On Wednesday, January 28th Gary and Terry Holmquest led a rambler hike on the Los Gatos Creek trail from Lake Vasona to Los Gatos and back.
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Wate and Johanna Bakker led long and rambler hikes in the east bay Pleasanton Ridge park near Sunol. The hikes were mainly along the ridge line with beautiful views of the east bay hills. Elevation differences mainly to climb up to the ridge, were 600-1200 ft. The trails are mainly old farm roads with some well groomed connector trails. Ramblers did 3-5 miles and the long hikers did 6 miles. The day was very pleasant and there was a record 25 hikers in the two groups. One of the largest turnouts in recent memory.
On Wednesday, January 21st. Bonnie Preston led the Ramblers to the new Martial Cottle Park on Snell which just opened. It is named for the 19th century farmer whose family donated the 287 acre farm to Santa Clara County with the intent of preserving the agricultural heritage of “The Valley of Heart’s Delight” which will maintain a working farm. The park remains a work in progress where Master Gardeners will have gardens and orchards, and a 7 acre 4-H area including running livestock such as sheep.
Gary and Terry Holmquist led a hike at Shoreline Park in Mountain View. It was a good time to see migratory waterfowls and the Black-necked Stilt and the Northern Shoveler Duck.We also saw two red tailed hawks. There were many more species making for a great birder event. Afterwards we stopped at the Shoreline Cafe for lunch. The day turned out to be pleasant for walking as we were in the open space and the sun was under the clouds.
On Saturday, January 10th the long hikers walked from Hicks Road on the Woods Trail, up Barlow Road on a 1700 ft. elevation gain and out to Bald Mountain below Mt. Umunhum for lunch. This seven mile hike was led by Nancy Rumple. The Ramblers hiked out and back on the Woods Trail. There were beautiful views of the green hills and abundant flowing water in the many surrounding streams.
Members started the New Year with a warm cup of cider, soup, appetizers, salads, and dessert. plus a surprise treasure on Thursday,January 8, in the Foothill Center. There was a gift exchange and there were many interesting items. It was an enjoyable evening with good food and good fellowship.
On Saturday, January 3rd the long hikers did a 7-8 mile hike from the Roop Road Entrance with about an 800ft elevation gain over Mummy Mountain led by Nancy Rumple. The ramblers hiked a different trail. It was a crisp day with beautiful views.
On January 1st 2015, the Villages Hiking Club had their annual New Year’s Day Celebration. There were 40 who made it to the mailbox at top of our hill, about a 2 mile uphill climb, and another group of 12, led by Bonnie Preston and Barbara Knight, that met at the halfway point on Skyway and Indian trails at our new table. Champagne was served at both locations and members brought their favorite appetizers and drinks.
