Full moon spectaular

On the evening of April 28, three hikers, Sandy, Kathy and Bob (me), put on our moon glasses and moon screen, braved a cold and fierce wind and hiked up the trail in the hills behind Benicia to Doris Klein's Bench.

The clouds had dissipated just for us or so it seemed. The moon was not
scheduled to come up until 8:44 which is exactly what it did. We were a
little early so we planted our rear ends in the tall weeds (careful to avoid
the thistles!) to get a little protection from the wind and waited a few
minutes for the moon to catch up with us. From the top of the ridge the views of the Bay Area are spectacular. We could see all the major peaks, Diablo and Tam and much more. We could see all the bodies of water in the Bay Area.

Old Eagle eyes (Sandy of course) was the first to spot a tiny yellow fleck
rising in the east. It is truly amazing how fast the moon comes up and
soon a brilliant yellow globe had emerged. Boy did that make our day! As
the moon was still fairly low the stars started popping out and the big
dipper was straight up over our heads.

Now aren't you sorry you didn't join us?! Just kidding, I know it was
short notice and a week night and not everyone is retired yet.

There will be more opportunities for moon viewing, and of course that is
the purpose of this trip report. Get you motivated for the next one!

Alamere Falls Adventure

On Sunday, April 25, 14 eager Benicia Day Hikers arrived at the Palomarin
Trail Head of Point Reyes National Seashore at around 10:15 a.m. Shortly
thereafter we headed out on the lovely Coastal Trail. This trail follows
the coastline at first along the top of cliffs that drop precipitously to the
rocks and crashing waves below. We enjoyed near perfect weather and blue skies. The abundant rainfall this spring encouraged a luxurious growth of wildflowers as we hiked up and down passing several fresh water lakes along the way. The rainfall also guaranteed that the waterfalls of Alamere Falls would be the best ever and they were indeed. Our cameras were snapping away.

The final hike down to the beach is always a series of challenges. The first challenge was snaking our way down a narrow un maintained trail through poison oak thickets clearly marked, "dangerous, pass at your own risk". And of course, pass we all did, and arrived at the top of an ugly looking eroded gully that provides access to a little bit of "heaven on earth".

The cascading waterfalls were surrounded by lush wildflower displays. The descent in the ugly gully brings one to a level area still about 50 feet above the sandy beach. Next comes the most challenging bit -- a rock scramble down a rather nasty ravine of crumbling rock. Not everyone did the scramble; but those who did were rewarded with the most beautiful sight of a waterfall crashing straight to the black sands of the beach. We enjoyed lunch on the beach and most of us took off our shoes and socks and allowed the sand and water to massage our feet and clean between our toes.

Pinnacles Camping Trip

Our camper trip on April 17 and 18 to the Pinnacles National Monument was so fantastic. We had seven hikers/campers and I only wish more had joined us. Saturday, we hiked through the Bear Gulch caves with the aid of flashlights and enjoyed the sight of three beautiful waterfalls inside the caves. Saturday night we sat around a campfire and enjoyed a potluck dinner with delicious hors d'oeuvres, salads, barbeque chicken and barbeque vegetables. I was so stuffed I could hardly walk and now I have to get rid of this belly! While we were eating we were visited by a wild bobcat.


Sunday we hiked the "High Country" trail that ascends through spectacular rock formations. It is so steep that steps have been cut in the rock and iron railings are provided for safety. While we were on the top, a really big black bird came and landed nearby. It was a California Condor our biggest bird and one that was almost extinct a few years ago. The wildflowers were among the best we have seen in years.

Bob Colby, Leader

Good Day on the Mountain

Here is a brief trip report on our hike on April 10 to Mount Diablo. Eleven hiker's turned out on a cool and cloudy day for our hike of six miles up Donner Canyon Road. We did the Middle trail and Falls trails to make a loop around and back to Donner Canyon Road.

We were treated to wonderful array of wildflowers including the rare Yellow globe tulip that occurs only on Mount Diablo. Indian Warrior and Indian Paintbrush were side-by-side on the Middle trail so we could easily see the difference between them.

Of course the falls were all spectacular due to the heavy rains this winter and spring. The top of Mount Diablo was hidden in clouds and fog that looked threatening, but we were back in our vehicles before it started to rain. Good day on the mountain.

Well, I might as well add that we did do a "mini" Colby Challenge on a steep section of the Donner Canyon Road. Several of our stronger ladies gave me a run for my money, passing me and forcing me to dig deep to catch up.

Bob Colby, Leader