Well, our Fall 2010 season got off to a pretty good start with 10 hikers
going to Angel Island on September 11. Nine of us made the 4.9 mile trip up Mount Livermore to the top of the Island. Near perfect weather and a leisurely pace going up the Northridge Trail gave us a chance to enjoy the incredible views around the Bay Area. Cameras were clicking away.
The hike down on the Sunset Trail took us through the recent burn area. We also noticed that most of the pine trees are dying from insects or disease or maybe a combination of both. The Sunset Trail provides great views of the SF Bay between Angel Island, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and sure enough there was a sailboat race in progress.
From an overlook, one can see the docks at Acala Cove where the ferries come in and the docks appeared very close. In fact, to get there we needed to descend a series of four or more switchbacks, each one seemingly getting further away from Acala Cove and the urgently sought after restrooms.
At quite a few places the trail is narrow and degraded and requires careful attention to footing to avoid dropping into an bottomless pit of brambles and poison oak. Luckily, there were no casualties and once again your leader did not get a chance to practice his first aid skills. And that is okay, by the way.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Three Tahoe Adventure Hikes
What a weekend!
Over the weekend of July 16-17-18, three fantastic adventure hikes were enjoyed by severalBenicia Day Hikers. The waterfalls were fed by melting snowfields and water drenched high meadows. The wildflowers were well on the way to the peak and were showing us their brilliant colors.
On Friday afternoon, four hikers met at Starbucks in new Truckee and my
daughter, Sheila, provided the car-pool for all. She drove us up the
switchbacks on the Old Donner Pass Road (aka Historic Route U.S. 40) and we parked at the Tahoe Rim trail head near the Sugar Bowl Academy. We started out on the Tahoe Rim Trail but soon left the trail and scrambled over the granite ledge above School Rock, a popular rock climbing area. The temperature was over 90 degrees so we decided to shorten the hike to about three miles.
Wildflowers were in full bloom and abundant. We were headed for a small
hidden alpine lake snuggled between two tiers of granite ledges. A
"SECRET SPOT" of mine that I was pretty sure not many people know about. What did we find? We found two groups of about 20 each of high school students with guides and instructors that were providing an educational wilderness experience.
Well, it turned out to be a positive learning experience for us too as we
listened to the guide talk about the fish in the lake. I had always
wondered why there would be cat fish in such a small isolated lake. One theory is that the Chinese immigrants who built the trans-continental railroad over Donner pass, may have stocked the lake. Finally, back to the car and back down the switchbacks. Part way down we pulled to the side and explored some ancient Indian petroglyphs carved onto the glacier polished granite.
Saturday was incredible and was enjoyed by eight hikers. We drove up the
Mount Rose Highway to the pass between Mount Rose and Slide Peak. There is a really nice trail head there with toilets and a large parking area. When we arrived around 9:45 a.m. the parking lot was already nearly full. The trail starts up a steep open slope covered with wildflowers and strewn with granite boulders. Views of ultra blue Lake Tahoe draw your attention to the detriment of your footing on the rough trail. After about two miles of crossing mostly forested slopes we approached a waterfall that cascades for several hundred feet over granite ledges. We dallied about half an hour with cameras clicking away. There was a snowfield adjacent to the waterfall and one of us, name unmentioned, got the snowball action under way. Yeah, what fun! Sheila had one more special treat in store and kept everyone in suspense for about a half hour as the hike continued. Then we stopped and she asked,"who sees something special?' Heads turned this way and that and every which way but the right way. Finally, Sheila gave a hint and said, "look down and what do you see?" In fact, we could see a stream emerging from the ground; a spring with crystal clear water just gushing out. Again, the wild flowers were incredible with whole slopes covered with Mules Ears, Forget-me-nots, Penstemon and on and on.....
After our hike were all pretty tired and sweaty and Sheila announced she
was going for a dip in Lake Tahoe. And did anyone want to join her? Well,
of course we all did. We stopped at a small pull out near Sand Harbor NV
State Park on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, put on our bathing suits,
climbed over some granite boulders and jumped in. Well, I must confess not everyone had a bathing suit and so had to improvise....
After a refreshing dip in the Lake, we returned to the parking area and
there was Ignat cutting open a huge red ripe water melon. If you every want to know how to slice up a water melon just right be sure to take a lesson from Ignat. Finally, on our way back to our respective lodgings (motels, campsites, condo) we stopped in at Steamer's Restaurant in King's beach where we enjoyed salads, pizza and refreshing drinks.
Once again on Sunday, we had eight Benicia Day Hiker's and we enjoyed a non-conventional hike in the vicinity of Castle Peak. We started at the trail head adjacent to highway I-80 at the top of Donner Pass. We started up the road that leads to the Sierra Club's Peter Grubb hut. Soon we diverted off and up a winding mountain bike single tract trail leading us up to the ridge that is the continuation of Andescite Ridge. Once on the ridge, the leader (yup that is me, Bob) announced we are leaving the trail and would be wandering through an evergreen forest and hoping to arrive at a beautiful volcanic rock outcrop that overlooks I-80 and Boreal Ski Area. Hikers were strongly advised to stay in sight of the hiker in front as well as the one in back and thus avoid the necessity of launching a "search and rescue" operation. Indeed after about a half hour of what seemed aimless wandering in a deep forest, we came to the outcrop. A short rock scramble easily negotiated by all put us on top of a magnificent viewing area. From there it was a hop, skip and jump back to the cars and the end of a great trip.
Over the weekend of July 16-17-18, three fantastic adventure hikes were enjoyed by severalBenicia Day Hikers. The waterfalls were fed by melting snowfields and water drenched high meadows. The wildflowers were well on the way to the peak and were showing us their brilliant colors.
On Friday afternoon, four hikers met at Starbucks in new Truckee and my
daughter, Sheila, provided the car-pool for all. She drove us up the
switchbacks on the Old Donner Pass Road (aka Historic Route U.S. 40) and we parked at the Tahoe Rim trail head near the Sugar Bowl Academy. We started out on the Tahoe Rim Trail but soon left the trail and scrambled over the granite ledge above School Rock, a popular rock climbing area. The temperature was over 90 degrees so we decided to shorten the hike to about three miles.
Wildflowers were in full bloom and abundant. We were headed for a small
hidden alpine lake snuggled between two tiers of granite ledges. A
"SECRET SPOT" of mine that I was pretty sure not many people know about. What did we find? We found two groups of about 20 each of high school students with guides and instructors that were providing an educational wilderness experience.
Well, it turned out to be a positive learning experience for us too as we
listened to the guide talk about the fish in the lake. I had always
wondered why there would be cat fish in such a small isolated lake. One theory is that the Chinese immigrants who built the trans-continental railroad over Donner pass, may have stocked the lake. Finally, back to the car and back down the switchbacks. Part way down we pulled to the side and explored some ancient Indian petroglyphs carved onto the glacier polished granite.
Saturday was incredible and was enjoyed by eight hikers. We drove up the
Mount Rose Highway to the pass between Mount Rose and Slide Peak. There is a really nice trail head there with toilets and a large parking area. When we arrived around 9:45 a.m. the parking lot was already nearly full. The trail starts up a steep open slope covered with wildflowers and strewn with granite boulders. Views of ultra blue Lake Tahoe draw your attention to the detriment of your footing on the rough trail. After about two miles of crossing mostly forested slopes we approached a waterfall that cascades for several hundred feet over granite ledges. We dallied about half an hour with cameras clicking away. There was a snowfield adjacent to the waterfall and one of us, name unmentioned, got the snowball action under way. Yeah, what fun! Sheila had one more special treat in store and kept everyone in suspense for about a half hour as the hike continued. Then we stopped and she asked,"who sees something special?' Heads turned this way and that and every which way but the right way. Finally, Sheila gave a hint and said, "look down and what do you see?" In fact, we could see a stream emerging from the ground; a spring with crystal clear water just gushing out. Again, the wild flowers were incredible with whole slopes covered with Mules Ears, Forget-me-nots, Penstemon and on and on.....
After our hike were all pretty tired and sweaty and Sheila announced she
was going for a dip in Lake Tahoe. And did anyone want to join her? Well,
of course we all did. We stopped at a small pull out near Sand Harbor NV
State Park on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, put on our bathing suits,
climbed over some granite boulders and jumped in. Well, I must confess not everyone had a bathing suit and so had to improvise....
After a refreshing dip in the Lake, we returned to the parking area and
there was Ignat cutting open a huge red ripe water melon. If you every want to know how to slice up a water melon just right be sure to take a lesson from Ignat. Finally, on our way back to our respective lodgings (motels, campsites, condo) we stopped in at Steamer's Restaurant in King's beach where we enjoyed salads, pizza and refreshing drinks.
Once again on Sunday, we had eight Benicia Day Hiker's and we enjoyed a non-conventional hike in the vicinity of Castle Peak. We started at the trail head adjacent to highway I-80 at the top of Donner Pass. We started up the road that leads to the Sierra Club's Peter Grubb hut. Soon we diverted off and up a winding mountain bike single tract trail leading us up to the ridge that is the continuation of Andescite Ridge. Once on the ridge, the leader (yup that is me, Bob) announced we are leaving the trail and would be wandering through an evergreen forest and hoping to arrive at a beautiful volcanic rock outcrop that overlooks I-80 and Boreal Ski Area. Hikers were strongly advised to stay in sight of the hiker in front as well as the one in back and thus avoid the necessity of launching a "search and rescue" operation. Indeed after about a half hour of what seemed aimless wandering in a deep forest, we came to the outcrop. A short rock scramble easily negotiated by all put us on top of a magnificent viewing area. From there it was a hop, skip and jump back to the cars and the end of a great trip.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Full Moon Memorial Hike
On Friday, June 25, many of us came together for a full moon hike in the hills behind Benicia. This was a touching memorial hike in honor of Priscilla Colby, who passed away just four days before. This short hike was one of the last ones that she was able to do, a few years before. After the hike, we joined Bob Colby at his house for a few minutes to look at his family photos of Priscilla and reminisce.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Pleasant Day at Tennessee Valley Beach
At Tennessee Valley thirteen hikers met,
Went down to the sea and then just went back.
Bare toes they buried in soft sand that was black.
Just three of our number went up to a bunker,
While the rest just laid back on their butts and looked upper.
Our season of hiking has come to an end,
But soon in September will start up once again.
Have a great summer!
P.S. Our Hikers Help Rescue Injured Sea Lion
While walking near the edge of the beach, we noticed a sea lion lying in the wet sand at the water's edge. it appeared to be dead, but actually it was just injured from a deep gash on its rear flipper. When the waves would begin to touch it, it would painfully lift itself up and inch forward a bit, and then flop down in exhaustion. A woman on the beach called Animal Rescue, but after a very long time, no rescue truck had appeared, and most of our group headed back up the trail to our cars, except Krystyna, Susan A., and Norma.
When the rescue truck arrived, Krystyna, Susan and Norma volunteered to help with the rescue. So the three of them, plus four other women (the rescue driver, and three women sitting on the beach) were able to corral the frightened and barking sea lion, throw a net over it, scoot it into the cage, and haul the cage back across the beach to the rescue truck.
Went down to the sea and then just went back.
Bare toes they buried in soft sand that was black.
Just three of our number went up to a bunker,
While the rest just laid back on their butts and looked upper.
Our season of hiking has come to an end,
But soon in September will start up once again.
Have a great summer!
P.S. Our Hikers Help Rescue Injured Sea Lion
While walking near the edge of the beach, we noticed a sea lion lying in the wet sand at the water's edge. it appeared to be dead, but actually it was just injured from a deep gash on its rear flipper. When the waves would begin to touch it, it would painfully lift itself up and inch forward a bit, and then flop down in exhaustion. A woman on the beach called Animal Rescue, but after a very long time, no rescue truck had appeared, and most of our group headed back up the trail to our cars, except Krystyna, Susan A., and Norma.
When the rescue truck arrived, Krystyna, Susan and Norma volunteered to help with the rescue. So the three of them, plus four other women (the rescue driver, and three women sitting on the beach) were able to corral the frightened and barking sea lion, throw a net over it, scoot it into the cage, and haul the cage back across the beach to the rescue truck.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Mt. Tam vistas and waterfalls
Nine hikers joined us for a wonderful hike on Mt. Tam on Saturday, June 5. We enjoyed sweeping vistas of the ocean on the first half of the hike, and then dropped down into deeply shaded glens which were enlivened by the peaceful sights and sounds of splashing waterfalls and woodland birds.
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Saturday, May 22, 2010
Exploring Las Trampas
If you were on this hike in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness on May 22, I am sure you would agree this was a butt "kicker" of a hike! I added up the mileage for all the trails we did and it came to 6.38 miles. Only 6.38 miles? How can it be? It certainly seemed like 10 miles or more. When you go up and down and up and down and up and down -- well you get the idea..... I don't think I remember a flat section.
Luckily, all of our hikers, 13 in all, were seasoned veterans; all in great condition. We had blue skies and cool temperatures. Thank our lucky stars for the cool temperatures or the hike would have been gruesome. As soon as we left the trail head, the trail headed up a relentlessly steep, seemingly endless ascent of the Rocky Ridge View Trail. I do believe this is the steepest start to any hikes that we do all year long. We were all huffing and puffing.
We stopped on Rocky Ridge to explore the unusual "wind caves" carved in sandstone; taking great care to avoid the abundant poison oak. As we passed over the ridge, we paused for a lunch stop and were amused by humming birds darting around a blooming California Bayleaf tree. After passing over Rocky Ridge, we descended the "Sycamore" trail. The Sycamore trail was bordered by Pennyroyal and Sticky Monkey flower shrubs in full bloom. It was truly beautiful but steep and sometimes treacherous.
Finally, at the end of the Sycamore trail we reached "Devil's Hole" which actually seemed more like a little bit of "heaven on earth" in a forest of oaks and Bayleaf trees just made for climbing. We paused for a break and a few of our number did some tree climbing. In the trip photos you can see the smiling faces of those "monkeys" in the trees.
And at last we found out why it is known as "Devils Hole". The trail that
ascends back to Rocky Ridge is aptly named Devil's Hole Trail, and it is
steep and steeper on sometimes loose footings. A definite challenge even
for seasoned hikers. All in all, a great day on the mountain.
Luckily, all of our hikers, 13 in all, were seasoned veterans; all in great condition. We had blue skies and cool temperatures. Thank our lucky stars for the cool temperatures or the hike would have been gruesome. As soon as we left the trail head, the trail headed up a relentlessly steep, seemingly endless ascent of the Rocky Ridge View Trail. I do believe this is the steepest start to any hikes that we do all year long. We were all huffing and puffing.
We stopped on Rocky Ridge to explore the unusual "wind caves" carved in sandstone; taking great care to avoid the abundant poison oak. As we passed over the ridge, we paused for a lunch stop and were amused by humming birds darting around a blooming California Bayleaf tree. After passing over Rocky Ridge, we descended the "Sycamore" trail. The Sycamore trail was bordered by Pennyroyal and Sticky Monkey flower shrubs in full bloom. It was truly beautiful but steep and sometimes treacherous.
Finally, at the end of the Sycamore trail we reached "Devil's Hole" which actually seemed more like a little bit of "heaven on earth" in a forest of oaks and Bayleaf trees just made for climbing. We paused for a break and a few of our number did some tree climbing. In the trip photos you can see the smiling faces of those "monkeys" in the trees.
And at last we found out why it is known as "Devils Hole". The trail that
ascends back to Rocky Ridge is aptly named Devil's Hole Trail, and it is
steep and steeper on sometimes loose footings. A definite challenge even
for seasoned hikers. All in all, a great day on the mountain.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Great day at Sunol
On Saturday, May 8, twelve hikers enjoyed the creeks and trails and wildlife in Sunol Regional Wilderness in near perfect weather. As we entered the park a deer crossed the road in front of us and a male wild turkey was strutting his beautiful fan of tail feathers. Of course, ground squirrels abounded at every twist and turn of the trail, sometimes peeking out at us and at other times boldly approaching as if they expected us to feed them. Perhaps other hikers have been feeding them in violation of park regulations.
We took the lovely Canyon View trail through pastures and rolling hills to a rock formation that overlooks Sunol Creek and "Little Yosemite". Wildflowers abounded; poppies, lupines and fields of Ithuriel's Spears. Due to the extended rainy season, the waterfalls and cascades in Sunol Creek were spectacular. Many of us went down to the creek, took off our shoes and socks and cooled our heels in the clear water.
From Little Yosemite we ascended a series of steep fire roads climbing over 1000 feet of elevation gain in about two miles. The cool breezes eased our ascent. What fun it was, like an outdoor stair-stepper. After going over a high pass we stopped near a bench for snacking and napping in the wild oats. The leader actually fell asleep for a few minutes, as did several hikers. How good life can be sometimes!
From the high point we quickly lost most of the elevation gain and came to Indian Joe's Creek trail which led us to Indian Joe's Rocks and Caves. These are not true caves but caves formed under and around the huge boulders. A few of the more adventurous hikers followed the leader, creeping, crawling, climbing and squeezing in and around the boulders and caves. Thus a great day in the wilderness was enjoyed by all.
We took the lovely Canyon View trail through pastures and rolling hills to a rock formation that overlooks Sunol Creek and "Little Yosemite". Wildflowers abounded; poppies, lupines and fields of Ithuriel's Spears. Due to the extended rainy season, the waterfalls and cascades in Sunol Creek were spectacular. Many of us went down to the creek, took off our shoes and socks and cooled our heels in the clear water.
From Little Yosemite we ascended a series of steep fire roads climbing over 1000 feet of elevation gain in about two miles. The cool breezes eased our ascent. What fun it was, like an outdoor stair-stepper. After going over a high pass we stopped near a bench for snacking and napping in the wild oats. The leader actually fell asleep for a few minutes, as did several hikers. How good life can be sometimes!
From the high point we quickly lost most of the elevation gain and came to Indian Joe's Creek trail which led us to Indian Joe's Rocks and Caves. These are not true caves but caves formed under and around the huge boulders. A few of the more adventurous hikers followed the leader, creeping, crawling, climbing and squeezing in and around the boulders and caves. Thus a great day in the wilderness was enjoyed by all.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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
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
Monday, April 12, 2010
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
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
First hike of 2010
Here is a very brief trip report on our first hike of the Season, last Saturday, March 13. Eight hikers joined me for a wonderful hike in Benicia State Recreation Area. We hiked the entire park from one end to the other (7.4 miles) , sometimes on the blacktop trail and roads, but also on the improved trails that wind through the hills overlooking the Strait.
We enjoyed the cool breezes and blue skies. Checked out Dillon Po
int and the trails along the water to get there. The flock of egrets that has called the marshlands adjacent to Southhampton Bay home is still there.We went to Benicia State Rec. Area because after the heavy rain on Friday, the trails in Lynch Canyon would have been muddy and slippery -- not fun.
But where are all the guys? Eight hikers and no guys? Come on!
Hope to see you on a hike soon!
Bob Colby, Leader
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
First Snowshoe of 2010
Snow players and wanna be snow players,
Here is a brief trip report on our first event. Perhaps this report will motivate a few more of you to join us for future events. We had a small group of five of us -- your leader and four lovely ladies. We all stayed at my small condo at Northstar and so of course I was on my best behavior.
We drove up Saturday morning with good road conditions and fairly light traffic. We arrived at Northstar at 12 noon, had a bite to eat, and headed out the door and up the mountain on snowshoes.
The going uphill on the Northstar snowshoe trail gave us a opportunity to acclimatize to the 6500 foot elevation above sea level. The coming down was a blast with slipping, sliding, jumping and falling and no injuries.
Next we made a visit to the large adult (capacity 25) Jacuzzi for a nice relaxing soak with some of us showing off our "snow angels". If you don't know what a snow angel is you had better join us on our next event!
On Sunday morning we drove up to Donner summit and enjoyed several miles of snowshoeing in spectacular scenery with blue skies. One of our ladies is from Indonesia and this was her first big snow play event. What a splendid time she had!
Here is a panoramic 360 degree movie of the mountain tops on Donner Pass. Notice the fog bank in the valley over Truckee and Donner State Park in the background. (click the arrow to start video.)
Here is a brief trip report on our first event. Perhaps this report will motivate a few more of you to join us for future events. We had a small group of five of us -- your leader and four lovely ladies. We all stayed at my small condo at Northstar and so of course I was on my best behavior.
We drove up Saturday morning with good road conditions and fairly light traffic. We arrived at Northstar at 12 noon, had a bite to eat, and headed out the door and up the mountain on snowshoes.
The going uphill on the Northstar snowshoe trail gave us a opportunity to acclimatize to the 6500 foot elevation above sea level. The coming down was a blast with slipping, sliding, jumping and falling and no injuries.
Next we made a visit to the large adult (capacity 25) Jacuzzi for a nice relaxing soak with some of us showing off our "snow angels". If you don't know what a snow angel is you had better join us on our next event!
On Sunday morning we drove up to Donner summit and enjoyed several miles of snowshoeing in spectacular scenery with blue skies. One of our ladies is from Indonesia and this was her first big snow play event. What a splendid time she had!
Here is a panoramic 360 degree movie of the mountain tops on Donner Pass. Notice the fog bank in the valley over Truckee and Donner State Park in the background. (click the arrow to start video.)
Warning: high altitude reaction! Norma had an odd reaction to the high mountain air, but she enjoyed it!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hike, potluck, and birthday party
Once again our annual pot luck dinner (Saturday, 12/12) was a success.
We had a wide variety of delicious foods, main dishes, salads, relish tray, deserts galore, on and on....
Of course we enjoyed the baked salmon supplied by Steve Chrisman and it disappeared fairly quickly.
I did not do a head count, but I would guess we had between 25 and 30
hikers and their guests. Conversation was humming nicely all evening long.
To my surprise the event also turned into a birthday party for your leader
who turned 75 on December 7. A birthday cake with candles and all the
trimmings showed up. Luckily not 75 candles to blow out. The biggest
surprised was when Pepe showed up with his guitar and played several songs especially for me. WOW! That really made my day.
And what happened to the hike scheduled for Saturday morning? Believe it
or not, seven hikers showed up and we did a couple miles in the hills of
Benicia State Recreation area. A little drizzle with fog and the sun
attempting to burn through was quite enchanting.
We had a wide variety of delicious foods, main dishes, salads, relish tray, deserts galore, on and on....
Of course we enjoyed the baked salmon supplied by Steve Chrisman and it disappeared fairly quickly.
I did not do a head count, but I would guess we had between 25 and 30
hikers and their guests. Conversation was humming nicely all evening long.
To my surprise the event also turned into a birthday party for your leader
who turned 75 on December 7. A birthday cake with candles and all the
trimmings showed up. Luckily not 75 candles to blow out. The biggest
surprised was when Pepe showed up with his guitar and played several songs especially for me. WOW! That really made my day.
And what happened to the hike scheduled for Saturday morning? Believe it
or not, seven hikers showed up and we did a couple miles in the hills of
Benicia State Recreation area. A little drizzle with fog and the sun
attempting to burn through was quite enchanting.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Awesome full moon hike
On the evening of September 4, eight hiker's approached the top of Mount Wanda (near Martinez) and were treated to the "totally awesome" sight of a bright yellow full moon rising over Mount Diablo.
We enjoyed the sparking lights of Concord and Martinez and of course the refineries. Then it was time to break out the red wine, chocolate, cracker's and cheese and enjoy a few minutes sitting around the picnic table. We all agreed that more of the full moon hikes are a definite must do.
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