Deb Siedband and Susan Brown led a walking tour of the 2015 Downtown Doors student art installations in San Jose on Wednesday, July 15th..   Art was placed in windows, doors, alleyways, and parking garages.  The talent of the high school students was impressive, and lively discussions occurred over many of the artworks. Lunch was enjoyed in San Pedro Square Market.

Jackie Jones led a 6 mile hike with a 800 ft. elevation gain from the parking lot in Uvas in a loop returning to the starting point. We took a side trip to an observation point overlooking a water fall with very little water. The hike through the trees for most of the trail proved to be pleasant with temperatures remaining comfortable.

The Villages Hiking Club held its annual Summer Picnic on Thursday, July 9, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Gazebo. Bocce courts were available for our exclusive use. Grilled burgers (turkey, salmon and beef) with all the trimmings were provided by the club. Wendy Ledamun and her team of helpers did a fabulous job of making the event fun and memorable for the eighty-five members and guests that attended. There were even a few uninvited guests that had feathers!

Sy Gelman led a rambler hike on a 3 to 4 mile tour of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Wednesday, July 8th. The group viewed the Dutch Windmills, Chain of Lakes, ambled by the herd of buffalo, and visited Spreckles Lake where model boat enthusiasts sail and race their creations. Afterwards there was lunch at the recently refurbished beach restaurant.

Several members participated in the annual Villages 4th of July parade. It was a warm pleasant day and all enjoyed themselves. Nancy Rumple brought signs for some to wear depicting scenes from several of our national parks.

Katy Peretti and Faye Swanson led a rambler hike to New Leaf/ Seasons Market for a coffee and a goodie.

On Saturday, June 27th Nancy Rumple led the long hikers on a 12 mile moderately hilly hike from the park headquarters to the Pacific Ocean. The hike was through Redwood trees with a view of a waterfall, and the Pacific ocean.  Wendy Ledamun led the ramblers on the sequoia trail on a 4.5 mile trek with elevation gains of 420 ft. The route, was almost entirely under old-growth redwoods, included a stop at Sempervirens Fall, a scramble up Slippery Rock and a visit to the Maddock Cabin site

On Wednesday, June 24th Johanna Bakker led a 2.6 mile rambler hike on our shady new Villages trails.

The Villages Hiking Club had a ceremonial opening of the new trails in the hill lands. All gathered at the end of Village View Drive at 8.45 AM to attend the official opening of the new trails in the lower hill lands at 9 AM. Following a brief ceremony,walkers and beginning hikers explored the new trails led by Johanna Bakker. Dan Kato, and Wate Bakker. After the hikes all gathered at Picnic area 1 for appetizers and drinks around 11.00 AM. All brought appetizers to share and the hiking club provided water, beer and wine to celebrate this milestone in our long history. About 45 people attended with about 12 new comers.

Wate and Johanna Bakker led a rambler hike on the Villa Montalvo estate in Saratoga. After a 3-4 mile hike through the redwoods to a lookout point we  toured the beautiful grounds of the Villa. Afterwards all went be a sushi lunch in downtown Saratoga.