Wate and Johanna Bakker led fourteen Ramblers on a four-mile hike in Shoreline Park on Wednesday, January 10th.  After two days of rain, the all weather paths at Shoreline proved to be a perfect choice. The cool morning provided a perfect setting for large flocks of birds.   As usual, the hike ended at the Shoreline Cafe with a hearty extended lunch and much conversation.

Rich Bainbridge & Wendy Ledamun led a hike in Dry Creek Pioneer Park near Niles, CA. on Saturday, January 6th.The hike was about 5 miles long with an elevation gain of about 900 ft.

Katy Peretti led a hike along Coyote Creek to Hellyer Park from Blossom Hill Road on a paved trial. Total distance was about 3-4 miles.

There were hikes to honor Stan Pegram one of the most faithful and active members of the hiking club, even during his protracted illness. Wate and Johanna Bakker led long and ramble hikes in memory of his friendship and contributions. Both hikes started at the upper garden parking lot at 10 AM. Johanna’s hike was about 3 miles with 300-400 ft elevation gain and Wate’s hike was about 4 miles long with a 1000 ft elevation gain. After the hike all shared a meal  with Stan’s family in the Foothill center, starting at 12.15 PM , to reminisce about Stan’s time at the Villages and celebrate his life with us.

On Wednesday, December 27th some of the club members took a hike around the villages to prepare for our annual New Years Day hike up the hill .. 

John and Sandy Petrin led a hike along the Los Gatos Creek Trail in Vasona Park in Los Gatos on Wednesday, December 20th. Hike length was about 4 miles.

Gisela Pearson led a long hike from the Sunol nature preserve to Mission peak along the Ohlone wilderness trail on Saturday, December 16th. The hike was about 10 miles round trip and the elevation difference was 2000 ft+. Gary Holmquist led the ramblers along some of the scenic trails in the Sunol preserve. It was so windy on Mission Peak that no one took the time to take pictures of that group but rather the rambler group did send in pictures of the Sunol area.

The Hiking Club’s annual holiday party was held on Friday, December 15th at Cribari Center Auditorium. It begin at 5:30 pm with appetizers and socializing under a laser light show. The buffet dinner began at 6:00 pm and  featured tossed green salad with candied pecans and golden raisins tossed in a pear and champagne vinaigrette, herbed salmon, sliced beef tenderloin, seasonal vegetables, lean-potatoes au gratin, assorted breads, dessert and coffee. Ed Knott provided music for the evening from 7-9 pm.

Wendy Ledamun led an urban hike to The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.