Hiking Adventures in the San Francisco Peninsula and Beyond
March 21, 2022 Hello Spring. Nowruz Mobarak, as well. More on wine. Duckhorn was founded in 1976, three years before my migration. Dan and Margaret (Duckhorn) first specialized in merlots, long before the term was amusingly besmirched by Paul Giamatti in Sideways (2005). Paraduxx (1994), known for fabulous and inventive zinfandel and other blends, followed. Goldeneye (1996), a … Continue reading Migration
Paraduxx Winery You might wonder how I might be able to tie these three disparate topics into one post. Continue reading. It's been another tumultuous last seven days. In October, I "won" a wine tasting package at a local charity auction. I had been a Board member of San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation (https://www.smfcedfund.org) and … Continue reading Napa, Rick Steves, and Ukraine
The Meadows Some stats, notes and observations: Duration: 4.5 hours (including a few stops for water, snacks, etc.)Distance: 12.3 milesElevation Gain: 2000+ feet Weather: 36° F at 8am; 46° F at 12:30pm Starting Location: El Corte de Madera Parking Area (16040 CA-35, Redwood City, CA 94062)Hike (URL): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/skyline-bear-gulch-alambique-and-meadow-loopWunderlich CP Information: https://parks.smcgov.org/wunderlich-parkLunch: http://www.milagrosrc.comNotes and Observations: Wunderlich … Continue reading Wunderlich
It has been another tumultuous and exhausting week. Some thoughts and observations: I had dinner a few days ago with a good friend at my favorite local taqueria (La Cumbre). In the same year I became naturalized (1986), he escaped from Iran, as a teenager. He had grown up in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War … Continue reading Day 9
The California Poppy, captured during our last hike (Mount Diablo) I have been enamored of this concept for quite some time. Not exactly minimalism or disposing of anything that does not spark joy. Decluttering, yes. Not exactly essentialism or mindfulness, although both can be worthwhile, for different reasons. Not shorter, less strenuous hikes, although next … Continue reading Less is More
Summit (3849 feet) Some stats, notes and observations: Duration: 7 hours (including a few stops for water, snacks, etc.)Distance: 13 milesElevation Gain: 4,200+ feetWeather: 47° F at 8am; 75° F at 3pmStarting Location: Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, 96 Mitchell Canyon Road (Clayton)Hike (URL): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mitchell-rock-mount-diablo-and-north-peak-loopMount Diablo Information: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517Lunch: BYO. Notes and Observations: Leave early. Parking lot opens at 8am sharp. Bring $6 (exact … Continue reading Mount Diablo
View from the ridge just to the south of Mission Peak Some stats, notes and observations: Duration: 5 hours (including a few stops for water, snacks, etc.)Distance: 11.6 milesElevation Gain: 3,363 feetWeather: 42° F at 8am; 62° F at 1pmStarting Location: Ohlone College - Student Parking K, Pine St, Fremont, CA 94539 (37.52772, -121.9154)Hike (URL): Mission Peak and Peak Meadow … Continue reading Mission Peak
Perfection in a bag Not quite, but close. No, these beans will not help you navigate the rules of COVID, which seem to change by the day, or the hyper-volatile stock market, or illuminate the metaverse, defi, or crypto, but they will make the early morning videoconference less unbearable. For what it’s worth, I’m an early riser … Continue reading Magic Beans
Sugarloaf Peak (San Mateo, CA) The surge continues. But, at Sugarloaf Peak, in San Mateo, but for a masked hiker (new show?) or two, it might as well be business as usual. Mind you, Sugarloaf was not my first choice. Pulgas Ridge (https://johnpavolotsky.com/2021/12/24/pulgas-ridge-and-hiking-year-in-review/), my go-to for dog friendly hikes, was packed, no parking except on the streets, perhaps a third … Continue reading Sugarloaf Peak
Tahoe Donner Resort Hello 2022! Best wishes for a fresh start and a smooth(er) ride, from Truckee, California! December was Snowmageddon, with the most December snowfall since 1970. Given our drought situation, unsurprisingly more snow is needed. Fresh powder abounded on December 31st, my first day on the slopes in nearly two years. Imagine gliding on the snow, frictionless, … Continue reading Lake Tahoe
The Peninsula Hiking Club 