After we walked along the top of the hill we saw a nice flat area that was outside of the woods. This had the best views of the trail. Here you could see part of the bay, San Francisco, redwoods, Mt. Tam, and a small grove. When I walked a bit down further I could see a small deer so I got a couple of shots (with my camera, not a gun). </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkcpjpAzxxW7Bd0jeccMDjY46AvFf3b0Qy62KSpjLkCow7KtUhK5GGGXImCtexxCgZpscGnvm_kUlHmQclrWhLmMF1XRrHfM-rDg5cipm6tRtNl1cvZnZbi4RLfsWWv7k-xTCcVxHR6eH/s1600-h/100_0122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185540270175035282" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkcpjpAzxxW7Bd0jeccMDjY46AvFf3b0Qy62KSpjLkCow7KtUhK5GGGXImCtexxCgZpscGnvm_kUlHmQclrWhLmMF1XRrHfM-rDg5cipm6tRtNl1cvZnZbi4RLfsWWv7k-xTCcVxHR6eH/s320/100_0122.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div>The remainder of the trek was downhill which hurt my toes because of my cheap shoes and my toenails rubbing against the side of my toe (I now have done my research and know I need to get moleskin). So the last mile I was kind of complaining about my foot pain and was nearly running to get past to the trailhead. We made it back to the parking lot and had to weave our way around the visitors to the woods. A day well spent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QPL0eJljWXK9l6m7GOlG8m9TWS7HQARTJ5nwPPvUG2pgLUxu-1EqnyBlVHDgOzQM5yVCiMgKOb707qq7mZP9DJcGYChsKI69YtyN0sMdRw8dzUPL-FVi2eWoO2UfwgfJsP1eAwzOCLnv/s1600-h/100_0112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185540665312026546" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QPL0eJljWXK9l6m7GOlG8m9TWS7HQARTJ5nwPPvUG2pgLUxu-1EqnyBlVHDgOzQM5yVCiMgKOb707qq7mZP9DJcGYChsKI69YtyN0sMdRw8dzUPL-FVi2eWoO2UfwgfJsP1eAwzOCLnv/s320/100_0112.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Undonegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888434002412599609noreply@blogger.com0