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.