Wate and Johanna Bakker led long and rambler hikes in Almaden Quicksilver county park. The ramblers hiked about 4 miles with an elevation difference of about 300 ft, with a few steep sections and the long hikers did a 7-8 mile hike with about 1000 ft elevation difference
Twenty-two Ramblers completed a 4.5 mile hike across nearby Bentley Ridge, a new route for many of the participants. Hikers enjoyed the crisp morning air, clear blue sky and beautiful views from the ridge. A stop at Starbuck’s and Le Boulanger provided a nice break for coffee and conversation.
Kathy Peretti led a combined long and rambler hike in the Coyote Valley open space preserve on Saturday, December 2nd. Total distance was about 4 miles with many ups and downs for a combined elevation difference of about 600 feet.
Johanna Bakker led a hike in our open space starting at upper gardens on Wednesday, November 29th. They hiked along Sky, Cougar, Richter, Buffalo, Bay then cutting over to Thistle, Meadow, Farm, Bay and Sky.
Laura Gelman and Katy Peretti led a group in exploring various hidden trails that meander through the villages (about 3-4 miles). The group assembled at the Vineyard center at 9.45 AM for a 10.00 AM Start Afterwar
Wate and Johanna Bakker led hikes on Saturday, November 18th on the newly opened trails around mount Umunhum. The long hikers hiked the 7.4 mile round trip trail to the top starting at the mount Baldy parking lot. Total elevation gain was 1150 ft. Due to the parking challenges the ramblers drove up to the top and enjoyed the views.
Caryl Swinyard and Cookie Hunley led a 5-mile hike on the Coyote Creek Trail from within Hellyer County Park to the Library on Tully Road on Wednesday, November 15th. Distance was about 5 miles. The hike began at the Velodrome (bicycle racing arena) within the Park and continued north on the Coyote Creek Trail (out of the Park) to the San Jose Library on Tully Road. They then retraced their steps and returned to the starting location.
Eleven long hikers, led by Dan Kato, did a 7 mile hike around the Grand Loop at Mt. Diablo State Park on Saturday, November 11th. There was a good deal of climbing up and down as well as some rock scrambling. Lunch on the peaks provided spectacular views of the bay area on this clear day. After the five hour hike, tired and a little sore, but still in good spirits, we then drank a few spirits at Pete’s Brass Rail and Car Wash in Danville.
The Club on Thursday, November 9th gathered for a potluck supper followed by a special performance by Villages residents, Anne and Kevin Worley, “celebrating our lives and passions with songs from the 50’s to the here and now. Eclectic Folk, Country and Rock & Roll.” The gathering was at Foothill Center beginning at 5:30 pm.
