Johanna Bakker led the ramblers on a hike at Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz and enjoyed cool ocean breezes and mild temperatures. It was a trail that we looped around and some people went partway, rested, and then met up with the group on their return. We had a late lunch at a downtown restaurant Laili in Santa Cruz that had excellent tasty dishes with Silk Road flavors. Afterward eight long hikers returned for an additional four mile hike.
The long hikers on Saturday, July 25th led by Nancy Rumple did an 8 mile hike through the Redwoods with an elevation gain of 1200 ft from Saratoga up to Skyline Boulevard. The Ramblers visited other features of the park such as the Redwood log Welch-Hurst house (1908) that is now used as a Hostel.
Dan Kato led a hike with 11 ramblers of about 4 miles along Coyote Creek. After the hike 8 of us ate lunch at Oc-licious restaruant where the specialty is dishes made with mollusks.
Spicy and very tasty but not for all pallets.
On Saturday, July 18th Nancy Rumple led the long hikers on about 8-9 mile hike from Hwy. 9/35 intersection on the Saratoga Gap Trail, Achistaca Trail, and Sky-Line-to the Sea Trail to Summit Meadows and back on the mostly shady trails with a 1200ft. elevation gain. The ramblers led by Wendy Ledamun with an assist by Brad Hinckley hiked a different trail of about 4.3 miles also mostly in the shade.
Deb Siedband and Susan Brown led a walking tour of the 2015 Downtown Doors student art installations in San Jose on Wednesday, July 15th.. Art was placed in windows, doors, alleyways, and parking garages. The talent of the high school students was impressive, and lively discussions occurred over many of the artworks. Lunch was enjoyed in San Pedro Square Market.
Jackie Jones led a 6 mile hike with a 800 ft. elevation gain from the parking lot in Uvas in a loop returning to the starting point. We took a side trip to an observation point overlooking a water fall with very little water. The hike through the trees for most of the trail proved to be pleasant with temperatures remaining comfortable.
The Villages Hiking Club held its annual Summer Picnic on Thursday, July 9, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Gazebo. Bocce courts were available for our exclusive use. Grilled burgers (turkey, salmon and beef) with all the trimmings were provided by the club. Wendy Ledamun and her team of helpers did a fabulous job of making the event fun and memorable for the eighty-five members and guests that attended. There were even a few uninvited guests that had feathers!
Sy Gelman led a rambler hike on a 3 to 4 mile tour of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Wednesday, July 8th. The group viewed the Dutch Windmills, Chain of Lakes, ambled by the herd of buffalo, and visited Spreckles Lake where model boat enthusiasts sail and race their creations. Afterwards there was lunch at the recently refurbished beach restaurant.
Several members participated in the annual Villages 4th of July parade. It was a warm pleasant day and all enjoyed themselves. Nancy Rumple brought signs for some to wear depicting scenes from several of our national parks.
Katy Peretti and Faye Swanson led a rambler hike to New Leaf/ Seasons Market for a coffee and a goodie.
