40 members and guests of the Villages Hiking Club recently spent three glorious days in the wine country exploring beautiful Jack London and Sugarloaf Ridge State Parks and environs. Upon arrival they took a short but lovely hike in Jack London State Park The next day was spent hiking Sugarloaf Ridge State Park taking in the beautiful scenery all around us. That evening all celebrated their good fortune with a delicious meal at the Wolf House Restaurant.
Gary and Terry Holmquist led a rambler hike on Wednesday, October 21st. to Rancho San Antonio County Park in Los Altos. The hike was approximately five miles with an elevation gain of about 500 feet to the first look out.
Gary and Terry Holmquist led a hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park in Almaden Valley on Saturday, October 17th. The hike was from the historic entrance on Almaden Road and lead to the Bull Run Picnic area where we had lunch. The total hike was six miles with an elevation gain of approximately 1000 feet. Along the way we visited historic sites from the mining era.
The Villages Hiking Club’s “Country Western Hoedown and Potluck” was on Thursday, September 10th at The Gazebo. County music was provided by our favorite Villages DJ, Ed Knott. Bocce courts were also available for our exclusive use. 4:00 – 5:00. There was line dancing and many other dance steps performed by our members in attendance.
Al Girolami led a hike at Alum Rock Park on Wednesday, October 14th with a focus on geocaching and exploring the historic mineral springs which is an Earthcache For “muggles” (non Geocachers).
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Debbie Siedband and Dan Kato led a hike on Saturday, October 10th in San Bruno State Park. Long hikers took the Summit Loop trail and went 7.5 miles with an elevation climb of about 800 feet. Sy Gelman led the ramblers on a 3 – 4 mile hike with about a 300 foot elevation gain. Both groups had opportunities to see glorious views of the Pacific Ocean but much of the time were in fog limiting the view this day. The long hikers came across two very interesting and personable naturalists that were gathering more information that they were going to use in a book they are writing. The day offered great weather for hiking.
Rita Cerna led a rambler hike to Starbucks on Wednesday, October 7th where all enjoyed gathering for tea or coffee and a chat. The walk up took the group up to the park near Canyon Road and on to Starbucks.
Johanna Bakker led a rambler hike in Coyote Valley over easy hills and thru wooded areas.
Wate and Johanna Bakker led hikes from a newly opened trail head in the western part of the Russian Ridge open space area . Johanna led the Ramblers on a partially shaded 3-4 mile hike with about 400ft elevation difference. Wate led the long hikers on a 7.8 mile hike with about a 800 ft elevation difference. It was a hot day with most of the time spent in the open space. The views were spectacular and the trails were well maintained.
