Hiking Adventures in the San Francisco Peninsula and Beyond
Dear Readers, I had hoped to find time to write about each of these in detail, but no such luck. I hiked these in the course of a week. I am sure you can do the same, if not more. Enjoy. Soldier's Pass Trail - Giant Sinkhole (be careful), fabulous cave at the top (be … Continue reading Hiking Arizona
South Rim, Grand Canyon Have you ever taken the perfect photograph? Nailed the timing, the light, the atmospherics? It had been raining on/off all day, with snow showers at higher elevations, especially on Highway 180, from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. The South Rim stands at a very respectable 7,000 feet, higher than Lake Tahoe. … Continue reading The Grand Canyon
Pacifica below and Mount Tam to the north Some stats, notes and observations: Duration: 3 hours (including a few stops for water, snacks, etc.)Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,669 feet Weather: 54°F at 9am; 60° F at 12pmStarting Location: San Pedro Valley CP Visitor Center (Pacifica, CA)Hike (URL): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/north-peak-via-montara-mountain-trailSan Pedro Valley CP Information: https://parks.smcgov.org/san-pedro-valley-parkLunch: http://www.milagrosrc.comNotes and Observations: This is a quick and … Continue reading North Peak via Montara Mountain Trail
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
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
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
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
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
The Peninsula Hiking Club 