Villages Hiking Club

Greg Brown’s Murals in Downtown Palto Alto

On Wednesday, April 1st Bonnie Preston led a rambler hike to Palo Alto to see 10 of Greg Brown’s Murals in downtown Palo Alto. These humorous murals are painted on the walls or ceilings of buildings. Greg grew up in Palo Alto and studied drawing, painting and printmaking in London. He painted the life size picture of a spy in a trench coat which was so realistic that it scared a city official in 1975. The city then commissioned many other works of art which delighted residents.

Trail Maintenance Day-2015

The Hiking Club – Thank You To All

A BIG thank you to all those who volunteered and worked on the trails on Saturday March 28th. Although everyone was rewarded for their great work with a delicious lunch provided by Trish Smith and her crew,( thank you Trish, Wendy, Amy, Laura, Debbie and Brad) everyone seemed to have a great time even thought they worked hard. And to make the day more festive, The Bakker family celebrated Wate Bakker’s birthday with two huge birthday cakes together with a chorus or two of the birthday song (Happy Birthday Wate). Kudos to John Trudeau for doing such a fantastic job in planning and arranging all of the work crews. And thanks to our “mule” drivers, Augustine and Jose for helping us. They did such a good job shuttling us up and down and keeping track of everyone. So it’s now official. The trails are free of weeds, debris and now easier to transverse. So if you want to see great scenery, wild flowers and wild animals, take your favorite partner and friend and use the trail facilities. Better still, why not join one of the Wednesday and/or Saturday hikes. You’ll have a great time with a fun group.

Santa Teresa County Park Hike

Gary and Terry Holmquist led a Rambler trip to Santa Teresa County Park on Wednesday, March 25th. The hike was about 4 miles with a 500 ft elevation gain.

Sunol Regional Wilderness Hike

Gary and Terry Holmquist led hikes in the Sunol Regional Wilderness on Saturday, March 21st. Gary took the long hikers on a 6 mile hike 1500 foot climb to Cerro Estes. Terry took the ramblers on a 4 miler to Little Yosemite. The day turned out to be comfortable and pleasant. Flowers were abundant on the trail.

Coyote Creek Trail Hike

Cookie Hunley led a 4 mile hike along Coyote Creek within Hellyer County Park and beyond on Wednesday, March 18th. The hike begin at the Velodome (bicycle racing arena) within the Park and continued north on the Coyote Creek Trail (out of the Park) to the Los Lagos Golf Course.

Uvas Canyon Hike

Jackie Jones led the long hikers on 6 mile hike with a 800 ft. elevation gain along a shaded trail from the parking lot in Uvas. The ramblers took a shorter Loop Trail (about 4 miles with little elevation gain). Although the day was warm, the tree lined path was comfortable and pleasant.

Grant Ranch County Park Hike

On Saturday, March 7th Nancy Rumple led the long hikers to the overlook and beyond with an elevation gain of 1200 ft. The views were spectacular and the trail was sprinkled with many colorful flowers. The wildlife didn’t disappoint as we were ending our hike we spotted a mountain lion near where our cars were parked.

Sierra Vista Open Space

Nancy Rumple on Saturday, February 28th led the Long hikers on a 7-mile loop trail with 1000 ft. elevation gain from the new parking area at the Sierra Vista Open Space. The morning was spectacular as were the views. We saw many flowers and some interesting birds.

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve Hike

On Wednesday, February 25th Katy Peretti and Bonnie Preston led a group of ramblers on a hike to the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve just above the Alum Park.

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve Hike

On Wednesday, February 25th Katy Peretti and Bonnie Preston led a group of ramblers on a hike to the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve just above the Alum Park.