Hiking Adventures in the San Francisco Peninsula and Beyond
As some know, I teach a Comparative Privacy Law course at a local law school. Before my Monday night class, I was able to attend the tail end of a program on the invasion of Ukraine and why it matters. The student audience was engaged and the discussion robust. I spent the first few minutes of class … Continue reading Kyiv
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
Dear Reader, Time to rebrand. Why? Reflections was too serious a title and really said nothing about what you might find on this site. Reflections on what? Exactly. The Daily Grind is more apt, although, I concede, not terribly original. Perhaps slightly better than Central Perk. Let me know if you agree. That said, I … Continue reading The Daily Grind
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
Leading one of my monthly hikes, to Point Reyes this time I never envisioned myself as a coach, but one day my spouse volunteered me to be an assistant coach for my son’s AYSO U-10 soccer team. I had fun and next year I volunteered myself to be head coach. In AYSO, everyone plays, essentially equal time. A … Continue reading Find a Coach!
The near-perfect cappuccino I had posted a top 5 idea list for the new year on another social networking site. Due to the positive response, I will add a few more, with [brackets] to delineate the additions. Enjoy. It seems worthwhile to start the year with a top 5 idea list: 1. Continuous learning is a #mindset. … Continue reading Top 10 Ideas – 2022
Dusky Woodrat Trail Some stats, notes and observations: Duration: 2 hours (including a few stops for water, snacks, etc.)Distance: 3.6 miles (per All Trails) loopElevation Gain: 695 feetWeather: 54° F at 11amStarting Location – Pulgas Ridge Parking Lot (167 Edmonds Rd, Redwood City, CA 94062)Hike (URL): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dusky-footed-woodrat-and-cordilleras-trailsPulgas Ridge information: https://www.openspace.org/preserves/pulgas-ridgeNotes and Observations: It looks like this year will … Continue reading Pulgas Ridge and Hiking Year in Review
Some stats, notes and observations: Duration: 5 hours (including a few stops for water, snacks, etc.; and driving time from Hike #1 to Hike #2)Distance: 11 miles (10.1 per All Trails)Elevation Gain: 1,361 feet (both trails)Weather: 50° F at 9am; 70° F at 1pmStarting Location – Hike #1: Drakes Head Trail Parking Lot (38.08154, -122.91403)Starting Location – … Continue reading Point Reyes
The Peninsula Hiking Club 