Wate and Johanna Bakker led rambler hikes in the Shoreline Park of Mountain View. We saw many migratory and other shoreline birds. Some brought binoculars and cameras. Johanna led a 2-3 mile hike emphasizing bird watching while Wate led a five mile hike along the levies toward Palo Alto. Afterwards we had lunch in the Shoreline cafe.

Nancy Rumple led a hike to St Joseph’s Hill. Only a few hardy members participated and had a good time.

Twenty people hiked on Wednesday, January 19th to Walmart and back. There was a  change in the hike route to stay out of the mud. The day was pleasant and sunny.

Wate  Bakker led long hikers on the arrowhead full loop trail for four miles in Coyote Valley Open Space Reserve. The ramblers were led by Johanna Bakker in the same area.

The Hiking Club held its annual white elephant gift exchange and soup supper fun event on Thursday, January 14 starting at 5:30 pm at Foothill Center.  Guests were asked to bring a soup, an appetizer, salad or dessert. Cider and coffee were provided. The White Elephant gift exchange took place after supper and produced many interesting gifts and treasures.

The hiking club once again celebrated New Year’s Day at the top of our tallest hill, at 2,300 ft elevation. Dan Kato led thirty-eight long hikers to the top, starting from Foothill Center, leaving at 10:00 AM. and the celebration officially started at 11:30 AM. at the top of the hill. Everyone brought snacks to share with friends and fellow hikers. Wendy Ledamun  led the Ramblers on the lower hill trails, covering some of the new trails put in place this year. They finished at the picnic area at Indian and Skyway.

The weather cooperated and rain ceased, so Johanna & Wate Bakker led a bird walk in Shoreline Park.  The small group received large rewards in numbers of birds sighted: Egrets, Heron, Shovelers, Buffleheads, Double Crested Cormorants, Grebes, Green Winged Teal, Avocets, Stilts, Pintail, Pelicans and Sandpipers. Lunch at the waterside cafe rounded out a great day of birding.

Wate and Johanna Bakker led hikes in the Anderson County Park with some interesting and beautiful views for both groups. The hike was 2-3 miles long with elevation gains of 300 feet.

Nancy Rumple led a hike on the Coyote Creek trail on Saturday, December 12th. It was a nine mile hike and was sunny and pleasant with some wind.

The Hiking Club’s annual holiday party was held on Thursday, December 10 beginning at 5:30 pm at Foothill Center. Classic R&B and Jazz Vocalist, David Johnson provided background music and entertained us for the evening. The buffet featured hand-carved, roasted turkey breast and herbed salmon plus a vegetarian option.