Grant Ranch County Park Hike – July 16, 2026

Fifteen intrepid hikers headed for the backcountry of Grant Ranch County Park on July 16th.  We all met at the Smith Creek CDF Fire Station at the base of Mt. Hamilton, then proceeded up the Foothill Trail and south on the Manzanita Trail for a 3-mile round trip.  The weather cooperated, and we had a comfortable stroll through oak woodlands and grass meadows.  From our halfway point, we could see the backside ridge top of the various Villages Hillside trails and Transmission towers.
The second part of the hike was along Smith Creek, a bucolic shaded trail of 1.5 miles round trip.  We all returned to The Villages safe and sound before 2 pm.

Half Moon Bay July 10, 2026

Thirteen Ramblers enjoyed a beautiful 6-mile coastal hike at Half Moon Bay on July 10th. Although much of California was experiencing summer heat, we were treated to a pleasantly cool day along the coast.

The trail was especially scenic, with large areas covered in blooming evening primroses and scattered California poppies adding splashes of color to the landscape.

Along the way, we met Hanne, a former club member, who shared a couple of local sayings about Half Moon Bay weather: “no-Sky July” and “Foggiest August”–reminders of the unique coastal climate that keeps the area cool during the summer months.

About halfway through our hike, we stopped for a simple and tasty lunch at The Barn, enjoyed a short rest, and then completed the second half of our journey refreshed and energized.

Thank you to everyone who joined for another enjoyable Rambler adventure along the beautiful Half Moon Bay coast! Weny, Michele, John, Theresa, Phil, Mary, Ali, Matt, Joan, Wendy, Hanne, Pam, Mimi, John Zhang.

Hill Hike – June 20, 2026

Eighteen hikers started the Hill Hike on a beautiful cool morning. Four decided to go to the top.  Starting down on the switchbacks, those four were (L-R) Joan, Julian, Marisue and Gordon, with San Jose in the background.

Author Posted on Categories 2026