Author: Jim Beyer

Wate and Johanna Bakker led cool hikes from Lands End in West San Francisco to Muir beach and the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday, August 14th. The rambler hike was 3-5 miles to Muir Beach. The 7-8 mile long hike continued on. Both hikes were along the coast and were mostly flat with some hills and staircases. A small part of the hike was through the upscale neighborhood of Seacliff.  Afterwards they ate a late lunch in the Golden Gate Park Chalet. 

Rich Bainbridge  and Wendy Ledamun led a rambler hike to Alum Rock Park along the valley trail which was about five miles round trip on Wednesday, August 11th . There was a lunch stop at Lee’s Sandwich shop on Berryessa. 

Al Girolami led a rambler hike on our own Hill Lands. They experienced our wonderful Villages asset, at their own pace, to see what is available in our own backyard. They met at the cul de sac at the end of Village View Drive and proceeded to the Joe Marsh Trailhead. The hike was less than a 3 mi. loop with less than 500 ft. of gradual elevation gain.

Sandy & John Petrin led a hike from Oak Meadow Park, 233 Blossom Hill Rd along Los Gatos Creek to downtown Los Gatos. They walked around downtown then headed back to Oak Meadows Park. The round trip was about 4 miles and mostly shaded along the way.

Five hikers on Saturday, July 24th enjoyed the hike up to the highest point, where they had lunch. After lunch, they headed down to the crude oil seep at Tarwater Creek, which was amazing. From that point, Faye, Dan and Kimberly completed the 10 mile hike, while Mary and Deb opted for an alternative return, covering about 8 miles. After the hike, five hikers enjoyed refreshments at the lovely, peaceful picnic area. Ice cream was procured at the visitor center, and we enjoyed looking at the exhibits and gift shop there too. 

Al Girolami led a long hike to Mt. Madonna County Park. They drove to the no fee Sprig Entrance parking lot on the north side of Hwy. 152. (round-trip drive was 52 miles). They did a counter-clockwise loop doing the less shaded Ridge Trail first and proceeded to the Blackhawk Trail, returning downhill on the shaded Sprig Trail. The distance was less then 6 miles with about a 1,200 ft. elevation gain.

On July 14^th Sy and Laura Gelman led a hike on the Coyote Creek Trail.  They walked about 5 miles in mostly shade. 

This year we celebrated in a healthy Mediteranian style by grilling chicken, beef or vegetable kebabs.  The sides included greek salad, saffron rice, pita bread, hummus and dessert.  Additionally,  Steve Siacotos provided  the evening’s entertainment.  He has been performing in the Bay Area for over 30 years.  Steve was a member of the South Bay band the Groove Kings, and was also the lead vocalist for the band NiteCry.  

 

 

Wednesday July 7th Johanna Bakker led a hike in Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz of 3-4 miles . They followed a path along the shore and saw coves and sea stacks. There were some mother seals with their babies on one of the beaches people cannot access. Some of the youngsters, hobbled to the water and mama was close behind to make sure the little ones could handle the waves. Windbreakers were needed for the wind.