News – Page 27 – Villages Hiking Club

2021 Picnic

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.

Wilder Ranch Hike

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.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Dan Kato led a long hike of about 8 miles at Henry Cowell Redwoods state park on Saturday June 26th. They started at the park office and hiked to the observation deck. After that they returned via the Pine Trail, Powder Mill and Pipeline roads. It was a beautiful mostly shady hike through redwood forest valleys. There were vertical climbs of up to 800 feet.

Banana Slug

Año Nuevo State Park

Spring flowers are long since gone all around along the bay but along the pacific coast they just started to bloom and there a many more, big and small. Johanna and Wate led a coastal hike in Año Nuevo State Park on Saturday June 19.

Coastal Hike

Wendy Ledamun and Rich Bainbridge led an out and back hike on the Coastside Trail near half moon bay, a winding, flat paved trail on Wednesday, June 16th

Alum Rock Park Hike

Due to likely inclement weather at Castle Rock State Park, the four hikers decided to substitute Alum Rock Park. They did 5 miles including Eagle Rock

Fremont Older Open Space Hike

Johanna and Wate Bakker led a rambler hike in Fremont Older Open Space located off Prospect road just behind the Saratoga Country Club. They did a 3.5 to 4.0 mile loop mainly on the Seven Springs loop trail.

Almaden Lake Park Hike

Sandy & John Petrin led a hike to Almaden Lake Park from the (free) parking lot at Camden & Mt. Forest Drive along Los Alamitos Creek to & around Almaden Lake, then back on Wednesday, March 4th.The total hike was about 4.1 miles, The path was all paved and almost all level and very easy for all.Some hikers circumnavigated the lake.

Sunol Regional Park Hike

Gisela Pearson lead a hike in Sunol Regional Park in a 6-7 mile loop from headquarters to the back area and back on Saturday, February 29th. The elevation gain was approximately 1100 feet. There were beautiful views and sunny skies.

Montgomery Hill Park Hike

Gary Lohr led a hike to Montgomery Hill park and then onto Falls Creek Dr. and back thru the park ending up at La Boulanger for coffee. The round trip was approximately 3.5 miles. .