tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42760859458687743422024-03-12T18:20:21.419-07:00Santa Cruz HikersJulie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-55624727290003275972010-03-06T13:37:00.000-08:002010-03-15T15:52:10.579-07:00KILIMANJARO!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZlDGWsX_yblisJODnpTwTNo8vmFmQ8rlz38WRUP3TkyxIF4NITtWESjVhef-4OZaCw41eahjgk-WSnXx7xw6ym9ebSchz-YjSYwCAVdmORDW9LwIGmD2rDZbZKG32pClsTsdewhPoGmg/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445692680640905778" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZlDGWsX_yblisJODnpTwTNo8vmFmQ8rlz38WRUP3TkyxIF4NITtWESjVhef-4OZaCw41eahjgk-WSnXx7xw6ym9ebSchz-YjSYwCAVdmORDW9LwIGmD2rDZbZKG32pClsTsdewhPoGmg/s320/2010_0301africa0152.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kilmanjaro Trek<br />Machame Route<br />2/14/10 - 2/20/10<br />35 miles<br />Elevation Gain: 14,000 feet up<br />Elevation Loss: 14,000 feet down<br /><br />Julie, Jo, Mary, Selim, Tino, Natalie, James<br /><br />26 support staff - 3 guides, 2 dishwashers, cook, assistant cook, waiter, 3 tent crew, 15 porters<br /><br /><br />Well this is it - the trip of a lifetime that Jo and I have been planning for 14 years and that we were lucky enough to have Mary join us. We did it! I have decided to take a lot of the climb straight from the journal that I kept - though I have added some things as I went along. What an adventure this was. Truly amazing. A dream come true.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGG34urpK-Ymz-ncN1FT_hZFd4ZWOcbQLVBAZ9jUD7ZTxlBXZlZxTvugwplTiw-bwKWVArt97j5maUyxkCyJcMOqKm2prlk5VA_hi2OfiF-xACFc70AUXDCt4f2UkPFTJ_-670WlAlU01/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445678023036023906" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGG34urpK-Ymz-ncN1FT_hZFd4ZWOcbQLVBAZ9jUD7ZTxlBXZlZxTvugwplTiw-bwKWVArt97j5maUyxkCyJcMOqKm2prlk5VA_hi2OfiF-xACFc70AUXDCt4f2UkPFTJ_-670WlAlU01/s320/2010_0301africa0125.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JKE14BaYpHLH3yx0k7pE30lBOeCrCPkY-aK5HrWcMXkI587xNsIv8zGa0HaUzyD4Ze1eFutyqnBXnDxPFG_1iyENyOlzXPUGABdTMkffS1079lNO815f4AmRr9I1dlUBmVPZdF7obrj1/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445677851886340994" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JKE14BaYpHLH3yx0k7pE30lBOeCrCPkY-aK5HrWcMXkI587xNsIv8zGa0HaUzyD4Ze1eFutyqnBXnDxPFG_1iyENyOlzXPUGABdTMkffS1079lNO815f4AmRr9I1dlUBmVPZdF7obrj1/s320/2010_0301africa0124.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cdiv%3E%3Ca%20href="><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445677509303223314" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 214px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NydIv6x19-yocELpbtR6qEH_eTx5AETUPH6qxAxyENd-eAcmCuY-FSABNiSzv2tLcYifVWNSK_c2eWZ_8FlsNoC2F4M9dULUExlWGtIV7UcbTzPlXjziwdFpx3M5uqZArH6qawU38tbZ/s320/2010_0301africa0121.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Day 1<br />February 14th<br />Machame Gate - Machame Camp<br />7 miles<br />3,970 elevation gain<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />8:10 p.m. The climb has begun! We are at Machame Camp. Jo and I are all snuggled into our little tent. Our home away from home.<br /><br />We didn't sleep much. A bit rushed going for breakfast. We realized that Mary had locked the hotel door but no-one had brought the key. We were already running late. I ran to the office. They didn't have a backup key. The woman called the handyman who ended up unbolting the lock from the door to get in. We had breakfast and barely made our transport.<br /><br />We rode on the bus up a little dirt road which was a shortcut to Arusha. We had already met James and Natalie at the the orientation meeting and they were on the bus already. Picked up Selim and Tino. I enjoyed the drive to the gate. You would see Masaai out wandering in the fields with their goats.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nFl1sEId9EgkSvktj2HMb-2Jyaz65XmHAuHhUfhTSWlvLK_a6ct8bacL982VtAMzF9-FrCOt8I1uuQTmYwE7ryFhdBuGxNg5yZ58kQQRQF3LhNRm9rffM0soi5jd_SRK0VsAi46_YpIO/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445695906167418354" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nFl1sEId9EgkSvktj2HMb-2Jyaz65XmHAuHhUfhTSWlvLK_a6ct8bacL982VtAMzF9-FrCOt8I1uuQTmYwE7ryFhdBuGxNg5yZ58kQQRQF3LhNRm9rffM0soi5jd_SRK0VsAi46_YpIO/s320/2010_0301africa0128.JPG" border="0" /></a>When we got to the gate there were many groups with all their porters. Rather chaotic. Julius our guide went to get paperwork. We signed in. I bought a backpack cover and Kilimanjaro hat from the vendors at the gate. Finally we were off.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The porters are amazing. They carry so much on their heads. The weight is enormous. One guy carried four dozen eggs on his head. Another a table.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445698018845538722" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQ39LufWj-HLHvtJFsVi4PO8PgjJrHff2XkLT8pxf8kvVzax0GjJovd4yaivuT3sAylfYihloBLfPcIlsY2_WChRyL-ifHVqQfdhBvKBXfJvbI0Zs50YgRb1_NMYid-acvvnqzy69_0nG/s320/2010_0301africa0118.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1dIi2MrCXvkTtC3P8sDcpYmSDYJppm2R32D7VqaViYmpJ9uOgX7_oeOPvHHk8aK4i20cqIl_sZtegeDoabPfLYhtWK1dsTjUrW39n1d9z658ZqwGD9DoM_-7V3KjCr1-Aqq5P3WkUqpw/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445698973547584290" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1dIi2MrCXvkTtC3P8sDcpYmSDYJppm2R32D7VqaViYmpJ9uOgX7_oeOPvHHk8aK4i20cqIl_sZtegeDoabPfLYhtWK1dsTjUrW39n1d9z658ZqwGD9DoM_-7V3KjCr1-Aqq5P3WkUqpw/s320/2010_0301africa0129.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2SDvLFYIWDF1l72QJCNy_QJgXsksOQ-w9NY4rq95BYI6VY4-dMpiXOvLbNn0B7hRIul2OZpHqpD2DNqy1m6dXPioWfUEHK-rzjgizg6n3WvjDGYhKMFal6vOAlDp74x62haN3JiJxgjB/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445970304279095474" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2SDvLFYIWDF1l72QJCNy_QJgXsksOQ-w9NY4rq95BYI6VY4-dMpiXOvLbNn0B7hRIul2OZpHqpD2DNqy1m6dXPioWfUEHK-rzjgizg6n3WvjDGYhKMFal6vOAlDp74x62haN3JiJxgjB/s320/2010_0301africa0131.JPG" border="0" /></a> We started on a road at first - then it turned into a path. It was a lush beautiful rain forest. Moss. Lichens. Porters would pass us. We would pass other groups, then they would pass us. I loved the forest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Su5YQ2MDLMt4L3OYSTrchyphenhyphencX8y7-A9JqMAEorV4H8atwRoAsTqz2DHv7H8izPdgHZZiBlc3x3XybZxANKcwTDr1DK0TqGk21NKXlTkr1j8kbNCUsxK4ZVSDr-Ph9c4AliJ6zynlijCb3/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445701155447989618" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 214px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Su5YQ2MDLMt4L3OYSTrchyphenhyphencX8y7-A9JqMAEorV4H8atwRoAsTqz2DHv7H8izPdgHZZiBlc3x3XybZxANKcwTDr1DK0TqGk21NKXlTkr1j8kbNCUsxK4ZVSDr-Ph9c4AliJ6zynlijCb3/s320/2010_0301africa0132.JPG" border="0" /></a>Julius, our main guide, really stayed with us. We talked and laughed. He told us the polite way to say "take a pee" is "I have to send a message." We made a lot of jokes about that, but it was very useful. Soon we came upon our first outhouse. It was time to "send a message". The higher up the mountain you go, the more rustic the post offices become.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The hike was a breeze for me, especially walking so slowly. Jo was struggling with it. Then it started to rain. We put on all our rain gear. It started pouring. I liked it. The rain gear worked great. My clothes stayed dry. I was very comfortable. I liked the really slow pace. It didn't feel hard - more meditative. Pole Pole. Which is "Slowly, Slowly" in Swahili. This is something we heard throughout the trek. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkvhebJoGORn8s-dgWhgTw9K40P5GUSGpRYzdzXrLQa74KnhvGOb0DpA_UUJLNer1AU0i2rWPjocPsXaI0zb1Hktox4Jf8Ys2-d7LwIf-OexccffRUMwc4_oYkyk-VQbrD0af_O8uDRhl/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445702003011440658" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 214px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkvhebJoGORn8s-dgWhgTw9K40P5GUSGpRYzdzXrLQa74KnhvGOb0DpA_UUJLNer1AU0i2rWPjocPsXaI0zb1Hktox4Jf8Ys2-d7LwIf-OexccffRUMwc4_oYkyk-VQbrD0af_O8uDRhl/s320/2010_0301africa0143.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We finally made it to camp. The skies cleared. We got our first glimpse of Kilimanjaro. Although, we had been in Arusha for three days we hadn't seen the mountain, it was always obscured by clouds. That first glimpse brought tears to my eyes. It is so beautiful! I was afraid we would climb the mountain and never get a chance to see it!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod4oN-fcYadWvNO5JIzpeOY_1Tl0wzId_UloYOTiElPiQ2UQB_cWP-LL9SJyVpzPvR1ZVNv-li5WR7bXtUXJEVRRvQKFwMFE6uLNgbzUfeH_aWbNyonR11K1IMOsMuwxI7miUte9aEoSb/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445702884620840802" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod4oN-fcYadWvNO5JIzpeOY_1Tl0wzId_UloYOTiElPiQ2UQB_cWP-LL9SJyVpzPvR1ZVNv-li5WR7bXtUXJEVRRvQKFwMFE6uLNgbzUfeH_aWbNyonR11K1IMOsMuwxI7miUte9aEoSb/s320/2010_0301africa0155.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jo and I were crammed into the tent. Lots of wet stuff. At dinner Julius told us we could use our little entryway to store our packs. This helped a lot and we got organized and spread out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwUHA4vB6fhvoXxAAdE5mQXWy0e1J3fGTw0i-JLKgtlHJwnI6ss89ujcBRHW-np8FFkaek35B8kgDxJTOIK9Hhjjevnb50ZMW2jm6x4_vjeywbKmK1edlDOTOUNO-dfLWJ9QLABhOGECC/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0154.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445703231253505938" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwUHA4vB6fhvoXxAAdE5mQXWy0e1J3fGTw0i-JLKgtlHJwnI6ss89ujcBRHW-np8FFkaek35B8kgDxJTOIK9Hhjjevnb50ZMW2jm6x4_vjeywbKmK1edlDOTOUNO-dfLWJ9QLABhOGECC/s320/2010_0301africa0154.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dinner was delicious. Potato Soup. Bread. Fish, potatoes and vegetables in tomato sauce. Good company. I enjoyed today thoroughly. I want to have a joyous time on the mountain. Experiencing the full cultural experience.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I loved looking at the African stars. They are so bright and beautiful. I love hearing all the Swahili. Love having the different groups here, the French, the Dutch. There are probably over 20 groups here. Josephine is making quite the stir with the porters. The men are all over her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DGQcs0OrDxVsgZEDQAsdLumc7SNSCZQwPgrFeH02pTAeysI_Z8KfOFYatzmHDsD0KQLBbukHKxY3mSOCmvLbc533eUHLvZOPuw-O2iPwCZIhS9EEVAetUZiQoZ4SbEtSXfteXz2zAam5/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0157.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445746512603615698" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DGQcs0OrDxVsgZEDQAsdLumc7SNSCZQwPgrFeH02pTAeysI_Z8KfOFYatzmHDsD0KQLBbukHKxY3mSOCmvLbc533eUHLvZOPuw-O2iPwCZIhS9EEVAetUZiQoZ4SbEtSXfteXz2zAam5/s320/2010_0301africa0157.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am loving Africa and this trip! Love. Love. Love. Amazing that we are doing this after all these years.<br /><br /><br />Today was a total piece of cake for me. I can do this. Day three will be the challenge. I'm actually getting tired. Think I will go to sleep now. Another wonderful day. Both Jo and Mary brought chocolates for Valentines Day. How thoughtful What a great beginning!<br /><br /><br />1:40 a.m. I just successfully used the pee bottle. Not bad at all. Ah! I had to pee since 11:00 p.m. Didn't want to get out of my sleeping bag. Message sent. Quite cozy. Camp is completely quiet. Now that I said that zippers start going. Still no dogs barking or people partying all night at Masaii Camp!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMIC5ODlOffoUX9QMq6amDic7_oyOmX2LGXZU_noZCahsDjSfMvRseFgYsjVsOgKyI1nvi__RScm6KJ7Velc5e-qoRW9RdM9E5XTAZLsKed6bH7tD6tzv7Z9vl_9-if3WubgHR9WwN5MZ/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0159.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445747824598886258" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMIC5ODlOffoUX9QMq6amDic7_oyOmX2LGXZU_noZCahsDjSfMvRseFgYsjVsOgKyI1nvi__RScm6KJ7Velc5e-qoRW9RdM9E5XTAZLsKed6bH7tD6tzv7Z9vl_9-if3WubgHR9WwN5MZ/s320/2010_0301africa0159.JPG" border="0" /></a> February 15<br />Machame Camp - Shira Camp<br />3 miles<br />Elevation Gain: 3,150 feet<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />5:35 a.m. Was out looking at the African stars. Last night Orion was clear. This morning the Giant Dipper dominated. The stars are beautiful and bright. We may not see them again. I hope we do. I am feeling confident and happy. So far I realize that I have enough clothes and gear. This will be about enjoying the terrain, the people, the mountain.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OL-_mz5tC8NQQid04uDtJNibZtFEjRtvE1PSVFV8ISStIJ8yDORJitLtuv6LVCij2-L6DpuGSoGJfnfbtI6TUbdhrrlQy27T8B21ZuRDM19MZodE0MdOWpmxz3jQq2BeHQkBP3BMqIQF/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0156.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445748672993436482" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OL-_mz5tC8NQQid04uDtJNibZtFEjRtvE1PSVFV8ISStIJ8yDORJitLtuv6LVCij2-L6DpuGSoGJfnfbtI6TUbdhrrlQy27T8B21ZuRDM19MZodE0MdOWpmxz3jQq2BeHQkBP3BMqIQF/s320/2010_0301africa0156.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It was so amazing the first time we got glimpses of Kili. What a beautiful mountain. Lots of snow as well. I want to get to know the porters. I realize that I am as interested in the Africans as the other trekkers. Selim and Tino are from Lebanon. Natalie and James are from Kent, a very, sweet young couple.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I like the fact that there are lots of different groups. You see porters from other groups. The birds are calling. I like this camp. Like being surrounded by Swahili.<br /><br />8:05 a.m.<br />Just finished breakfast. Porridge, avocados, bread and bananas. Filled up. Then they brought eggs, sausage, tomatoes and cucumbers. We have an amazing cook. Sunny beautiful day. I went to see the mountain at dawn. Should be a gorgeous day. All is so well. Another great day ahead!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmFHjwFvaYY440TEnNx2NI1tJSpUIukvIQ8CUBWGse3l4B-klm21wuQ_N_qi-_iXrUPy49DR_T5WbLT2_K-NOgliIYxpxLIC6Qjql0OuzYOxWWKe8Afdbpn8iPUAsWhJNTCRsUmRkbJlB/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0163.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445749278982398306" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmFHjwFvaYY440TEnNx2NI1tJSpUIukvIQ8CUBWGse3l4B-klm21wuQ_N_qi-_iXrUPy49DR_T5WbLT2_K-NOgliIYxpxLIC6Qjql0OuzYOxWWKe8Afdbpn8iPUAsWhJNTCRsUmRkbJlB/s320/2010_0301africa0163.JPG" border="0" /></a> 3:00 p.m. We are snug inside our tent. It is raining outside. I like listening to the rain, especially when we are warm and dry inside.<br /><br />Getting odd leg cramps - but enjoying just laying here with Josephine talking. The Swahili sounds so cool. The rain is coming and going. Comfy in our tent. I don't have to do anything. That is an unusual feeling for me. We are at Shira camp. Rocky open plain.<br /><br />I am getting used to the "long drop" bathrooms. Basically an outhouse with a hole cut in the floor and two bricks to step on. My aim is getting better. They aren't as bad as I thought.<br /><br />We had spaghetti for lunch with hamburger and carrots. Lots of food. Julius says to eat lots and drink lots of water. I am doing both.<br /><br />The terrain was gorgeous today. I'm almost out of battery power for my camera. I will have to rely on Mary and Jo and my disposable camera. Another good day. Tomorrow is going to be a tough one.<br /><br />8:30 p.m. We have had a delicious dinner of pumpkin soup, rice and beef stew. The rain stopped and we could see Kilimanjaro clearly. It is much closer now. Nice sunset.<br /><br />I was hiking with my sarong as a scarf today as I usually do. It worked well for keeping me warm and cool. This evening I wore it as a sarong and it caused quite a stir with the porters. They all thought it looked African.<br /><br />I walked over to the cliff and called Bill to<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> </span>wish him a happy anniversary. He said he was thinking about me and had thought to call. We got cut off. There is a delay on the phone so it took awhile to realize he was gone. Good to hear his voice.<br /><br />Day 3<br />February 16th<br />Shira Camp - Barranco Camp<br />4 miles 2,690 elevation gain<br />2 miles 2,1460 elevation loss<br /><br />4:10 p.m. We are in the tent again. It is raining again. Another wonderful day. Tea and popcorn now. More later.<br /><br />5:15 p.m. We raced in the rain over to the mess tent and had tea, ground nuts (like peanuts) and popcorn. We had nips of brandy in our tea and cocoa which greatly improved our spirits.<br /><br />The porters on the other side of the flap in the tent had music playing, so Josephine and I danced. Elias came in when I was putting the flask back in the pocket of my coat, which fell down. He pretended not to notice how heavy my coat was. One of the songs we were dancing to was about Tanzania. The rain stopped and we had a beautiful view.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2-mH94avLJmUbrTgXVebo-o_UW9O5NVF6ZV6sYabv9A2EuYXYkpPvCc0QxXgNW607OuyyehyphenhyphenM96aIt0OnVwf5k0fIwjIm5s92SiH6TNCTDIfZXs_rVzDL9Z_F3bZyCK7mv4UtTALWGnl/s1600-h/kili+photo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447815771124290994" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 212px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2-mH94avLJmUbrTgXVebo-o_UW9O5NVF6ZV6sYabv9A2EuYXYkpPvCc0QxXgNW607OuyyehyphenhyphenM96aIt0OnVwf5k0fIwjIm5s92SiH6TNCTDIfZXs_rVzDL9Z_F3bZyCK7mv4UtTALWGnl/s320/kili+photo.JPG" border="0" /></a> Giant snow covered cliff behind us. Beautiful valley in front of us. Blue sky and clouds. Gorgeous. There is a pattern here. Rain in late afternoon and then clearing.<br /><br />The ravens here are beautiful. Black with a white stripe around their necks. Big black beak like a puffin. Very cool. My camera is dead, so I shall rely on the photos of others.<br /><br />Just talked to Julius. He says Jo, Ti no and I are doing great. He was watching from a distance. Mary has been throwing up and has a splitting headache. I hope she doesn't get ALS. The view here is amazing. After the rain it is so clear.<br /><br />The hike today wasn't hard for me, but others are having a hard time. We had breakfast and had a good start. I did my 15 morning push ups which felt great. People thought I was crazy. We went up to 15,000 feet today and it wasn't bad at all. Slow grade. The landscape was strewn with boulders covered with lichens and moss. We could see Mt. Mehru behind us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_gVX-tVDs3V_CXm2FZzn2AI15xfuVGNpMZdVi3190OXCuQ-YEuPwf1Cvraq__qlgtMhzNmwLWbVJiDi3v9X0X8C4OjqKI28yma-lKlSPLM9Wl1u7rymSKh59b9pq3Kwfl6yoSVCBzpZf/s1600-h/44900005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447816398196635522" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_gVX-tVDs3V_CXm2FZzn2AI15xfuVGNpMZdVi3190OXCuQ-YEuPwf1Cvraq__qlgtMhzNmwLWbVJiDi3v9X0X8C4OjqKI28yma-lKlSPLM9Wl1u7rymSKh59b9pq3Kwfl6yoSVCBzpZf/s320/44900005.JPG" border="0" /></a>We stopped at Lava Tower for lunch. At first we couldn't see it, because it was obscured by fog. Then it appeared out of the mist. Looking prehistoric. Our lunches are always the same and delicious. A piece of chicken, juice, a green orange, jam and bread, potato chips, cookies. We all started singing "Doe a Deer" from the sound of music, because it had that line of about "jam and bread". We went to find a place to send a message which was hard because there were porters behind and porters ahead.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5He7lv2Rc8mZal2zG2Pzn8725MzdCMnu0kfaDwAG2TkY_NJqE5sbdUbzwkCsz1FEgkFCllqI2Cx2-uNQ1mW1RX3oLX4TdEG1k8n-iaXh_sEbQkvVWu0OvW8QXuySAkLrEmRvGFaJwr97/s1600-h/44900009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447816838941660626" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5He7lv2Rc8mZal2zG2Pzn8725MzdCMnu0kfaDwAG2TkY_NJqE5sbdUbzwkCsz1FEgkFCllqI2Cx2-uNQ1mW1RX3oLX4TdEG1k8n-iaXh_sEbQkvVWu0OvW8QXuySAkLrEmRvGFaJwr97/s320/44900009.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mary was starting to feel sick on this hike. We reached a Y in the path and started to head for Barranco camp. It started to rain on us. After reaching 15,000 feet we could see plants again as we started coming down. There was a beautiful waterfall. Our thoughts were all about getting to camp. Walking slow. Hakuma matata. No worries!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6:55 p.m. Just finished dinner. Sitting on a rock looking at the valley. The fog is coming in. Our team is in bad shape. Everyone is getting sick. Mary is throwing up and has a bad headache. Selim has an upset stomach. James was shivering with chills. Tino has a headache. Natalie is sunburned.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjma4KR9NNixNkr_Dn2AkFMJ5hrkJOd4Gja4_AnZNNQj4mxRE11CMaSPhMqzOmLwDyZzDjorBfO6m-hTx3uv5DizdmrmhW72fze650CEepVRsInzsvlVbpn4FWCzgxGIXF2E-iQlwxJUk/s1600-h/44900007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447817928630700626" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjma4KR9NNixNkr_Dn2AkFMJ5hrkJOd4Gja4_AnZNNQj4mxRE11CMaSPhMqzOmLwDyZzDjorBfO6m-hTx3uv5DizdmrmhW72fze650CEepVRsInzsvlVbpn4FWCzgxGIXF2E-iQlwxJUk/s320/44900007.JPG" border="0" /></a> This valley is so lush with those "Joshua Trees" as Jo calls them. Waterfalls. The mountain behind us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Day 4<br />February 17th<br />Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp<br />3 miles<br />Elevation gain: 62 feet over all<br />Up and down<br /><br />We are in the tent. It is raining. Do we see a pattern here? Luckily we made it to camp before the rain. Yesterday we didn't. We are Karama Camp. I don't think it is as pretty as Barranco Camp - but it's too hard to see. Foggy and rainy.<br /><br />Barranco camp was lovely - lush. A little piece of paradise.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZBABCd3A_Ubi1rJrKdZ6L1HSLu3vpwwFY71_psnpmYlBJ_BxMbuAeQNs6i7wCkAOdwej1BFf5z6fF92dt_QXBMkymxRfeMDM6Hde8b84zR524WT2BUNdHgDaStIuGfW-hrrf2txxrIS6/s1600-h/jo+porters.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447818858996360722" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 212px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZBABCd3A_Ubi1rJrKdZ6L1HSLu3vpwwFY71_psnpmYlBJ_BxMbuAeQNs6i7wCkAOdwej1BFf5z6fF92dt_QXBMkymxRfeMDM6Hde8b84zR524WT2BUNdHgDaStIuGfW-hrrf2txxrIS6/s320/jo+porters.JPG" border="0" /></a> This morning we climbed the Barranco Wall. It was a steep scramble with a few truly scary parts. It was amazing to see the porters not only climbing it, but with huge weights on their heads! Then up and down. So glad that we got into camp ahead of the rain. It's really raining out. It comes and goes. I know that it will clear this afternoon. Feeling strong. We've already made it to Day 4!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUG5_fOQVbEvoSP295LrT6hzyJlROzsQiN9S8FkcyeROs_5I_nSctoa4eNhWhazpFvqkOgBpidJVbt8wDCELrEi5y_HzHtCmWwxab0Wb7DugSXWSOifAJ3Qq0RVhoDa5RhEYEzv_U6mua/s1600-h/44900010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447819481488358290" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUG5_fOQVbEvoSP295LrT6hzyJlROzsQiN9S8FkcyeROs_5I_nSctoa4eNhWhazpFvqkOgBpidJVbt8wDCELrEi5y_HzHtCmWwxab0Wb7DugSXWSOifAJ3Qq0RVhoDa5RhEYEzv_U6mua/s320/44900010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0mta-Nk62E3GVerjzphHLRGoEANUp7HSHXhm-R0KlmKSGHeHFxE9dR4id3nLdxMmeghWbKuXUIo8XiRJhugEGinqGtdKTw9k1bfPabCYUsSKec-Bm1uI8Xu1YK17Pwk5lzw6fpiksHYE/s1600-h/porters+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447819900162397058" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 212px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0mta-Nk62E3GVerjzphHLRGoEANUp7HSHXhm-R0KlmKSGHeHFxE9dR4id3nLdxMmeghWbKuXUIo8XiRJhugEGinqGtdKTw9k1bfPabCYUsSKec-Bm1uI8Xu1YK17Pwk5lzw6fpiksHYE/s320/porters+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6:00 p.m. We've been playing cards and dice. First, Jo and I played Craps. Then we went to Mary's tent. It was quite spacious inside. We played Kings In the Corner and more Craps. It rained hard all afternoon.<br /><br />8:40 p.m. Just talked to Bill. Kept trying to get through. Finally, I got through and Bill said, "You've got the wrong number!! Stop calling me!" I said, "Bill - it's Julie" He was really thrown off at first. We're not sure if it was me calling or someone else that he couldn't understand.<br /><br />This camp is beautiful. It rained hard all the way through dinner. It was fun playing cards in Mary's tent. So spacious!<br /><br />This has been such a wonderful experience. Today it was exciting scrambling around the Barranco Wall. They call it "Breakfast". Slight rock climbing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQNCYTAsYEuj-8glmrPDIzUVNKf_fYNDghyphenhyphenVCNsvnmuBO15nnYU2xwXwsaqWT8CUqBHHJTDJ173c1vZDWmeGc3yKOVRHgZpxpFV0o99pqLKhTrc9-Bt96s75iD8ysUTwCbXS1vdrAcQco/s1600-h/2010_0301africa0164.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448010120184551138" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 214px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQNCYTAsYEuj-8glmrPDIzUVNKf_fYNDghyphenhyphenVCNsvnmuBO15nnYU2xwXwsaqWT8CUqBHHJTDJ173c1vZDWmeGc3yKOVRHgZpxpFV0o99pqLKhTrc9-Bt96s75iD8ysUTwCbXS1vdrAcQco/s320/2010_0301africa0164.JPG" border="0" /></a>I like our three guides - Julius, Bahat and Holson. Have spent the most time with Julius and Bahat.<br /><br />Julius is tall and thin and looks Masaii - though he isn't. I thought he was stern at first, but he has a good sense of humor. He has a long thin face. He always says - "long legs and a long face". He has really grown on me. He is very caring. He insisted on giving me his own sleeping bag when the zipper on mine was broken. With both Jo and Mary he has taken on extra weight.<br /><br />Yesterday everyone was sick. James was shivering, with fever and headaches; Natalie had headaches and blurred vision, Selim and Tino both had headaches and no appetite. Poor Mary kept vomiting, had no appetite and a really bad headache. Everyone felt better this morning - which was great! It was really wonderful to have Mary back to herself.<br /><br />The other guide is Bahat. He is a young cutie. I found out he is 28 and has been a guide since 2007. He's going to college as well. I think he sometimes gets a little impatient with how slow we are going. He has a naturally fast pace and wants to make it to camp before the rain. We can't always quite do that.<br /><br />Julius disappears and then will reappear. That is the beauty of having three guides, one in front, one at the rear and Julius everywhere he needs to be. He is a true mountain man. He estimates he has climbed the mountain over 350 times. Today as we were climbing up that last steep hill, he sang to us. He often whistles during steep portions to keep spirits up. His saying is "so far, so good!"<br /><br />1:00 a.m. Having trouble breathing. Nice and warm, but can't sleep. It was raining, but has stopped. I will try a Loving Kindness meditation. If that doesn't work, I'll read.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447824360178687906" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtHZ-Z9ch4qCy4IclfgkDwye4jjOYmFBWCGDDNHw6-L540aO03iQxc-WWsDEHPELz_krIsOUJ6Km21iTbqmNaV0p5WxCHccTfgy6ZO6EE5e0GcYMadwgeeChjcKErhd3QcK3CjForPAjJ/s320/44900014.JPG" border="0" />Day Five<br />February 18th<br />Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp<br />2 miles<br />Elevation Gain: 2,225<br /><br />6:55 a.m. Finally took an Advil and then a Diamox tablet to help with my breathing. Read my book for awhile. Finally slept. Feel good this morning. I am going to start packing now!<br /><br />3:05 p.m We are back in our tent. The hail is just stopping. It is summit day! The hardest part of this trip for me has been the damn packing. I brought way too much stuff. It takes me an hour to pack up in the morning. I'm always late for breakfast.<br /><br />Another good breakfast. Jo is feeling nauseous and spacey. Worried about her. After my little episode with the shallow breathing - I felt great.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrECZCloLWPdBRVagyfyWHvIaxec4PoZQxW7kuhdhHEKl5OL5XlTr6-WoTm1tGgB74skg5sPEo-qWNLCt1mRc9wzulpL6-CRJUhyjYcftgq2fl12-3mbBBePaxghqLHPFGrnKjCqtYpXc/s1600-h/44900016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447825491315029682" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrECZCloLWPdBRVagyfyWHvIaxec4PoZQxW7kuhdhHEKl5OL5XlTr6-WoTm1tGgB74skg5sPEo-qWNLCt1mRc9wzulpL6-CRJUhyjYcftgq2fl12-3mbBBePaxghqLHPFGrnKjCqtYpXc/s320/44900016.JPG" border="0" /></a> The walk today was very slow. It was an easy pace and was no problem getting to camp. I could walk at that pace for a long time. I felt strong and ready to summit. When we got to camp we needed to sign in at the hut. I put a peace sticker up on the Barafu Hut.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9b864TkPe2NFmZ36xLiIcWxWOY1VQSgs2D94pkSv3WqSFV46yzUK-yhFE7z-RwxYj_gM_y2ew1DvR93n_GIGG7-en5LM15pc1_dxMtpQKFYWtRhb5s5HOUByQLOwNgwKunpKKI1ke5c0/s1600-h/44900018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447826163347465554" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9b864TkPe2NFmZ36xLiIcWxWOY1VQSgs2D94pkSv3WqSFV46yzUK-yhFE7z-RwxYj_gM_y2ew1DvR93n_GIGG7-en5LM15pc1_dxMtpQKFYWtRhb5s5HOUByQLOwNgwKunpKKI1ke5c0/s320/44900018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I don't really have any worries. I'm packed up and ready to go. I should taking a nap, but I'm not tired. We have two inches of hail outside the tent. It is thundering and lightening like crazy. Crazy weather. Oh my god! Hakuma Matata.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC8SQyE1Wh0hhySIamnrFysq8JhOKdYP2_ppGPVUvijGy2-RO_TotkawJYHwUzd1OuJsnufapvWHAUb8qo0KRYkw-1dCgQ70tHttDFB9hO8bL8ViYrnes2FCXZZPm0k3Eoj86NGbhq-2p/s1600-h/jo+snow.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447828069202715330" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 212px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC8SQyE1Wh0hhySIamnrFysq8JhOKdYP2_ppGPVUvijGy2-RO_TotkawJYHwUzd1OuJsnufapvWHAUb8qo0KRYkw-1dCgQ70tHttDFB9hO8bL8ViYrnes2FCXZZPm0k3Eoj86NGbhq-2p/s320/jo+snow.JPG" border="0" /></a> 4:15 p.m. It sounds like it's starting to slow down. Perhaps it has turned to rain. It hailed so much the tent started sagging under the weight. Our tent assistants were busy digging us out.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7pdpA5sjJv1oNxFNNyZ-PbUoBO7iQzV8I7F-aAjb1v9zKtAnfWkW6mvsMJpAABcY39PRDG7Aob1DhAFNbCzlfbMEZ1SJ38B6Lc7B070LMihc5M6qOzSYxITJKI-x4bEEZXKIRQArBHgN/s1600-h/26742_1381776825783_1272833907_1100174_3191909_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448006349889002418" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7pdpA5sjJv1oNxFNNyZ-PbUoBO7iQzV8I7F-aAjb1v9zKtAnfWkW6mvsMJpAABcY39PRDG7Aob1DhAFNbCzlfbMEZ1SJ38B6Lc7B070LMihc5M6qOzSYxITJKI-x4bEEZXKIRQArBHgN/s320/26742_1381776825783_1272833907_1100174_3191909_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> Good Luck - our adorable cook, came in and shook out our tent. First he put one of our hiking poles in the middle of the tent. It has been some seriously wild weather with thunder and lightening right over the tent.<br /><br /><br />6:40 p.m. Should be trying to sleep before the summit. We will attempt it in spite of the snow. At first Julius said, "there is too much snow, we will just have to go home in the morning". Natalie said, "No" and he answered "I'm afraid so". Natalie said, "No way, we're doing it". Julius broke into a big smile. "Of course we will do it. No problem".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJuxtL5LgVavCfyjFuJTARyMlhGq4dgUhku-Z_ymsSkrL5vlayKI9BSVCDoAKSJUgTNqAl2R5zp53UC0UbpToY_QC6vYJYtDaqoKdSEH8q4I2DTWehqNxFn6N9B1Mm7APyAGFehERhdcy/s1600-h/27030_366871913361_689343361_4966345_1104857_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448011438575317826" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJuxtL5LgVavCfyjFuJTARyMlhGq4dgUhku-Z_ymsSkrL5vlayKI9BSVCDoAKSJUgTNqAl2R5zp53UC0UbpToY_QC6vYJYtDaqoKdSEH8q4I2DTWehqNxFn6N9B1Mm7APyAGFehERhdcy/s320/27030_366871913361_689343361_4966345_1104857_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 6<br />February 19th<br />Summit Night!<br />3 miles up<br />Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet<br />7 miles down<br />Elevation Loss: 9,267<br /><br />We got up at 11:00 p.m as planned. Had cookies and coffee. Completely bundled up. Took a diamox because I had shallow breathing. Head lamps on. We started out. Everything was covered in snow. The whole climb was in snow.<br /><br />You could see a long string of lights climbing up the mountain. There was a traffic jam where you had to climb over some slippery rocks. The grade was steep. Julius kept us together. He kept us going. After we reached 5,000 meters Jo went to the back of the line. Later, Julius told me she had gone down "to save her life". I started crying I was so sad Jo had gone down.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5PTdFnFe6mSUI_5UV4PYdQpjFCohyHumlblfhiRajz3riD9uKtTxM3KwOUA0a1mbq-39dGb4IUIl2-ybG-tCVr9YeyH4-lficiR5KMI5pY1ksVDePSvusYr22LwXq_U7Y8ny6rlXy4c-/s1600-h/27030_366872108361_689343361_4966355_5160077_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448012172461249730" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5PTdFnFe6mSUI_5UV4PYdQpjFCohyHumlblfhiRajz3riD9uKtTxM3KwOUA0a1mbq-39dGb4IUIl2-ybG-tCVr9YeyH4-lficiR5KMI5pY1ksVDePSvusYr22LwXq_U7Y8ny6rlXy4c-/s320/27030_366872108361_689343361_4966355_5160077_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> I stayed right behind Julius. We kept going step by step. Julius sang us up the mountain. Mary slipped on a precarious place. Then Selim fell. Julius wanted to take Selim's pack. He said you must summit at this point. You cannot go back down. Selim said he was alright and insisted on carrying his pack.<br /><br />We went a bit further. Each step torture. My pack was so heavy! My shoulders were sore, my neck ached from looking down. I should have worn my fanny pack with water holster. I was having trouble getting the bottle off the caribiner. I had a drunk a little bit of water and switched out the bottle on my shoulder with the one in my backpack. Even that little bit of weight made a difference.<br /><br />I wanted to ask Julius to take my extra bottle, but was embarassed to ask. Everyone was struggling. Natalie and James were right behind me. I could tell they were having as hard a time as I was. At the next rest stop Julius took my pack and massaged my shoulders. He gave me only one water bottle to carry, but when I dropped it, he carried that too.<br /><br />I felt guilty that I had nothng to carry. On the other hand it felt so easy and good to have a break. I knew everyone was suffering. I'm used to being the strong one. Now I felt like the "weak link". It is hard for me to be weak. I was humbled. This is the lesson that the mountain was teaching me. Sometimes I have to be weak. I don't have to be strong all the time.<br /><br />We went further. Julius kept telling us we were getting closer, but I just had to look up to sthe long string of lights far, far above us to know that we still had a long way to go.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPJCHjbrQGKD_zVLdUQdaoDn9wHBckns51bFGEbBYK0b1W4kuiQebq8ZQ0pAdR0rf1QWvtrmJ5_BLUQp1_iTT14dGqT5xER1ckTJFkoPBqnPWF1Tf6TyNL652cNuPmP9kUKpuweAOHS6k/s1600-h/44900024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447828781520120306" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPJCHjbrQGKD_zVLdUQdaoDn9wHBckns51bFGEbBYK0b1W4kuiQebq8ZQ0pAdR0rf1QWvtrmJ5_BLUQp1_iTT14dGqT5xER1ckTJFkoPBqnPWF1Tf6TyNL652cNuPmP9kUKpuweAOHS6k/s320/44900024.JPG" border="0" /></a>We finally reached Stellar Point. We could see the dawn. At this point we had officially summited and could get our certificates. We of course wanted to go onto Uhuru Peak and get our picture with the sign.<br /><br />Julius kept praying. He said we would have amazing views and get to see it all. What a blessing that would be. Mary was really tired and didn't want to go any further, but she pushed herself. It was another hour to Uhuru Peak. People kept coming down, telling us we were close. We kept trekking. It cleared so that we could see the glacier. Finally we made it to the top. We summited at 7:32 a.m. We had to remember the time, so they could put it on our certificate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxunpyfz7KnCbZANdrjtVYQPz-Mzt6ovfYKKO42i2eHiJpJtXWnehgRi9OqkbxM53FNpnY8NhmjSHNcEDt7yqHfb4rqhb_vo4TTI-tBZLvJumMOa45WyPwv7xCp3TLv2E_Al7QY8ZyJ08/s1600-h/44900022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447880935569108946" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxunpyfz7KnCbZANdrjtVYQPz-Mzt6ovfYKKO42i2eHiJpJtXWnehgRi9OqkbxM53FNpnY8NhmjSHNcEDt7yqHfb4rqhb_vo4TTI-tBZLvJumMOa45WyPwv7xCp3TLv2E_Al7QY8ZyJ08/s320/44900022.JPG" border="0" /></a>I went a little further beyond the sign and tried to open the box with Steven's ashes and the soil from our home in Lompico. I couldn't get the box open. I finally buried the whole box in the snow. I put the soil from Brindle's house, that had come from the altar at dance class a little further and buried it in the snow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZZVPKm8-CFM_cWgquo-RIuZEeBu1Rovbgic7nf27G2zR1SH1fdQFW9cxhAOJh8eE_aFCQAT9SEMsqp8nW_CAkNoJkTuiELJ4cQs4gFRjAaeP7FHrwfgwH4Csd9Pgr2prb26jFMNqnjFe/s1600-h/27030_366871703361_689343361_4966336_1955855_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448007437890424178" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZZVPKm8-CFM_cWgquo-RIuZEeBu1Rovbgic7nf27G2zR1SH1fdQFW9cxhAOJh8eE_aFCQAT9SEMsqp8nW_CAkNoJkTuiELJ4cQs4gFRjAaeP7FHrwfgwH4Csd9Pgr2prb26jFMNqnjFe/s320/27030_366871703361_689343361_4966336_1955855_n%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Now it was time to take our photo. I grabbed the peace sticker, but it wouldn't stick. Julius took a group photos and then took a quick picture of Mary and I, James and Natalie and Selim and Tino. Selim and Tino went ahead and Julius pushed us to go down. Mary, Natalie and James all stopped to take pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br />Coming down was rather chaotic. Julius, Mary and I came down together. Mary was starting to feel really sick. Julius said we needed to get her down as quickly as possible. When we reached Stellar Point we discovered that Tino and Selim had already gone down. He let Mary and I sit for a bit and take a break.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLP6o3-075xmOqETeQ8awAJPkGSvv7eHmpkR0b_tUvAZJfwzZ_DtITX0wGzyacDw_u1X6HAwQFJzECQATeVstfv1gnFC-l05L57ExJWgRV0KLq0b9U_nPzl9ukRlZoDS6L6NlVk6x6mdc/s1600-h/44900025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447830288171509410" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 212px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLP6o3-075xmOqETeQ8awAJPkGSvv7eHmpkR0b_tUvAZJfwzZ_DtITX0wGzyacDw_u1X6HAwQFJzECQATeVstfv1gnFC-l05L57ExJWgRV0KLq0b9U_nPzl9ukRlZoDS6L6NlVk6x6mdc/s320/44900025.JPG" border="0" /></a> There was still lots of snow on the ground, so we slid down the mountain as if we were skiing. I thought it was fun and didn't hurt myself, but this really messed up other people's knees. Mary started vomiting. Julius had our packs and water. We were so hot with all our layers. We kept stripping down.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Julius stayed with us. We were getting burnt and dehydrated. At one point, some guys were sitting at the side of the path. They said they would carry my pack. I didn't realize they were our porters, until Julius got there and said "let them carry your pack". We kept going down, stopping when Mary got sick.<br /><br />When I got to camp, I was both hot and nauseous. All I could think of was Josephine. I saw Bahat. Where is Josephine? She is fine. She just got up and is at the mess tent. All the porters cheered as we came into camp. I saw Josephine and gave her a big hug and we both started crying. We went into the mess tent, but I was to nauseated to eat anything. I had one piece of french toast and then went and laid in our wet tent with all my clothes on.<br /><br />Bahat came and said Josephine would be going down early, so she left with him. I slept for about 45 minutes and then packed my bag and the group headed down. I was too tired to take any of my four layers of clothing off. Mary was feeling better, now it was my turn to get sick. Although, I had no problems with the altitude the whole time going up, I had to stop often to throw up on our way down.<br /><br />The hike down was the hike from hell. It was misting and we almost put on our rain gear. The path was steep and muddy. Eventually, you couldn't even tell it was a path. It just looked like a muddy riverbed without water. Holson, our third guide, stayed with us. Waiting patiently for my frequent stops. I felt awful. Mary struck up a conversation with some Canadians, going down,but I wasn't even interested in talking. Very unlike me. The hike seemed to take forever. Send a message. Hike. Vomit. Hike. Vomit. Hike. Hike. Am I making this sound like fun?<br /><br />We had left upper camp at 1:00 p.m. and didn't get to Mweka Camp until 5:30 p.m. We checked in at the hut. They were selling soda and beer there, but I didn't even care. We had been hiking for at least 14 hours.<br /><br />I laid down in our tent for a few minutes and then it was dinner time. For the first time on the trip, I had no appetite. Others were feeling sick as well. I had a small bowl of soup and then went to my tent and slept for 12 hours straight,without waking up once. Pure exhaustion.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-PBKIvkxd-1uRb_y2A5JOEqfVNq2qLyX8Sftx2aCD-Kgs8Q4K6LLwWuta17nMvKo5APx21FPlz9ETijDZJrpMXUx7_wWfaShJyjB6huJX3ewQS_yA4wceKDVntz9LGFXLcv5I-TwKJoY/s1600-h/the+team.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447871056948186130" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-PBKIvkxd-1uRb_y2A5JOEqfVNq2qLyX8Sftx2aCD-Kgs8Q4K6LLwWuta17nMvKo5APx21FPlz9ETijDZJrpMXUx7_wWfaShJyjB6huJX3ewQS_yA4wceKDVntz9LGFXLcv5I-TwKJoY/s320/the+team.JPG" border="0" /></a>Day Seven<br />February 19th<br />Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate<br />6 miles<br />Elevation Loss: 4,685 feet<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I woke up the next morning feeling completely myself. I was so glad not to be sick. Everyone was feeling better and were in high spirits. A completely different feeling from the night before. We ate a big breakfast and then took an hour to figure out how to tip the team. We had both dollars and shillings, a guideline on what to tip the various members of the team. We wanted to thank each person individually and make sure they got the proper amount.<br /><br />Tino and James did all the math and calculations. We kept revising the figures until we had an amount that everyone agreed was fair. Julius called off the names and each person came forward. We clapped, shook their hands and gave them their money. They had been such a great team!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UjWM4Yw5xC_Vkcl5dETAqxnaqV4M3NWC3zhQoXhQnFcZgOeK8yGH0RZuDST0eaqDwezyy-iAmh1Zp-uWpIwSY0de7pP4lcSlcIoDjY72dvc7sozMWXlL6bgjP7LGrcsg8vkRjqhhcHnt/s1600-h/gals+and+porters.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447873436061427538" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UjWM4Yw5xC_Vkcl5dETAqxnaqV4M3NWC3zhQoXhQnFcZgOeK8yGH0RZuDST0eaqDwezyy-iAmh1Zp-uWpIwSY0de7pP4lcSlcIoDjY72dvc7sozMWXlL6bgjP7LGrcsg8vkRjqhhcHnt/s320/gals+and+porters.JPG" border="0" /></a>Afterwards, the whole team gathered. We took photos. They sang songs for us. "Jambo, Jambo Bwana", which we had learned by now and sang along. Mary and I started dancing. Julius jumped in and danced with us. We didn't last too long since we were still at 10,000 feet. It was a great celebration.<br /><br />Then we headed down to the gate. We were back in the rain forest. Feeling better - this hike was a delight. It was very beautiful and relaxing. Jo hiked with Bahat. Mary and I hiked with Holson. We teased Julius that he didn't want to hike with us, because we were too slow, but he explained he had to go ahead and arrange all our paperwork.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8_1E1Y3zq-gbR4iWLQ7SkLrCW2KoHJHY9tRBAOyIaWEbs71b81J__lbGueAWp3RlaGedi_nTZty9NjXi8APS-Tff0OuH7zAfTyOIOUggIQEuAexX6VSjS1tqtxGJW9c5vxoqtW4CJf_Y/s1600-h/monkey.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447873800043804866" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8_1E1Y3zq-gbR4iWLQ7SkLrCW2KoHJHY9tRBAOyIaWEbs71b81J__lbGueAWp3RlaGedi_nTZty9NjXi8APS-Tff0OuH7zAfTyOIOUggIQEuAexX6VSjS1tqtxGJW9c5vxoqtW4CJf_Y/s320/monkey.JPG" border="0" /></a>As we got close to the gate, we saw Columbine monkeys in the trees which are black and white with lots of fur. Their coloring is similar to skunks. Children started appearing and asking for chocolate. They asked for anything they saw. "Caribiner! Water bottle. Chocolate" We didn't want to encourage them to beg, so we said "Hapana" which means "No".<br /><br />When we got to the gate it was a mob scene. All sorts of vendors were there trying to sell things. We had to go register. Finally our bus was loaded and we were on our way. I was sorry that the trip was ending. It had been such an amazing experience with a great group of people.<br /><br />First we dropped off Selim and Tino and met Tino's wife. Then we dropped off Natalie and James at their "game lodge" which looked very cool with zebras grazing on the property. Then finally we made it to our hotel.<br /><br />Hilary and her father, Tom were waiting for us at the Ahadi Lodge. We met two gay guys from Newfoundland who were quite a kick. Newfies! I couldn't wait to tell Bill. My friend Moses met us to congratulate us on the climb. It was a great night with the appropriate celebratory drinking and dancing that night at a club called Via Via. The only thing missing was a pole.<br /><br />We were then ready to head for our next adventure. Safari!!!<br /><br /><em>Lessons Learned: Dreams do come true - if you make them happen. Pole Pole - Slowly, slowly - one step at a time. You can go a lot further, if you go slowly. It is okay to be weak, you can't be strong all the time. Hakuma Matata!!!!</em>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-72344974048638859632009-11-30T20:20:00.000-08:002010-03-06T13:14:11.841-08:00Castle Crags<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp2jFK-BS210t2KsN6mAYZ64h_PHkSIURxbZaRg9PoGqFERJqa4ZKTo4h9vUlFGd3-x5EsgTW2zz1lBg3ULa0z5heZaKJQoTRillXeuiBp_kQBniXOh228FBTsqjfQOGxjob_kiflvAai/s1600/cc+shot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410141532775298274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp2jFK-BS210t2KsN6mAYZ64h_PHkSIURxbZaRg9PoGqFERJqa4ZKTo4h9vUlFGd3-x5EsgTW2zz1lBg3ULa0z5heZaKJQoTRillXeuiBp_kQBniXOh228FBTsqjfQOGxjob_kiflvAai/s320/cc+shot.JPG" border="0" /></a> November 14, 2009<br />Crags Trail<br />Castle Crags<br />Distance: 6 miles<br />Elevation Gain:2,250<br />Hiking Time: 3 hours<br />Becca and Julie<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnA4UNeGG82YXcJtwFU_0uFXYfUJniyaJBSQm5_cv2p54lGMQtD-NW2Ok3FvyYiSompVKIwNV83XYqFzBP2Cswqvg9tFJWVTXtOOGv7nkxZuyh3eF9_HZ0baJw3Yzj9E8PFBp-F-YQBt5/s1600/cc+j+and+b.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410141138661572050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnA4UNeGG82YXcJtwFU_0uFXYfUJniyaJBSQm5_cv2p54lGMQtD-NW2Ok3FvyYiSompVKIwNV83XYqFzBP2Cswqvg9tFJWVTXtOOGv7nkxZuyh3eF9_HZ0baJw3Yzj9E8PFBp-F-YQBt5/s320/cc+j+and+b.JPG" border="0" /></a> I wanted to do the Castle Crags hike when I was up in Redding, because I haven't done this hike in years and because it has a 2,250 foot elevation gain, which is perfect training for Kilimanjaro. I asked my niece Becca if she would join me and she was thrilled.<br /><br />Years ago I had done this same hike with Becca's sister Amy and she had it enjoyed it so much, I thought Becca would as well. Becca didn't tell me that this was her first hike, in which case I might have chosen something a little easier - but she was a complete sport about it and had no problem finishing the hike.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCx_GS5nNT2p5ljT5pGQjpIMkng_Wu8vncNtyWAAPXWPlyPlzRJ26ycEARV_czz1PX3Rfm7HvYl8fbk9aQZgfQBuetU_NhRm_Z1WIyY-MWDB35acxhLbIbf3E9JVRK7ml9OeYp-tVdmMa/s1600/cc+thumb.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410140932805723906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCx_GS5nNT2p5ljT5pGQjpIMkng_Wu8vncNtyWAAPXWPlyPlzRJ26ycEARV_czz1PX3Rfm7HvYl8fbk9aQZgfQBuetU_NhRm_Z1WIyY-MWDB35acxhLbIbf3E9JVRK7ml9OeYp-tVdmMa/s320/cc+thumb.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was the fourth time I could remember doing this hike. Castle Crags is a landmark on the drive to Mt. Shasta and is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. There are the Crags and then the Thumb, as it is called.<br /><br />The first time I did this hike was with my sister-in-law Cathy, before she married Mike. We were both dying on the climb which is steadily uphill for 2 and half miles. When we finally reached the top, my brother Mike and his German friend Gunter were sitting having lunch on a point below the thumb. Cathy and I peeked around the rock to where they were sitting and it was the first time I experience vertigo.<br /><br />It is a sheer dropoff from the rock down thousands of feet. I remember my knees shaking and I was unable to move for awhile. The view of Shasta is fantastic, but Cathy and I went and found lunch at a safer spot without the dropoff.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn31bK-b5zq3afv3jfH3yipPjXXEBrXS7-BrtvUEeW4Ae6H0dGJL0-lA78hVyhF-XYnzGLzinY8kCCsR3OtvoCL8FdWt85bdPM5R__MzWcUW8Qupen7aDK8E1g_wYXHFAG0PVnrLkPhYa3/s1600/cc+becca+formation+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410140790563864866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn31bK-b5zq3afv3jfH3yipPjXXEBrXS7-BrtvUEeW4Ae6H0dGJL0-lA78hVyhF-XYnzGLzinY8kCCsR3OtvoCL8FdWt85bdPM5R__MzWcUW8Qupen7aDK8E1g_wYXHFAG0PVnrLkPhYa3/s320/cc+becca+formation+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> The first part of the trail is all forest and you can't see the crags for the trees. The crags are quite impressive, when you get that first glimpse of them.<br /><br />We were the first to arrive at the parking lot, but when we started on the hike another car pulled up. This was a group of students from Simpson College. There were probably 12 of them in different groups that all passed us.<br /><br />We just climbed steadily up the hill. The college kids were doing some pretty risky rock climbing, so Becca and I just watched from a safe distance.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd24IKaxPCEPzX8ol7M5XRlQw1OkgmgcVTquGARAKnOriECqQ9NQEAsgC3Ra6Rjxd1octaztORBCsaKLilgKiMbthpc5dTOyC3Zc5bsOTwFMd2obnGBdfc8aXswvBoD2Smnuk0PR1oxQJx/s1600/cc+becca+and+shasta.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410140331177935858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd24IKaxPCEPzX8ol7M5XRlQw1OkgmgcVTquGARAKnOriECqQ9NQEAsgC3Ra6Rjxd1octaztORBCsaKLilgKiMbthpc5dTOyC3Zc5bsOTwFMd2obnGBdfc8aXswvBoD2Smnuk0PR1oxQJx/s320/cc+becca+and+shasta.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a cute shot of Becca with our first view of Mt. Shasta in the distance. Hard to believe I have climbed to the top of that mountain. I'm amazed with myself every time I see it.<br /><br />We kept climbing and were just coming to the last section which is all rock, so we decided to take a break. There was a nice rocky point that had a good view so we decided to climb out there.<br /><br />First you had to climb over a tree and then out onto the point. Becca went first. The area she was climbing over was covered in pine needles.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iXY46XxF5oQyv8AgLtOjRMKLwuoPlRB6M7U_sJk5yaLMX7AMDXI39hMHwNBuXI-DEzB96FJzQEhtdICZWBDhG9pqpOwqpT54nXfENBRqjY7T6ogcw8vd0llju2GHq44O6p-Uk_5xuBgK/s1600/cc+becca+spot+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410140088480250770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iXY46XxF5oQyv8AgLtOjRMKLwuoPlRB6M7U_sJk5yaLMX7AMDXI39hMHwNBuXI-DEzB96FJzQEhtdICZWBDhG9pqpOwqpT54nXfENBRqjY7T6ogcw8vd0llju2GHq44O6p-Uk_5xuBgK/s320/cc+becca+spot+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Becca was just wearing tennis shoes which don't have much traction and she slipped on the pine needles. I watched in horror as she started sliding toward an edge with a huge drop off of hundreds of feet and nothing to break her fall or for her to grab onto.<br /><br />My heart went into my mouth, because it all happened so fast, I really didn't have time to move. I thought she was really going to go over the edge. Somehow, she stopped herself. Her elbow was banged up and bleeding, but that was the least of it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZChUrgAqf6JiGlexa1q1e7sGjNXWOwpFwO4NQ1GiXtSqsltYCJ8ltuPk5aH-JaWRYCuQH5aYcPhK8PdA5HwQ9E6Ff4NR358hVDAnbBgNGNHXH5F08eIGLAvHIxWYxfS05wffB5mbY17T/s1600/cc+becca+a+j+shasta.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410139896786331538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZChUrgAqf6JiGlexa1q1e7sGjNXWOwpFwO4NQ1GiXtSqsltYCJ8ltuPk5aH-JaWRYCuQH5aYcPhK8PdA5HwQ9E6Ff4NR358hVDAnbBgNGNHXH5F08eIGLAvHIxWYxfS05wffB5mbY17T/s320/cc+becca+a+j+shasta.JPG" border="0" /></a> My heart wouldn't stop pounding. I could barely climb out to where Becca was sitting. Here I had almost lost my neice on her first hike. That wouldn't have been a good track record. Accidents can happen so quickly and can occur any time. This was a really scary reminder.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We continued up the trail and I asked a British woman to take this shot of us. She had done a lot of climbing in the Andes and has been to Machu Picu which is on my life list. We had a nice chat about altitude sickness and the affect of coca tea on it. I may try to get some for Kilimanjaro.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2uHy_OQPVBuKPMOcGjLslWDWK59QljCAqouqP9Ww0QvJ7QX3I6n-fupfOyxyh0g0zGbdONxVxYc9K1ZkSzbZ_USJBIxm4E9VAfpR_Sda0ntOzoHY9KTjznPqfKhBT2s-zT2TYOy9XxHV/s1600/cclunch.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410139690939178002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2uHy_OQPVBuKPMOcGjLslWDWK59QljCAqouqP9Ww0QvJ7QX3I6n-fupfOyxyh0g0zGbdONxVxYc9K1ZkSzbZ_USJBIxm4E9VAfpR_Sda0ntOzoHY9KTjznPqfKhBT2s-zT2TYOy9XxHV/s320/cclunch.JPG" border="0" /></a> When we got towards the top, the trail disappeared and we chose one of several paths and scrambled up through the manzanita bushes. We were right below the Thumb and I knew this was the very spot I had experienced vertigo all those years ago.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Becca is very comfortable with heights and scramble right out onto the ledge, even after her near death recent fall! I called out anxiously to make sure she was all right, but she was fine.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJpnLVS0nhVClSPpNfLp8xlX8TB7akaNLCkY1CVIZu11I4SiX2ZEm7oOSahwV99-gjkxRGX2Nq3x2fO-UXEHgzHVqzm6DvswLM90RKKKbrBfy0tYoJ5VyhRpffZ86DggxhxjQA9szdD5X/s1600/cc+view.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410139526441311490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJpnLVS0nhVClSPpNfLp8xlX8TB7akaNLCkY1CVIZu11I4SiX2ZEm7oOSahwV99-gjkxRGX2Nq3x2fO-UXEHgzHVqzm6DvswLM90RKKKbrBfy0tYoJ5VyhRpffZ86DggxhxjQA9szdD5X/s320/cc+view.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was able to join her on the rock ledge with a bit of queasiness, but no vertigo. We were surrounded by gorgeous rock faces. The ledge is quite wide and gentle, it is just the fact that it drops off to thousands of feet that can be a problem.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We ate our lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and enjoyed the spectacular views. It was fairly windy out on the rock.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzXWGmEYfmv8dF3i7EnzD_ugSBBV3bptAhnVLiXk8WpMYKdiFdJ9J40A928V56LojLMJI6BOSIES1ykPRwVuVTmncnnsBgoWWJtivwGqzXhPXaLytsearTm7wR2jfAmqUvjwn1cVC9F6k/s1600/cc+shoes+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410139357278406738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzXWGmEYfmv8dF3i7EnzD_ugSBBV3bptAhnVLiXk8WpMYKdiFdJ9J40A928V56LojLMJI6BOSIES1ykPRwVuVTmncnnsBgoWWJtivwGqzXhPXaLytsearTm7wR2jfAmqUvjwn1cVC9F6k/s320/cc+shoes+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> This shot shows the view of Mt. Shasta we wer enjoying. You can't tell that right below my red shoes is the dropoff.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT3sGTfR9ZLh1_9cgxEzrB71_lRWFZyLJp0DZLIl9gCtg2-wvP1gW6uVk8EeQHqJI9c_EFayzRCxyAdrc_BFt-z4jxNLb55_I3Rcx1GBQfsDcxDu9cBII-glvPKcPMLishjRKy8cem67D/s1600/cc+closeup.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410139149621751794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT3sGTfR9ZLh1_9cgxEzrB71_lRWFZyLJp0DZLIl9gCtg2-wvP1gW6uVk8EeQHqJI9c_EFayzRCxyAdrc_BFt-z4jxNLb55_I3Rcx1GBQfsDcxDu9cBII-glvPKcPMLishjRKy8cem67D/s320/cc+closeup.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a great shot of the two of us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2tJF7WwlUETicszr-hJ7uZMsOeCaXwgYZfb29UdbEiM0ejTqx9BSRLGQUIrJiDtJr3240dagpzcsf1NtEs88uZlua52g_yd1PlFCXPELBoW8mpRdQR7kl3560hhekEjAXxPivhusSFUZ/s1600/cc+becca+formation.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410138913964000626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2tJF7WwlUETicszr-hJ7uZMsOeCaXwgYZfb29UdbEiM0ejTqx9BSRLGQUIrJiDtJr3240dagpzcsf1NtEs88uZlua52g_yd1PlFCXPELBoW8mpRdQR7kl3560hhekEjAXxPivhusSFUZ/s320/cc+becca+formation.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is on the hike down.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNH4VIvL5CcrQrhgOvrv4zC_IMmDxo8jl4OFx-IW3Ltg-oobEeQJRbONegkxVMMWFyaMXGNgBsbePtnVzGklrQXIKR_dAmIQjUiJw2BHTu3F69aP_WCSH7V7FTieO2rGvM17B7isJRHiD/s1600/cc+becca+indian+springs.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410138738984838386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNH4VIvL5CcrQrhgOvrv4zC_IMmDxo8jl4OFx-IW3Ltg-oobEeQJRbONegkxVMMWFyaMXGNgBsbePtnVzGklrQXIKR_dAmIQjUiJw2BHTu3F69aP_WCSH7V7FTieO2rGvM17B7isJRHiD/s320/cc+becca+indian+springs.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We stopped at Indian Springs as a small side trip on the way back down.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Lessons Learned: Don't procrastinate! I should have posted this blog four months ago and now I don't remember any of the details. Oh well. Better late than never.</em>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-46642320789792186772009-10-02T08:46:00.000-07:002009-10-02T11:34:09.318-07:00Moss Landing - Marina Beach Hike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRKlJzL8Ss3Ufv4Yv_hC1mJAS2BXic2mCEXyl3c_QC7YMu25N70WMjH3NywGvgGT86_siYavuvr_nitm1xiK5nylyhJh04iMw43MJwNWommIXUaZIvznu67MMej0k8beGABSZSe8mnz6f/s1600-h/group+shot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388041718125471634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRKlJzL8Ss3Ufv4Yv_hC1mJAS2BXic2mCEXyl3c_QC7YMu25N70WMjH3NywGvgGT86_siYavuvr_nitm1xiK5nylyhJh04iMw43MJwNWommIXUaZIvznu67MMej0k8beGABSZSe8mnz6f/s320/group+shot.jpg" border="0" /></a>September 26, 2009<br />Moss Landing - Marina<br />Distance: 7.25 miles<br />Hiking time: 5 hours<br />Pole Dancing time: 1.5 hours<br />Hikers: Lola, Chantel, Simone<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This was a chance for the Kilimanjaro Crew: Lola (Mary), Chantel (Julie) and Simone (Jo) to start a training for the big climb next February. This was also Simone's chance to finish the California Coastal Trail from Santa Cruz to Monterey. She had done every segment of the coast except this first one.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-OkTsVgjYe4vB_Uiz4e5yhlEOq693qwGLlgnbitui3haujscwv9GxA2PQ9WQtOfT4mAE8Hr9etFETjKSQbaCIzu-yq9xCMQ11khmfkX4DxEbOQeCYQzJ4PPDKUY2ofGdYgmdyMWL1vQC/s1600-h/mosslanding+start.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388043656196857090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-OkTsVgjYe4vB_Uiz4e5yhlEOq693qwGLlgnbitui3haujscwv9GxA2PQ9WQtOfT4mAE8Hr9etFETjKSQbaCIzu-yq9xCMQ11khmfkX4DxEbOQeCYQzJ4PPDKUY2ofGdYgmdyMWL1vQC/s320/mosslanding+start.jpg" border="0" /></a>When I did this hike over a year ago, it was foggy and cold even in August. This was a beautiful day for hiking -clear blue skies and sunshine. We did the usual car drop off - leaving Simone's car in Marina and then driving back to Moss Landing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe25UpkDLmY6YovekrEJrPSE4iStEu_MvKiJQ0lshb_zGdDAwggW0bFiYDrvl0V-NNfANSsG302_p5OMfANL5PaD6TrQGYpEUpymW_zIoSv15Fbndlrr83obtFgZDku0vATe5oJLg0KX0/s1600-h/walking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388045202821470210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe25UpkDLmY6YovekrEJrPSE4iStEu_MvKiJQ0lshb_zGdDAwggW0bFiYDrvl0V-NNfANSsG302_p5OMfANL5PaD6TrQGYpEUpymW_zIoSv15Fbndlrr83obtFgZDku0vATe5oJLg0KX0/s320/walking.jpg" border="0" /></a>We started off down the beach - Lola and I barefoot, Simone wearing her hiking boots. I remember the year before the sand was much coarser for most of this hike. I have tough feet, so it didn't bother me even then. This time we would often sink up to three inches into the sand - even at the waterline - which is usually much firmer. This made walking more difficult.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqKW4ftR8ebLI4RjBLfjzUEMsZR9O2l_Uh58MDykjrnX_9-R5wxxtWNFs3lYajTQX4Io6TA21sQG9fKJcNZ0s8QSoupLiPzcPkohuzhFkbSl0LX3AD3DnMBoPbi_0wgWEO3BGIDvnP2IC/s1600-h/horses+.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388046017033848610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqKW4ftR8ebLI4RjBLfjzUEMsZR9O2l_Uh58MDykjrnX_9-R5wxxtWNFs3lYajTQX4Io6TA21sQG9fKJcNZ0s8QSoupLiPzcPkohuzhFkbSl0LX3AD3DnMBoPbi_0wgWEO3BGIDvnP2IC/s320/horses+.jpg" border="0" /></a>I remember this stretch of coast as being particularly isolated last year. This year there were many more people on the beach. As we walked along, we could see a large group of horse riders in the distance. We felt we were in a Western and the posse was coming to get us. I vaguely remember seeing one horse and rider last year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lola went to investigate where they were gaining access - which turned out to be Molera Road. In the parking lot, there were instructions to keep the horses down by the waterline, so that they wouldn't disturb the snowy plovers nesting areas.<br /><br />I remember from the year before there was a lot of death on this strip of beach, because it was more isolated. We came upon several dead sea lions and a dead sea gull. We noticed the gull because a turkey vulture was nearby. The gull had obviously just died. There wasn't anything visibly wrong with it and it's beak was buried in the sand. It was very odd and we wondered what had killed it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvy7CcNou6Jv8ZksCYAwNQPKQfBemgMcmiVhzuPj8Cutivh86caMeP5iXD8WUj9EF6IJuhUVrZRGZTt4_Szr4DiGlFkVVf1FHlTo987JY4xlxBAVMx-FlOAMr8oDOE2s0BbNPShWHXcaXa/s1600-h/julie+structure.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388049334162006818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvy7CcNou6Jv8ZksCYAwNQPKQfBemgMcmiVhzuPj8Cutivh86caMeP5iXD8WUj9EF6IJuhUVrZRGZTt4_Szr4DiGlFkVVf1FHlTo987JY4xlxBAVMx-FlOAMr8oDOE2s0BbNPShWHXcaXa/s320/julie+structure.jpg" border="0" /></a> As we walked we came upon a housing complex close to the beach. I don't remember seeing this the year before and suspect that it had been obscured by fog. There were several large driftwood structures which people had built, so we went to investigate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I assumed that there wouldn't be a river crossing at this time of year. We had crossed the Salinas River driving back from Marina and it had looked quite full, but I knew from the year before that it probably wouldn't empty into the ocean. I was right, but knew to look for the river this time. We ended up having lunch at the edge of the river which was quite a ways in from the beach.<br /><br /><br />There were many birds in this area and we noticed another seagull, who was in the same position as the seagull we had found though this one was still alive. It was obvious that he wouldn't last much longer either. It must be some kind of bird flu that was killing them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5j62lmUBXmcWceYsYHKyOGLTnL9HSxIERCGja_QGJEH0L3lUidiGtaxYyqAQQzHu0PiURoBcefjTnw2NhucjLYgIxIZzdDI5wl648oqEHxpyzkX0KnSc64_S43IlPPC-gsNkBxHZm1oN/s1600-h/mary+jo+barge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388048646220016066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5j62lmUBXmcWceYsYHKyOGLTnL9HSxIERCGja_QGJEH0L3lUidiGtaxYyqAQQzHu0PiURoBcefjTnw2NhucjLYgIxIZzdDI5wl648oqEHxpyzkX0KnSc64_S43IlPPC-gsNkBxHZm1oN/s320/mary+jo+barge.jpg" border="0" /></a> After lunch, we reached the old rusty barge. I remembered this landmark from the year before. I was finding whole sand dollars along the way. Some were the bleached white ones, but I found several that still had purple fuzz on them. Simone then found a cool, large vertebrae - we weren't sure if it was from a sea lion or dolphin.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was jealous and said how much I like bones and wish that I could find a nice skull along the beach. We hadn't taken a few steps further, but what should we find but a decapitated Boar's head!<br /><br />It was a pretty wild coincidence. I will spare you the pictures. We didn't know if it had come off a boat, or if someone was roasting a pig on the beach. It was partly decomposed, so I was trying to detach the lower jaw with the big teeth, without any success. After messing with it for awhile and completely grossing out Lola and Simone, we moved on. Simone gave me the vertebra as an act of consolation.<br /><br />I talked about the time I almost got a sea lion's skull up at Patrick's Point, when what should I discover up the beach, but a sea lion corpse with the skull completely exposed. Here was my chance. I will spare you the gory, gory details, but I tried to get that skull by cutting with Jo's pocket knife, hitting the vertebrae first with my hiking stick and then a two by four. It just wouldn't come loose. I was eventually able to get some of the jawbones and teeth. It was not my most shining moment. (After all that work, Bill says my teeth stink, so I have them drying in the backyard).<br /><br />Afterward, to do penance for my brutal butchery and to improve my karma, I started picking up garbage. The Save Our Shores Beach Clean Up was the weekend before, so there wasn't too much garbage until you came to the populated areas. I knew we were getting close to Marina - I didn't want to carry a heavy bag of garbage, too far.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHIZhrRqbkqFp4AMQ6MnOTzI5k6BTk4PsHwtmITtAjZ9EA2F29VmxUBDEl1obuy-yHzezRySwbaCS1MI_0J9tnmlHh5CltZlgzxjSbZVur0HIjQf5AKhcRehjkEe7Q76awxAPK2wwBVEp/s1600-h/mary+julie+barge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388063123111512498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHIZhrRqbkqFp4AMQ6MnOTzI5k6BTk4PsHwtmITtAjZ9EA2F29VmxUBDEl1obuy-yHzezRySwbaCS1MI_0J9tnmlHh5CltZlgzxjSbZVur0HIjQf5AKhcRehjkEe7Q76awxAPK2wwBVEp/s320/mary+julie+barge.jpg" border="0" /></a>Jo spotted a flag in the distance. As we came closer we realized that we were at the Marina sand mining operations. There was a pond with a barge in it. Later, when I got home and opened up the Sentinel there was a whole article about this operation in Marina and the impact that it was having on the sand and causing erosion of the shore.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiH4v2DHGl1ZhBu-X7_rlFY4kkiy_ni5Wp-aroc5SUXxo1-Z8zbPxfOveYrxsjtFdRMR8EYzSQoPubS9uoHzZ4aapi5HH91PzXmm7MKSADYr3s-wUL4eqnjrfyVeVTTxE9vOi4WMBkDeM/s1600-h/IMG_0270.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388064460591411138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiH4v2DHGl1ZhBu-X7_rlFY4kkiy_ni5Wp-aroc5SUXxo1-Z8zbPxfOveYrxsjtFdRMR8EYzSQoPubS9uoHzZ4aapi5HH91PzXmm7MKSADYr3s-wUL4eqnjrfyVeVTTxE9vOi4WMBkDeM/s320/IMG_0270.jpg" border="0" /></a>Next we came to the sand dunes right before Marina. We could see there were lots of people up ahead, so we knew we were almost finished with the hike. Lola and I decided to climb up and run down the sand dunes. The climb up was hard but the running down is always a blast. Lola was really flying down that sand dune - talk about getting some air!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnfdihoTDUsjuybiPL12o7mRqdlzQtvS7oEvap3XkNd1j-Q6AyBb0yZaw9Baj9VkWUayJcMZ8UWOTKoDGkNMwOW0EdfH4IA1LU0onuHQLMNG2C-zcpigELoovrmXin9Kn4lh8QJYvT-m5/s1600-h/mary+sand+dune.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388064661926784210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnfdihoTDUsjuybiPL12o7mRqdlzQtvS7oEvap3XkNd1j-Q6AyBb0yZaw9Baj9VkWUayJcMZ8UWOTKoDGkNMwOW0EdfH4IA1LU0onuHQLMNG2C-zcpigELoovrmXin9Kn4lh8QJYvT-m5/s320/mary+sand+dune.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGIijkJsZfgge10ipCMo0la7G8Y2Y3VWAH0zU5nngJyzywvjEv7FGqs1dOo_2PZbxg7bwLGEOiDYMkxnub_BUYXQkfOTAWn7hawhRSeBrK0Yti9VFEH5I0bxlYX96qJw58qHE9BZs77lD/s1600-h/julie+pole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388066123605352114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGIijkJsZfgge10ipCMo0la7G8Y2Y3VWAH0zU5nngJyzywvjEv7FGqs1dOo_2PZbxg7bwLGEOiDYMkxnub_BUYXQkfOTAWn7hawhRSeBrK0Yti9VFEH5I0bxlYX96qJw58qHE9BZs77lD/s320/julie+pole.jpg" border="0" /></a>We reached Marina State Beach, deposited our full bag of trash in the garbage can and headed back to Moss Landing and our post celebratory drink and pole dancing. We went to the little dive bar next to the Whole Enchilada and since it wasn't a Sunday, the bikers weren't there. We picked out a bunch of songs on the juke box and started the pole dancing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyFpCPiAgkvlx8DRyE7CZ7KiHhGcigBYVNcls9az0dibMNtmzN9GX3CL0I-h_Uj86AB4Pg4LwppP5iF__UTdulZLCQUHY6kZJ2rfL-POlabO0urGv5wRt9Rf3DfSgXKc_w9R_KGdLXUCj/s1600-h/jo+pole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388066538481257698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyFpCPiAgkvlx8DRyE7CZ7KiHhGcigBYVNcls9az0dibMNtmzN9GX3CL0I-h_Uj86AB4Pg4LwppP5iF__UTdulZLCQUHY6kZJ2rfL-POlabO0urGv5wRt9Rf3DfSgXKc_w9R_KGdLXUCj/s320/jo+pole.jpg" border="0" /></a>I had gotten the true pole dancing bug at Burning Man and couldn't wait to get on the pole. Simone was of course a bit more reluctant to get on the pole, but once she was on it she had a great time, as this picture shows.<br /><br />The bar is covered with dollar bills with messages written on them taped to the walls, ceiling, everywhere. We signed a dollar bill "California Coastal Trail" and came up with our aliases. I taped the dollar to the top of the pole.<br /><br />I convinced one of the regulars - who I was told was quite a pole dancer to get on the pole. He was reluctant at first, but under pressure he got on and showed off his moves to the delight of the bar.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZMvy3yOWJJK1PElgb0j8YNkdirHy18POOM3V9NConAgkXQzYryhuuYgxSGo0P74zbKcbwkQkfN1sSjo-vzMkviAfWigKmeLVouGjFa29hhTTTmgZckcUQqiSCPZ8U9xg9wtQoU26a4nf/s1600-h/julie+mary+pole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388067576493276738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZMvy3yOWJJK1PElgb0j8YNkdirHy18POOM3V9NConAgkXQzYryhuuYgxSGo0P74zbKcbwkQkfN1sSjo-vzMkviAfWigKmeLVouGjFa29hhTTTmgZckcUQqiSCPZ8U9xg9wtQoU26a4nf/s320/julie+mary+pole.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then Lola and Chantel got on the bar at the same time. We were having so much fun we could have stayed there all night. It is both a great cardio and strength training exercise. I could certainly feel it in my biceps the next day. We danced for a long time, each song saying it would be the last. Simone said the guy at the table next to us said we were "poetry in motion". We were just having a great time. I made a buck and a half in pole dancing tips.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So Simone has completed the Santa Cruz to Monterey hike. Way to go - Jo! We will probably turn from the beaches and get into the hills and mountains to start our true Kilimanjaro training. We'll keep up with the pole dancing - no matter where we hike, though. This was a great way to end our Coastal journey!<br /><br /><em>Lessons learned: There is a little "Lord of the Flies" potential in all of us. Nothin' like a good pole dance after a nice long hike!</em>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-50248911679922613382009-07-25T16:44:00.000-07:002009-07-27T11:35:39.237-07:00Pogonip Hike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ04wyCTM9LpFyp1vjwhBO2OWSLfVOiQtzkL01hSzMyn3ACu1wU9L0qJnpyLfMgW69k16TuCIOeinVsT2SugSj3J8Zg38hS9puu6_677-R9bx5vJVk4ronu74bDAAyzg1jq8f9YAPVllF/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362938336179969442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ04wyCTM9LpFyp1vjwhBO2OWSLfVOiQtzkL01hSzMyn3ACu1wU9L0qJnpyLfMgW69k16TuCIOeinVsT2SugSj3J8Zg38hS9puu6_677-R9bx5vJVk4ronu74bDAAyzg1jq8f9YAPVllF/s320/2009_0721hike0065.JPG" border="0" /></a> Harvey West to Henry Cowell<br />Lookout, Spring, Rincon, Fern Trails<br />34,000 steps (according to Jo's pedometer)<br />Hiking Time: 5 hours<br />Jo, Paula and Julie<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We wanted to do a hike close to home and were interested in exploring Gray Whale Ranch - which is really just a part of Wilder Ranch now. I bought a map at Wilder Ranch which included UCSC and Pogonip - so we decided to hike at Pogonip. I hadn't been there in years.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WuqIrGIuyhhUud4fOiadflfuu91Bg8jtwgqVyBkV_BE6WZdlPSc08IO6KQ116k96qkpXdaf7-jdm9N7HvxninsbZLXIu6GfJnniR3zRfGtfSPzriRBrSviz_DxR2_I7fgO2ZCPErPKdQ/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362936276485932258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WuqIrGIuyhhUud4fOiadflfuu91Bg8jtwgqVyBkV_BE6WZdlPSc08IO6KQ116k96qkpXdaf7-jdm9N7HvxninsbZLXIu6GfJnniR3zRfGtfSPzriRBrSviz_DxR2_I7fgO2ZCPErPKdQ/s320/2009_0721hike0046.JPG" border="0" /></a> We met at 10:00 a.m. at Harvey West and parked near the Friendship Garden. We could see the beginning of the Lookout Trail. The trail climbed up with a view of toward Pogonip meadow. It was a winding trail that headed towards UCSC.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU9kUSdGbovFvpWpzjdSMbL9UscEbSL-4jJ_gu3z0UTfO_c_64eKf6gDBcDYbqWvGPuwT2kliuuj0VmJEK66tpdohGxk2U_qS1CqZLronrX97R3QLV0ZnZjKgluTitHMZH7-P63o9Jwwq/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362937215746837666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU9kUSdGbovFvpWpzjdSMbL9UscEbSL-4jJ_gu3z0UTfO_c_64eKf6gDBcDYbqWvGPuwT2kliuuj0VmJEK66tpdohGxk2U_qS1CqZLronrX97R3QLV0ZnZjKgluTitHMZH7-P63o9Jwwq/s320/2009_0721hike0049.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was a winding trail that headed towards UCSC. Through the trees you could see a view of Pogonip meadow in the distance and a view toward Costco.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iN7SHdGsVe91jxr7l3Vbrsp86fxqnZOWkbFeAE5MmhmDj_t6XjONBNFGcyyxqB2ZAgAo6080u6VkoawvVU9Sfg6UlbeJQ5vEKj8I4dz4kt5hIgFjzXt8Gcj1lSQD_Fx-vbnWPg07RRqX/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363207002009964962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iN7SHdGsVe91jxr7l3Vbrsp86fxqnZOWkbFeAE5MmhmDj_t6XjONBNFGcyyxqB2ZAgAo6080u6VkoawvVU9Sfg6UlbeJQ5vEKj8I4dz4kt5hIgFjzXt8Gcj1lSQD_Fx-vbnWPg07RRqX/s320/2009_0721hike0047.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jo was breaking in her brand new hiking boots. This was their maiden voyage and by the end of the hike she gave them two thumbs up. She had tried them on in the store but needed to order them online to get them in her size. I'm next in line for some new hiking boots.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUdI3vPUgkCb_EWApBLiBeSH5ocDqXCyi3l6fvXm06v5M9iPpic67TnnsCz1X6DGvA3qhrdV2LQ5WMB3P7o270oDozZiC159obj96f6lHHEAT7F1Yb3vdC44iGCfDSRQp-UTKkOI8ihvs/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362946656358902978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUdI3vPUgkCb_EWApBLiBeSH5ocDqXCyi3l6fvXm06v5M9iPpic67TnnsCz1X6DGvA3qhrdV2LQ5WMB3P7o270oDozZiC159obj96f6lHHEAT7F1Yb3vdC44iGCfDSRQp-UTKkOI8ihvs/s320/2009_0721hike0052.JPG" border="0" /></a> The trail opened up to a connector trail to the Spring Trail up at UCSC. This is the trail that we take every May Day to get to the magic meadow. It climbs into the forest, past the quarry and smokers hill. At the beginning of the trail there was a sign warning of coyote activity in the area. We never saw a coyote or a roadrunner for that matter.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gJ4a-PiDVoujBnft1c3xlIJiXMBtOvihiXARj4nCDwFQTb3qpSHBCoZM5EZZeC2NS7D6T6nqqbfPIU0IHP20vEfHFAB3QztzdkjhIQgneuMXICfqgfHNF_ilr6LcQWTs8Na31bx9Sc_q/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362947234302098562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gJ4a-PiDVoujBnft1c3xlIJiXMBtOvihiXARj4nCDwFQTb3qpSHBCoZM5EZZeC2NS7D6T6nqqbfPIU0IHP20vEfHFAB3QztzdkjhIQgneuMXICfqgfHNF_ilr6LcQWTs8Na31bx9Sc_q/s320/2009_0721hike0054.JPG" border="0" /></a> We made our way through the forest and followed Spring trail all the way to Highway 9. Now there was a sign saying "equine event". It turned out there was a 25 to 50 mile horse race in progress. We were going to see lots of horses over the course of the day. We crossed 9 and went down to the railroad tracks and then followed them to the trail leading to the river.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bKC9np-qJ8l_NN2I5SrafJIjfYIyyqIVeubDuRwxmCRHQH4vJxUi1wr5JqY7nNb9YETndQMvxgmKN_zmtzkJMvXMmmEptSEmcmAMWbjG533u4gyqhJLgQYexBXIEn-2Ln3hicxE9U-Wc/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362948115939627570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bKC9np-qJ8l_NN2I5SrafJIjfYIyyqIVeubDuRwxmCRHQH4vJxUi1wr5JqY7nNb9YETndQMvxgmKN_zmtzkJMvXMmmEptSEmcmAMWbjG533u4gyqhJLgQYexBXIEn-2Ln3hicxE9U-Wc/s320/2009_0721hike0063.JPG" border="0" /></a>The river was quite shallow, but shaded and green. We had lunch here and I went exploring looking for swimming holes, but just ended up getting stung by a stinging nettle. I never see them in time. After a leisurely lunch we retraced our steps back to the railroad tracks. We met two women who had chairs and a shovel. I asked what she was going to do with the shovel and she was going to clean up horse poop from the race at the beach by the river. That seemed a worthy activity.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC8X9MJ8tEyZLIEZR41sdzpyvauRXSdOSyV7PVyIL-AvgwHZGGTRvlbmUiYt2_BAW2OhkGu9azP3GNo-NksZ9baVC5F4Cy8FNWIxfBYEjMH4PrbY2DOZzsDzfJJewLjqfHJwVs5d8wjqV/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363200102853873378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC8X9MJ8tEyZLIEZR41sdzpyvauRXSdOSyV7PVyIL-AvgwHZGGTRvlbmUiYt2_BAW2OhkGu9azP3GNo-NksZ9baVC5F4Cy8FNWIxfBYEjMH4PrbY2DOZzsDzfJJewLjqfHJwVs5d8wjqV/s320/2009_0721hike0067.JPG" border="0" /></a>It was hotter coming back along the tracks. Paula tested out her balance.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWEcQ9pSorEUUGaH50l5v1OpwIAYBOlIhxcIDgaVL9tll8j3piPxvegy_Zd_voADv_67MsD2Qgd3BbaprFrXXYMVtcBHGdhX_Qp1NvN387bjj5AjmKp95rrYKwg_s1dBSJ28XvV7ijqFL/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363200934843933106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWEcQ9pSorEUUGaH50l5v1OpwIAYBOlIhxcIDgaVL9tll8j3piPxvegy_Zd_voADv_67MsD2Qgd3BbaprFrXXYMVtcBHGdhX_Qp1NvN387bjj5AjmKp95rrYKwg_s1dBSJ28XvV7ijqFL/s320/2009_0721hike0068.JPG" border="0" /></a> We took the Fern trail which I thought would lead to Pogonip meadow. I was wrong. It wove thought the forest and it kept going in the opposite direction from the meadow. There were beautiful gnarled oaks. There was a sign with an arrow, but no named trail, so we followed that for awhile. It one point I wondered - "where the heck are we?" Of course, the hike was taking much longer than I anticipated. It didn't really matter, because the company and conversation was good ranging from crematoriums to sacred cows. It was great to see Paula hiking again.<br /><br /><div>I haven't done much hiking in the past year, so this was a special treat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupLfxVGuzZUUPA68j17sJs0QF92TjHZ7KYiM1AYxBsYpp2oln44BK3F7r8odF40XskrqVY-PZ7vr9BmTq-fzDpAiQH9K3K3KfXDnPHnAKLjvhqX18pt26FevoLFr6hKU4q4fRz4uXBaHS/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363201895746832018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupLfxVGuzZUUPA68j17sJs0QF92TjHZ7KYiM1AYxBsYpp2oln44BK3F7r8odF40XskrqVY-PZ7vr9BmTq-fzDpAiQH9K3K3KfXDnPHnAKLjvhqX18pt26FevoLFr6hKU4q4fRz4uXBaHS/s320/2009_0721hike0073.JPG" border="0" /></a> We started climbing up the hill and saw a ranger led hike coming towards us. There were about five hikers and the ranger was talking about the area. Paula had hiked with him before. When we got to the connector we went to the Spring Trail. This is where we made our mistake, we should have looped back through the Pogonip meadow - but instead we retraced our tracks. It was at least nice to know where we were. We had a nice view of the church - always such a landmark of Santa Cruz.</div><br /><div><br /><br />When we came out at the Friendship Garden there was a big birthday party in progress with a live band. The place was packed. We headed to the Rush Inn behind the town clock for our post celebratory drink. I called Teresa since this bar is so close to her house and invited her to join us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcflWnTA9dpqMhWPWirhNdYLj2ihcfD8VsON8svwdjW2-fwzNG3uqCsJmsda2kQNqQdcH3NwaSjTJHNoWdl3kwzLupcXYCK9guOnAQliuGZlL-29LRj68Df1aKNI3IuzIZIbo5avNxfdsd/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363202888002387330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcflWnTA9dpqMhWPWirhNdYLj2ihcfD8VsON8svwdjW2-fwzNG3uqCsJmsda2kQNqQdcH3NwaSjTJHNoWdl3kwzLupcXYCK9guOnAQliuGZlL-29LRj68Df1aKNI3IuzIZIbo5avNxfdsd/s320/2009_0721hike0075.JPG" border="0" /></a>I hadn't been to the Rush Inn for years. It's a cool little dive bar. We asked the bartender to take our pictures and he was a really good sport about it and took several shots. Unfortunately, they didn't come through on the camera and I didn't want to tell him. The guy next to me struck up a conversation asking what we were up to and I explained about the hike. Turns out he's the Head Ranger at Pogonip! What are the odds? I brought out the map and he showed me how we should have completed the loop without backtracking.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs35pktgEb2MNwTmZDP1erhGvvVlmvFL_ImMr3tiGAioBDhKgfx2W5AEVIWDwaaD92m1jrosYU1QLHFxIboPkE1psf3xb_CJYn-SNVZkpYdIoTqKWaC0Q-uEfdLADYWKNbqHw3UjV5Glp/s1600-h/2009_0721hike0078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363203378823124562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs35pktgEb2MNwTmZDP1erhGvvVlmvFL_ImMr3tiGAioBDhKgfx2W5AEVIWDwaaD92m1jrosYU1QLHFxIboPkE1psf3xb_CJYn-SNVZkpYdIoTqKWaC0Q-uEfdLADYWKNbqHw3UjV5Glp/s320/2009_0721hike0078.JPG" border="0" /></a> Teresa showed up with Poppy her new puppy who is adorable. It was great to see her. I asked the guy next to me to take our photo and he got several good shots. He's quite the photographer! It was a nice end to a good day of hiking.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p><em>Lessons Learned: 1. Even in our own backyard there are still places to explore. 2. Sometimes it's a good feeling to know where you are. 3. You never know who is sitting on the bar stool next to you!</em><br /></p><div><br /></div>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-53272587143905293002009-07-08T17:48:00.000-07:002009-07-09T13:57:15.055-07:00Whiskeytown Falls - Redding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMcTkQo5NZu1W2Qh1d2a9GDcFj572cic1BpA6wR7L8oNAaHa13w0kRgoASZg7h9aLbuItolnrqFI9yIjkItTl-zgRpeZoe9kclSU_Dl3JpvsKB1VL55p0Vpafp_xa5FFoFu5Ptpw6Qzmp/s1600-h/whiskeytown+fall+shot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356491882262034210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMcTkQo5NZu1W2Qh1d2a9GDcFj572cic1BpA6wR7L8oNAaHa13w0kRgoASZg7h9aLbuItolnrqFI9yIjkItTl-zgRpeZoe9kclSU_Dl3JpvsKB1VL55p0Vpafp_xa5FFoFu5Ptpw6Qzmp/s320/whiskeytown+fall+shot.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Whiskeytown Falls<br />Redding - CA<br />June 19, 2009<br />3.5 miles<br />2 hours<br />Dave, Mike, Julie, Nick, Sarah, Kevin<br /><br /><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gru_LbNW-w1yyMkyOV96HetzWaepi7NdG8MGdtS4ulXSWOon8SQn2frMjmqGItW6NeQYsKNvx7SokYeej3D9Ba117rxCIPFn1kGkYKFhXli0qyO6vGKZMA9n5mSQ7DUvSBHzX9cm7ozu/s1600-h/whiskeytown+group+shot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356263258517016498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gru_LbNW-w1yyMkyOV96HetzWaepi7NdG8MGdtS4ulXSWOon8SQn2frMjmqGItW6NeQYsKNvx7SokYeej3D9Ba117rxCIPFn1kGkYKFhXli0qyO6vGKZMA9n5mSQ7DUvSBHzX9cm7ozu/s320/whiskeytown+group+shot.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have been wanting to do this hike for several years. During the winter months, the trail was closed. I had thought that Nick and I had hiked to Whiskeytown Falls the year before, but it turned out that was Brandy Creek Falls. This hike was a family affair. My Uncle Dave from Wisconsin, brother Mike from Minnesota and my nephews Nick and Kevin and niece Sarah were all up for the hike. </div><p>We had gathered in Redding to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday and the morning after we hit the trail. Sarah and Nick drove from the hotel with me and Uncle Dave drove his rental and picked up Mike and Kevin from Mom and Dad's house. </p><p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUsDrQOXY-LT_foO-teYp1J3jUoZbMGb0zA9c76AiBDHDAqrr4yJPunqVshAHGzL5aHDxZry1eAtwFaciXRpiCZomuI9c2fuPvbThw2xdo-GkP8r_o1x7SPvZd-GP0gnh3-v3XWu5j4wp/s1600-h/whiskeytown+falls+-+sarah+trailhead.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356477953258463154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUsDrQOXY-LT_foO-teYp1J3jUoZbMGb0zA9c76AiBDHDAqrr4yJPunqVshAHGzL5aHDxZry1eAtwFaciXRpiCZomuI9c2fuPvbThw2xdo-GkP8r_o1x7SPvZd-GP0gnh3-v3XWu5j4wp/s320/whiskeytown+falls+-+sarah+trailhead.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's been a couple of weeks since we did this hike - so the details are a bit hazy. Dave, Nick, Sarah and I had hiked the Old Mine Trail in Whiskeytown the day before. This one was about equivalent in length and elevation, but much more shaded and scenic with the big pay off of all the falls at the end.<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />The trail started downward after the trail head. Not the best sign, since this is an out and back hike, so you know that we would be hitting uphill at the very end of the hike.<br /></div><div>It wasn't too much of the downhill however before you started the climb. I had heard there was a bit of uphill in the hike and it turned out to be true.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbY9lZeK7Hg5wFH3bJfud7-f8-mKIiksyFF7B-EDAJa9o6sFT43mcwtWbHHn_CxAqkBP7YCwG2vAs3hSu-VesW-giv1s7lDr59EVLBi4DYdCDf9RDf3XfLXpmz0tlKRQy75TIBSjsYN_n/s1600-h/whiskeytown+-+dave+on+the+trail.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356327813182660946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbY9lZeK7Hg5wFH3bJfud7-f8-mKIiksyFF7B-EDAJa9o6sFT43mcwtWbHHn_CxAqkBP7YCwG2vAs3hSu-VesW-giv1s7lDr59EVLBi4DYdCDf9RDf3XfLXpmz0tlKRQy75TIBSjsYN_n/s320/whiskeytown+-+dave+on+the+trail.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dave was stylish in his sun hat and walking poles. He set out a good pace that he maintained throughout the hike. He walks daily in Wisconsin and is in great shape. He definitely felt the uphill of this hike, but kept plugging along at it.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEL1XPfc3qB7glxiNBez9M7_VbZX9Jxccv7ykHEal9fWd_ZHlReCqiVTbjApXvE_um9sVQZbP76HaG_DrIqGLT-hbUy-9t1j4aDFW-hGDsxMJektZJcPZZIolIaATpqKD8gAb2NctUDGL/s1600-h/whiskeytown+-+bridge.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356479095957937234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEL1XPfc3qB7glxiNBez9M7_VbZX9Jxccv7ykHEal9fWd_ZHlReCqiVTbjApXvE_um9sVQZbP76HaG_DrIqGLT-hbUy-9t1j4aDFW-hGDsxMJektZJcPZZIolIaATpqKD8gAb2NctUDGL/s320/whiskeytown+-+bridge.JPG" border="0" /></a> At the bottom of the first downhill, we caught up with the creek. Now was the beginning of the climb. There were nice bridges for all of the creek crossings.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JtvQ6Tr4VXI-TTI1YR95k33EaJzKd8f8zuoBmVP_ayJN_jPcbR6V7ChfJsNOuAWr9ZzQjr2c8m9ZNX8-5VvLGTkxtCO2FeEnajiAogChEMxeFZQQy5f8_ylwn0ZOlc_nmmuGZIS_f-5k/s1600-h/whiskeytown+-+three+musketeers.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356328484463769938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JtvQ6Tr4VXI-TTI1YR95k33EaJzKd8f8zuoBmVP_ayJN_jPcbR6V7ChfJsNOuAWr9ZzQjr2c8m9ZNX8-5VvLGTkxtCO2FeEnajiAogChEMxeFZQQy5f8_ylwn0ZOlc_nmmuGZIS_f-5k/s320/whiskeytown+-+three+musketeers.JPG" border="0" /></a> The three younger Kowalewski's all stuck together on the trail, though Kevin would often run ahead. Mike was taking up the caboose, since he was carrying a gallon of frozen water and was stopping to take pictures along the way.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmrWJJ8lhJAMfIh2TyRTWxnDJoqWPw-iWaf7b8FOCKwZSlRaBlbg975VGtsgUj8TzRzlxhA02AkRYtpx4Q8ylN3RCodUZCjxYuePc3gNAITBfe9ODpWypQNqll_V41uvQg0mAi4c1quxI/s1600-h/whiskeytown+uphill.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356480786425356338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmrWJJ8lhJAMfIh2TyRTWxnDJoqWPw-iWaf7b8FOCKwZSlRaBlbg975VGtsgUj8TzRzlxhA02AkRYtpx4Q8ylN3RCodUZCjxYuePc3gNAITBfe9ODpWypQNqll_V41uvQg0mAi4c1quxI/s320/whiskeytown+uphill.JPG" border="0" /></a> The climb was steady, but the trail was wide. Dave wondered how the trail was made. I suspected it was old fire or farm roads. There were a few places the trail was eroding, but it was for the most part well maintained.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf3LFosBkbAaZgIO3izl1kEiIieiWq-wjW4bPPdITniL6KwqeziM_oj6DSQ8mxY1Nqug_hoATc1tv4KmtFWSEI0zWTjOQuVcOTotnRAHCfeKLZd0TCRCAukP0QGRIfnBV-gA4dZwj5z8Z/s1600-h/whiskeytown+-+kowalewskis.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356329386997939570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf3LFosBkbAaZgIO3izl1kEiIieiWq-wjW4bPPdITniL6KwqeziM_oj6DSQ8mxY1Nqug_hoATc1tv4KmtFWSEI0zWTjOQuVcOTotnRAHCfeKLZd0TCRCAukP0QGRIfnBV-gA4dZwj5z8Z/s320/whiskeytown+-+kowalewskis.JPG" border="0" /></a> There were strategically placed benches along the way. Here the Minnesota Kowalewskis take a break.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLO24Gy1xoftzkpHMENEpiO43gUyDqFHaC-SNodraIUlZG7b1murmqy5aYo0C_Pl-cFX-yHIfd3EqSBqtAkf821lii4FLfYCxj5Gpo5VH63U2qx_9jHC-IFidnp7R7w9gZJhg28tqBmtz/s1600-h/whiskeytown+second+bridge.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356481846509584178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLO24Gy1xoftzkpHMENEpiO43gUyDqFHaC-SNodraIUlZG7b1murmqy5aYo0C_Pl-cFX-yHIfd3EqSBqtAkf821lii4FLfYCxj5Gpo5VH63U2qx_9jHC-IFidnp7R7w9gZJhg28tqBmtz/s320/whiskeytown+second+bridge.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div><br /><br />Here is the second bridge which was at the top of the main climb. The path got narrower after this above the creek. Soon we came to the bottom of the falls. There was a large open area at the base of the falls and a steep iron railing leading to the upper falls.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxscocg81zHeAkCEG7zTGCgNYLuHRatuXEkOaUsKKUXnkKUsHKXIGYHDlv0_fvOmVbeRtM0GNvSFN-95l4at2pXVdPIT3kBi9M3PYIqlui-9Wp49rpjVoSGf0DSPMwWtEx7k_g1gkoYK0C/s1600-h/whiskeytown+kevin+and+sarah.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356486725870894018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxscocg81zHeAkCEG7zTGCgNYLuHRatuXEkOaUsKKUXnkKUsHKXIGYHDlv0_fvOmVbeRtM0GNvSFN-95l4at2pXVdPIT3kBi9M3PYIqlui-9Wp49rpjVoSGf0DSPMwWtEx7k_g1gkoYK0C/s320/whiskeytown+kevin+and+sarah.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are Kevin and Sarah above the lower falls.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX_3geO_5FLy-p81yZ6DMNFau2paaATz4qnY6uI82DzkyRXll7EryIjG0qH8JfZMUoXAU89QZs82Wt9DH-uUZGDouokD-HVfVkzwnehItMnLhD_ougB_DiFiPYl6HVvRgObGrk5p3XqE3/s1600-h/whiskeytown+nick+and+mike.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356489022355992434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX_3geO_5FLy-p81yZ6DMNFau2paaATz4qnY6uI82DzkyRXll7EryIjG0qH8JfZMUoXAU89QZs82Wt9DH-uUZGDouokD-HVfVkzwnehItMnLhD_ougB_DiFiPYl6HVvRgObGrk5p3XqE3/s320/whiskeytown+nick+and+mike.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Father and son at the top.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0Gi7_bIBsxZZYj2OeiQNlNwIkyhtLGPt3XPxuL_l1GsmUgf9m4-AL1ofQK1LPmm0JjuL2F670zuwku99xXp3z7zB3HrzvMqRC-tehR9sZ458-MRr7SrvkFC2SwkNbDmDM1ZmjUJHY0sS/s1600-h/whiskeytown+uncle+dave.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356489698403397458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0Gi7_bIBsxZZYj2OeiQNlNwIkyhtLGPt3XPxuL_l1GsmUgf9m4-AL1ofQK1LPmm0JjuL2F670zuwku99xXp3z7zB3HrzvMqRC-tehR9sZ458-MRr7SrvkFC2SwkNbDmDM1ZmjUJHY0sS/s320/whiskeytown+uncle+dave.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dave contemplates the lower falls. He wasn't sure that he would climb the narrow railing to the top, but he did.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUiy3In6Tc7lHboGq7YW_RS-kr3gdX6v5DREwZDZk6A0Bme0cecJZRMYRdltOfSdDd0W8bFdyfu2d8gUh9FlYhsQMVfZ863NYUeLKv92lm99ck7Ykbjp6IoxhYFMLkuo74_b8Uwh1xezs/s1600-h/whiskeytown+-+mike+and+railing.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356490158167256146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUiy3In6Tc7lHboGq7YW_RS-kr3gdX6v5DREwZDZk6A0Bme0cecJZRMYRdltOfSdDd0W8bFdyfu2d8gUh9FlYhsQMVfZ863NYUeLKv92lm99ck7Ykbjp6IoxhYFMLkuo74_b8Uwh1xezs/s320/whiskeytown+-+mike+and+railing.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is a shot of Mike and the railing to climb up to the upper falls. The path is narrow and muddy, so it's nice to be able to hang on to the rail.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcDq3h2TIKhxs8FiiTV-ojstBBnNapRLo2rLDXfIJYcGDoEo7YdEw_lCK-s19bfvoMGltS8qZ9G6foMIUMFAhX1xPBoQNfxgV-0aygdw2L6ZSnNV-vwDE7JviQhuqTRBcyT-gQR_VIkgz/s1600-h/whiskeytown+-+julie.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356490530026496450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcDq3h2TIKhxs8FiiTV-ojstBBnNapRLo2rLDXfIJYcGDoEo7YdEw_lCK-s19bfvoMGltS8qZ9G6foMIUMFAhX1xPBoQNfxgV-0aygdw2L6ZSnNV-vwDE7JviQhuqTRBcyT-gQR_VIkgz/s320/whiskeytown+-+julie.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the view from the upper viewing platform. It was a really sweet waterfall.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9wCJRc_v-gevR4a4-hFVTRcPyacBvbajWRwwXy91RsZA6V1pz94WbjtTV1iFeMY2CZk-zENJ2EihFtoy43EyMMzETRX45V_vwpOUGkJFpUhrvN3ae7eH2Ho-XhOlXkcuyZMlL0Bxhnxz/s1600-h/whiskeytown+falls.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356261511995732898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9wCJRc_v-gevR4a4-hFVTRcPyacBvbajWRwwXy91RsZA6V1pz94WbjtTV1iFeMY2CZk-zENJ2EihFtoy43EyMMzETRX45V_vwpOUGkJFpUhrvN3ae7eH2Ho-XhOlXkcuyZMlL0Bxhnxz/s320/whiskeytown+falls.JPG" border="0" /></a> We enjoyed the falls up above and then sat at a log at the base of the falls. Uncle Dave started back early, since he was travelling slower then us, he thought, though we never caught up to him until the parking lot. </p><p>The hike out was a breeze, since it was mainly downhill. Even that little uphill at the end didn't bother us. We met a man and his son in the parking lot who had a form for all three waterfalls in Whiskeytown. There was supposedly a post where you could do a rubbing and if you did it for all three falls - you got a free scarf at the ranger station. No one had told us about this program.</p><p>It was an enjoyable morning and a hike that I will definitely repeat. It was great to hike with my family.</p><p><em>Lessons Learned: Postponed pleasures can be worth the wait.</em></p><p></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-44488683150598193082009-03-11T20:52:00.000-07:002009-03-12T23:31:23.693-07:00Shasta Mine Trail - Redding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRuRra4F2igqMP8Qqm8-w_vW61hdRfAQw2MIeVQw7HfJz2epOY97ttrmNJ1n8g7cExjB-vEz7lYehsStd5Ea-7q06kcUu4w9HNtoSifTTpAgrngU7WeRWXWfL3LgnmsP35tVwFciEnalW/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312145063010279634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRuRra4F2igqMP8Qqm8-w_vW61hdRfAQw2MIeVQw7HfJz2epOY97ttrmNJ1n8g7cExjB-vEz7lYehsStd5Ea-7q06kcUu4w9HNtoSifTTpAgrngU7WeRWXWfL3LgnmsP35tVwFciEnalW/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0014.JPG" border="0" /></a>Whiskeytown Unit<br /><br />Distance: 3.3 miles?????<br /><br />Elevation: More than expected<br /><br />Hiking time: 2 hours<br /><br />Eric, Julie<br /><br /><br /><br />Uncle Dave took me on this hike when I first got to Redding. We went on a cloudy morning and I so loved the little babbling brook and the view of Whiskeytown Lake, I thought that my friend Eric would love this place, so I was determined to do the hike with him.<br /><br />Eric was busy trying to get out of town, but carved some time in the afternoon to do the hike. I picked him up and we drove out to Whiskeytown. The trail head is between the Glory Hole and the Whiskeytown Cemetery.<br /><br />I didn't realize until we were on our way, how limited we would be on time and how reluctant to do this hike, Eric really was. I thought it would get better once we got going, but I should have listened to what he was telling me. He was a good sport about it during the whole hike.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3I1w3Rge2_QoITXUdZsa4t5JVZW1K2shC6P7DexQv_IfnBzX_eCS5uw2-mnJJR-SZD6QY3aozu6uXfmfAUq1OF9jIz_rjN_ElHYDY0KuZkW3jt4UBmix7jGbVpWyq9Cqf95O7NFCUBM_/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312552014618077874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3I1w3Rge2_QoITXUdZsa4t5JVZW1K2shC6P7DexQv_IfnBzX_eCS5uw2-mnJJR-SZD6QY3aozu6uXfmfAUq1OF9jIz_rjN_ElHYDY0KuZkW3jt4UBmix7jGbVpWyq9Cqf95O7NFCUBM_/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The hike starts with a long climb up to the top of a ridge. It is steady and steep. We discussed not doing the whole loop, but Eric wanted sun and said he was willing to climb the ridge. About halfway up, he was already feeling the pain as he demonstrated in the photo. The fact that he was already sore from skiing, biking and shovelling rock - didn't help. This should have been a rest day rather than a hike day. However, I can be persistent so there we were.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0yznTiJn3A7kDon1ukeYDmefe02ZPInmrKrx4UM2jyYe_C0hDlruQ2LPMgdZQGS9gZgKljgTlQtyeg00stx4WRubacRnZY5T_y8RXyMdVq7RGcePRXunXGVpFvFT8FHF-HILL2i-CGur/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312546961714369138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0yznTiJn3A7kDon1ukeYDmefe02ZPInmrKrx4UM2jyYe_C0hDlruQ2LPMgdZQGS9gZgKljgTlQtyeg00stx4WRubacRnZY5T_y8RXyMdVq7RGcePRXunXGVpFvFT8FHF-HILL2i-CGur/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0004.JPG" border="0" /></a> As you climb the ridge - the view of Whiskeytown Lake unfolds to your right. The higher you go, the better the view. The picture doesn't capture it, but you can see the dam, the glory hole and lake in the distance.<br /><br />Up, up, up we went. We'd think that we were at the top, but it was one of those misleading, never quite there hills. Eric would be moving slow, then burst into a jag of jogging up the hill. You all know how much I hate to run, but I was a good sport and would jog for a bit.<br /><br />When we finally got to the top there is a clearing a campfire spot. So we sat around the campfire and caught our breath. The path continued uphill and the loop went down to the left. We discussed turning around and going down the hill - which would have been the appropriate thing to do, given our time frame. I wanted to do the loop so that Eric could see the stream and little waterfall. He thought about it and agreed to do the full loop.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312419223644951522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWkOzLIBCZdilY40MMEdWGzCHSOFODFyHJhtGeW_7psAtgzYbVYu2rEcO335EiyPlCJVmWV-4j8_-UWNLlGSHx37i7X8JTXTAc_ujZBzcB51i-AOtEjtFQbSKhCTHTH5vytSNrdyXL1tf/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0005.JPG" border="0" /> We started down the path of the loop. I remembered that the rest of the hike was downhill. Eric was looking at the mountain sides and trying to figure which ridge we would be coming back on. How far is this hike? I don't look at the terrain, I just follow the trail. This was a difference between us on the entire hike. Eric paying attention to the terrain (such a guy thing to do), me just following the path we were on and not worrying about it.<br /><br />We came up to a ridge and there was a great view of snow covered Shasta Bally. I had been talking about training for Killimanjaro and Eric said this hike was "Kill-em-on-Whiskeytown". We got a laugh out of that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR_tmO0OzQoDu5eXH-PeQCvLW40qSZY8QsaKoLf4cTCBjh_WfYR3RF4QS7js2Zrx2aG-zcs-fqwe43LK0rpZt42rq8FryBYa1Zb2L0p9pwmM6-7EAeCUKLQMW3iUhq2ilib18NdX4lW_N/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312427557452200370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR_tmO0OzQoDu5eXH-PeQCvLW40qSZY8QsaKoLf4cTCBjh_WfYR3RF4QS7js2Zrx2aG-zcs-fqwe43LK0rpZt42rq8FryBYa1Zb2L0p9pwmM6-7EAeCUKLQMW3iUhq2ilib18NdX4lW_N/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0009.JPG" border="0" /></a>I kept promising Eric we would get to the stream, but he was beginning to question my judgement as trail navigator. He insisted if we ever went hiking again, we'd have a map. What lack of trust !<br /><br />It was a hot day and we were in the sun for most of the hike. The terrain was dry chaparral until we got down to the water. Eric danced a jig at the thought I might know where the heck we were and that we weren't lost on the wrong trail.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i6N9f73u-zvf1p73bCjY_EGL90j83gfAfYawubGWbeaOthpEdqHfncfDV6QRlbxX3Oe1NaiIlJYxtPK2yM32DjAp3S1mpZytJYgYpSYMzlQFwEBCiy9_h_Nhigx4fnz1sd0P0nFSqnI8/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312432524263700322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i6N9f73u-zvf1p73bCjY_EGL90j83gfAfYawubGWbeaOthpEdqHfncfDV6QRlbxX3Oe1NaiIlJYxtPK2yM32DjAp3S1mpZytJYgYpSYMzlQFwEBCiy9_h_Nhigx4fnz1sd0P0nFSqnI8/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0011.JPG" border="0" /></a> We walked along next to the little stream. It is a pleasant little valley. We were looking for a nice watering hole. I remembered that there was a pretty little waterfall further up, so we kept walking. Eventually, we circled around to the pool. Time was ticking away and Eric was concerned about getting back, so we didn't stop.<br /><br />Looking at the terrain, Eric insisted that we were going to have to climb back up out of the valley. I didn't remember a lot of uphill on this hike, other than the first part, but it turns out my memory wasn't so good. When we bike the River Trail - I always think of the far trail as flat, while Eric insists you are going uphill. Every time we started climbing up again Eric would be ready to strangle me and I would say - "this isn't uphill, it's flat". Just a difference of perception between us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6asZiNlZrvLuqdaB3HPD9a9su44JSb-9qXCuoXbEhyphenhyphen65VhV1zO8cUsed_m6BOIhpaUyXx5Rac916UUYCfUIW_jxC4zaG2Ke41atE0rL3qTOUA0dgzIQO-SeId5J1FD1u1AV-xY5eQAmhe/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312434427034899506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6asZiNlZrvLuqdaB3HPD9a9su44JSb-9qXCuoXbEhyphenhyphen65VhV1zO8cUsed_m6BOIhpaUyXx5Rac916UUYCfUIW_jxC4zaG2Ke41atE0rL3qTOUA0dgzIQO-SeId5J1FD1u1AV-xY5eQAmhe/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0012.JPG" border="0" /></a> We passed an area of fire devastation from several years back that Eric was pretty sure had started as a controlled burn. We climbed another hill and had reached the flat space at the top where the old Shasta Mine shaft was located. Eric found a nice spot to rest. At this point his friend Chad called asking where he was since he was supposed to helping shovel rock. Eric explained that he was out in the middle of nowhere and was getting back as fast as he could. His friend was not amused.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx8wgdCMOV_BViKGOSoLlhmy2R-Hyj0kRLvzEGMVNrFjl6h7rLha68DRQVFklBHoNwRj4pUGQ17Mx2do3KxL1TNBJpU13Rt0gmcGUt48oeQpIvehA4pIPdMB0uv5jUlTS-STzoflSA1mt/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312437487803564914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx8wgdCMOV_BViKGOSoLlhmy2R-Hyj0kRLvzEGMVNrFjl6h7rLha68DRQVFklBHoNwRj4pUGQ17Mx2do3KxL1TNBJpU13Rt0gmcGUt48oeQpIvehA4pIPdMB0uv5jUlTS-STzoflSA1mt/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0016.JPG" border="0" /></a> I went to take a look at the old mine shaft. It isn't really much of a shaft, since it is all filled in with logs and debris. It is fenced off. This was once an active gold mine, but not much remains. A part of history of Shasta County that is long gone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmfPSMF-xXoHQ0tRuBtb6PYEI42_XgD_XWALWCH_WthksUNDzFjcbU3Ihf1RxQdrtel6rCjoTyFtcr-Wd1hXNL67Wj_TGt_EPNIt-pQ9wl8eIizPZ4cATBaRIu19egO8X9toMbviFKDtM/s1600-h/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312540544772955138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmfPSMF-xXoHQ0tRuBtb6PYEI42_XgD_XWALWCH_WthksUNDzFjcbU3Ihf1RxQdrtel6rCjoTyFtcr-Wd1hXNL67Wj_TGt_EPNIt-pQ9wl8eIizPZ4cATBaRIu19egO8X9toMbviFKDtM/s320/2009_0311whsiskeytownhike0017.JPG" border="0" /></a> From here I think it was all downhill, but I could again be wrong. Let's just say it took longer than anticipated. We passed Whiskeytown Cemetery. If we had more time I would have liked to go there. The graves are all unique and really reflect the person. There are benches, wind chimes, memorabilia. It is quite touching.<br /><br />We kept walking and finally there was the car waiting for us! We had survived to tell the tale.<br /><br />I poured Eric into the car and drove him back to his car, so he could go shovel gravel for a couple of hours. Fortunately, he was still speaking to me and could appreciate the hike as the details faded into the distance.<br /><br />I'm glad we did the hike and that I was able to show a Eric a part of Redding that he hadn't seen and probably won't see again.<br /><br />My friend J.P. suggested that Eric join SPINACH: Society for Protection of Innocent, Naive and Coerced Hikers. It is a support group that J.P. started years ago with a now growing membership. <a href="http://www.spinach.org/juliesvictims.htm" target="_blank">www.spinach.org/juliesvictims.htm</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Lessons Learned: Uphill is a matter of perception. Flatness is a state of mind. Don't do the hike if you don't have the time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></em><em></em><em></em><em></em><em></em><em></em>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-41341198266292346492009-01-23T12:43:00.000-08:002009-01-23T13:07:14.302-08:00Garland Ranch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G0a-9cZHsBN3_XjbuXmPYpYl4MqhwMr-5l48926VIqg8UsJxcID3BYMO8duB2MAdug3-Q1Ba_PUvrF0nyhSz5ys_M-kENr8VNUYUoKpk_xGawnFdZzivPGASpt00ftOK_MAp4vVWL8jy/s1600-h/jan+and+julie+on+top.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G0a-9cZHsBN3_XjbuXmPYpYl4MqhwMr-5l48926VIqg8UsJxcID3BYMO8duB2MAdug3-Q1Ba_PUvrF0nyhSz5ys_M-kENr8VNUYUoKpk_xGawnFdZzivPGASpt00ftOK_MAp4vVWL8jy/s320/jan+and+julie+on+top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294593091520598882" border="0" /></a><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Carmel</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place><br />Sniveley Ridge and Waterfall Trail<br />Distance: 6 miles ???<br />Hiking Time:<span style=""> </span>4 ½ hours<br />Jan and Julie<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I’ve never been to Garland Ranch before, but have driven by it several times.<span style=""> </span>The day of the hike was whittled down to just Jan and I.<span style=""> </span>It was a gorgeous day with blue skies and warm temperatures.<span style=""> </span>We met at the Park n Ride at 10:00 and were at the trailhead by 11:30.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3hNnXCN-eypq5nwtGvCKpdeiIp7lkNfyVsH7yX6QVAbTLRLSRir_JA4q7Dr7D29Zu-mo6V6xN2QTEEhyl9XN7toMeEyAVHI7-a2CH0oAcq8MCzVq2NNyazhdnzoSOOG_73ixdhR76SLO/s1600-h/jan+and+julie+visitor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3hNnXCN-eypq5nwtGvCKpdeiIp7lkNfyVsH7yX6QVAbTLRLSRir_JA4q7Dr7D29Zu-mo6V6xN2QTEEhyl9XN7toMeEyAVHI7-a2CH0oAcq8MCzVq2NNyazhdnzoSOOG_73ixdhR76SLO/s320/jan+and+julie+visitor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294593686190264242" border="0" /></a>A very elderly docent helped us and described our trail to us. Jan and I both got detailed maps of the park. <span style=""> </span>The gentleman took our photo – but had to sit down to do it.<span style=""> </span>We weren’t sure whether he would make it through the photo shoot.<span style=""> </span>Turned out it’s a nice shot of us in front of the bathroom rather than with the ridge in the distance.<span style=""> </span>Oh well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWCZHGlrN9-PFgytJkFysWCKczeXj_BQal8pQ7NKYz7Gta0OG8lg1raI2b1X-5_7tNmt78qep_qc52jTZrM8LorsPnTrooTfHH1q-doC16oVksc7Jdtlh-2O6V6WYHlZgpzoXaUYrWycc/s1600-h/oak+trees.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWCZHGlrN9-PFgytJkFysWCKczeXj_BQal8pQ7NKYz7Gta0OG8lg1raI2b1X-5_7tNmt78qep_qc52jTZrM8LorsPnTrooTfHH1q-doC16oVksc7Jdtlh-2O6V6WYHlZgpzoXaUYrWycc/s320/oak+trees.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294594260026094834" border="0" /></a>Then we were off.<span style=""> </span>First, we crossed a meadow to start out on the Buckeye Trail.<span style=""> </span>The incline started gradually on this trail.<span style=""> </span>The thing I appreciated about this park was all the trees.<span style=""> </span>Lots of twisted coastal oaks with Spanish moss draping lacy fingers. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Buckeye trail was also a nature trail and there were signs identifying different types of trees.<span style=""> </span>We decided after reaching Siesta Point to take a side path.<span style=""> </span>This began our confusion.<span style=""> </span>The map was detailed, but we often had questions of where we actually were – since it didn’t match the map.<span style=""> </span>At this point we were on Fern Trail.<span style=""> </span>I loved the names of the trails – Fern, Sky, Hawk and Cliff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSsRNSNZSAYJoQ3JzBMKKuE-4j7mPvsp3wlZEqItcXvEog5pVt3Q4dPfVxhIO1zkjQQlrBuHNdAlyh84NUO7ovoPbztmETDyL0gmBeVUeA6WMUtTw2YFC3li-vAiS_jqY3Oce49rJFnHT/s1600-h/tree+trail4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSsRNSNZSAYJoQ3JzBMKKuE-4j7mPvsp3wlZEqItcXvEog5pVt3Q4dPfVxhIO1zkjQQlrBuHNdAlyh84NUO7ovoPbztmETDyL0gmBeVUeA6WMUtTw2YFC3li-vAiS_jqY3Oce49rJFnHT/s320/tree+trail4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294594648646667058" border="0" /></a>The docent told us we would come to a pond and a bathtub of water for horses.<span style=""> </span>We stopped here and had a quick snack break.<span style=""> </span>I wet my sarong in preparation for the climb ahead.<span style=""> </span>The next part of the trail was described as steep and exposed.<span style=""> </span>But it was well shaded and although there was elevation it was nicely graded. There were even switchbacks on the way to the top.<span style=""> </span>A nice cool breeze blew down on us as we climbed.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We kept climbing and reached the top of Snively ridge.<span style=""> </span>There are great views from the top.<span style=""> </span>In one direction the ocean, in the other <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Carmel</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> and the other is towards the Santa Lucia foothills.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x-IeB1OsA4a5jlqUAkgXI2rWHN1VwgFrJ7BAL5ZIQRn1TC-MRx0eKe0n3InZhyphenhyphenCLWJQEwJ36irIg2zPO7TL-sty5hjgcYQyYoeZgz1FftSECbDREzJFpTUtTyZ64TiRiuJRZzdHic72d/s1600-h/jan+on+top.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x-IeB1OsA4a5jlqUAkgXI2rWHN1VwgFrJ7BAL5ZIQRn1TC-MRx0eKe0n3InZhyphenhyphenCLWJQEwJ36irIg2zPO7TL-sty5hjgcYQyYoeZgz1FftSECbDREzJFpTUtTyZ64TiRiuJRZzdHic72d/s320/jan+on+top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294595075227062546" border="0" /></a>There is a bench up top but the directions for the hike said the true top was another 250 feet up.<span style=""> </span>There were two more hills, one with a fire tower on it.<span style=""> </span>I asked a guy sitting on the bench about climbing to the fire tower.<span style=""> </span>He said it was a “gnarly trail” but the views were great.<br /></p><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We climbed to the highest point and found a great little lunch spot with views of the ocean.<span style=""> </span>The ridge was dry.<span style=""> </span>There is a sense of accomplishment in sitting on top of a ridge you have just climbed that lightens the spirit.<span style=""> </span>Enjoying the blue sky and clouds.<span style=""> </span>The temperature was just perfect – not too hot or cold.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was still curious about reaching the fire tower so I went off exploring while Jan enjoyed the view.<span style=""> </span>The path narrowed down to a deer path.<span style=""> </span>From a view point it seemed that the hill the fire tower was on was separated by a steep canyon from my ridge.<span style=""> </span>It didn’t look like you could “get there from here”<span style=""> </span>still the path kept winding down so I followed it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTcZm14EAES7MD1WbaERtPAHtzSIXmfF6C2eRfcGk0mWc-X9fCgIV_xnxh_vAwQ5mAbRrc_0CLN56fXYEZ-8tKl8b-vPq1-HTxSzgrLAzWUEaPodW1J7RUJ4ehJjQTBUYg28C66sKWvbY/s1600-h/Ferns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTcZm14EAES7MD1WbaERtPAHtzSIXmfF6C2eRfcGk0mWc-X9fCgIV_xnxh_vAwQ5mAbRrc_0CLN56fXYEZ-8tKl8b-vPq1-HTxSzgrLAzWUEaPodW1J7RUJ4ehJjQTBUYg28C66sKWvbY/s320/Ferns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294595765104633202" border="0" /></a>It was a charming path, green, grown over with ferns and winding through trees and rocks.<span style=""> </span>I came to split in the path and took the higher path, which still continued down.<span style=""> </span>As the path narrowed and kept going down I realized this was no small undertaking and that there was a good possibility that I could get lost, so I went back and found Jan.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The guy on the bench had told us that the loop trail was barely hikeable, so we went down the way we came – or so we thought.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once again we had trouble recognizing trails which didn’t match the map.<span style=""> </span>Since Jan and I both wanted to keep hiking – we decided to go to see the waterfall.<span style=""> </span>It is an ephemeral fall and it hadn’t rained much recently, so we figured it wouldn’t be there, but were up for the hike nonetheless.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We took Cliff trail which was our favorite in the park.<span style=""> </span>It was narrow and wound past rocks along the edge of a cliff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbI305o56-GvBELh-NAACo2X6-pkPDDndXF_6dC_RitysFFa6Rpg7VN5Ch6WD158ZKLaBYVf3FkKNQtK3rRxLhYYMY4ktcFscZTb00sxOd-h0-n4WJxB1gWUYyWelUhHCk_9DtTCnFTCf/s1600-h/waterfall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbI305o56-GvBELh-NAACo2X6-pkPDDndXF_6dC_RitysFFa6Rpg7VN5Ch6WD158ZKLaBYVf3FkKNQtK3rRxLhYYMY4ktcFscZTb00sxOd-h0-n4WJxB1gWUYyWelUhHCk_9DtTCnFTCf/s320/waterfall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294596008360346306" border="0" /></a>The waterfall was indeed dry, but you could see that it would be beautiful when it’s running.<span style=""> </span>I stood under imaginary falls and pretended to be washed by it’s cascade.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We continued back to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Visitor</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>At this point I was completely turned around.<span style=""> </span>I thought we should head in the opposite direction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVLbIDqr0mgQ5Am67D_I3ewXfCtxcRBC91qE0LPhxZey9DkDgmKuKFdYQTX3DwmD9SBquEZ0T6vkXXnhWsXH7288MRbE0NGyQsqDfJSs4Fb2YGJp-wDuRPqmhOVX6ALmzroe-EEd2hsuo/s1600-h/Lib+Scan0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVLbIDqr0mgQ5Am67D_I3ewXfCtxcRBC91qE0LPhxZey9DkDgmKuKFdYQTX3DwmD9SBquEZ0T6vkXXnhWsXH7288MRbE0NGyQsqDfJSs4Fb2YGJp-wDuRPqmhOVX6ALmzroe-EEd2hsuo/s320/Lib+Scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294595384250257074" border="0" /></a>The trail was level and followed the river back to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Visitor</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>I asked Jan if she was up for crossing the river which would put us right at our car.<span style=""> </span>You never know how deep or swift these rivers are – but it was only calf deep without much current. <span style=""> </span>It was slick on the rocks – but with our sticks we easily crossed it.<span style=""> </span>I loved the cold water on my feet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This had just been an extraordinary day.<span style=""> </span>It was good to be hiking elevation again and the views were wonderful.<span style=""> </span>I loved Garland Ranch.<span style=""> </span>It’s one of the few parks you can walk your dog and it was fun seeing all the doggies.<span style=""> </span>Jan was great company as always.<span style=""> </span>I will definitely come back to this park.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jan and I headed to our favorite Moss Landing Dive bar.<span style=""> </span>I brought in the “Stripper Workout” which has all the pole dancing moves.<span style=""> </span>I tried a few moves.<span style=""> </span>It really does work the upper body.<span style=""> </span>I gained new respect for Marissa Tomei in the new movie “The Wrestler” because she does some spiffy pole dancing moves.<span style=""> </span>The little female bartender came over and showed me a couple of moves – which she made look easy.<span style=""> </span>There is definitely and art to it and one that I want to play around with more.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Lessons Learned:<span style=""> </span>Just because you have a map doesn’t mean you know where you are.<span style=""> </span>A perfect day is a perfect day.<span style=""> </span>Pole dancing isn’t easy – but it sure is fun!<o:p></o:p></i></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-30920634932457984742008-11-25T12:42:00.000-08:002008-11-25T14:38:30.771-08:00Seaside to Monterey Bay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkR2xLTIplBpiJaA61XwQkpNEdLcEIHvixSVJiNPzEOEiDMcJ5DUDMEY5duyTP0h1_hY8K4lC9GV9HDZr6YX5ibGebotbhAIXTrOzIJYRDyRc5cZL-7m8r_CRMuyfXuofWnSZ0JN6cKTf/s1600-h/0002171-R1-036-16A_015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkR2xLTIplBpiJaA61XwQkpNEdLcEIHvixSVJiNPzEOEiDMcJ5DUDMEY5duyTP0h1_hY8K4lC9GV9HDZr6YX5ibGebotbhAIXTrOzIJYRDyRc5cZL-7m8r_CRMuyfXuofWnSZ0JN6cKTf/s320/0002171-R1-036-16A_015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272702112524141154" border="0" /></a>California Coastal Trail (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CCT</span>)<br />Seaside to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Monterey</span><br />Distance: 3.5 miles<br />Hiking Time 2 hours<br />Jo, Mary and Julie<br /><br />We did it! I've walked the beach from Santa Cruz to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Monterey</span> - over 40 miles. I've done most of it barefoot and in the sand. Glad I made it before the end of the year. It was great to finish up this last leg. We did this hike on November 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> - Veteran's Day and two days before Josephine went into surgery.<br /><br />We drove both cars to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Monterey</span> and left mine there. Mary showed me a new and much easier way to get to the aquarium. It follows the coastline, so we could pretty much see what we were going to walk. We knew this was going to be a short one and only about half of it on the beach. We jumped into Jo's car and headed back to Seaside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3gWkSl9bKNu6tdUwgC-ffG8Mw90vXsBuAK87iYW2CuP8tx__4gRHhLUf46IILlREjnWubXv0DRfOTYS6Y88uOr50ou1u0ORHVjrBDNZu-pYVK2IFqPV7yDGRKqoQiPcfALMSwa_JGBhV/s1600-h/0002171-R1-034-15A_014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3gWkSl9bKNu6tdUwgC-ffG8Mw90vXsBuAK87iYW2CuP8tx__4gRHhLUf46IILlREjnWubXv0DRfOTYS6Y88uOr50ou1u0ORHVjrBDNZu-pYVK2IFqPV7yDGRKqoQiPcfALMSwa_JGBhV/s320/0002171-R1-034-15A_014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272702317302067058" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">There</span> was a lot of construction going on at the hotel, with backhoes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">digging</span> up sand. It looks like they were trying to shore up the foundation of the hotel, which is located right on the beach. After passing the hotel, we saw a big cross on the hill. Mary and I climbed up to it. On the other side you could see the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">beginning</span> of the bike path to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Monterey</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMqvzqbi0u3-QZMOXwGRKYZ_-mjGiwj3qosZG9JOG-m1k5ySSYLqtvCw1fhBNM21328sggAN3UEhpM3I7NTiFXFb7KYGbJVWfUCCKOVGu4jFnzCtb_jZmVxoBrFDnJVIDLnML5FayAFKG/s1600-h/0002171-R1-032-14A_013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMqvzqbi0u3-QZMOXwGRKYZ_-mjGiwj3qosZG9JOG-m1k5ySSYLqtvCw1fhBNM21328sggAN3UEhpM3I7NTiFXFb7KYGbJVWfUCCKOVGu4jFnzCtb_jZmVxoBrFDnJVIDLnML5FayAFKG/s320/0002171-R1-032-14A_013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272702946656138258" border="0" /></a>We climbed back down to the beach. You could see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Monterey</span> and the aquarium on the far side of the bay. The beach was flat and the waves small. Ideal walking conditions.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w6om8qwTGuaGsKQewNnX2mD79SKE9MuO9ztRIYtr0bFMdOpYFfVwtA_k0bdP_Pu6pS4aFT3YLeJykXOBhlJ1EUzfW3lOTnCQHrg99P0LcoUeAlSqS8378pThCIp-NyureMRKEIUytSIp/s1600-h/0002171-R1-030-13A_012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w6om8qwTGuaGsKQewNnX2mD79SKE9MuO9ztRIYtr0bFMdOpYFfVwtA_k0bdP_Pu6pS4aFT3YLeJykXOBhlJ1EUzfW3lOTnCQHrg99P0LcoUeAlSqS8378pThCIp-NyureMRKEIUytSIp/s320/0002171-R1-030-13A_012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272703771182811778" border="0" /></a>We could look north and see the whole coastline that we had covered. It was quite a feeling of accomplishment to have seen all that coastline - step by step.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQVTZOhn2I0WmrvaxLbAztLIWf6pXTHjsgyGuJLdmhv9YylVqGodfyxRNH3S2BKSFW_L0q0owzISH-e9S7rVQRjrtzSRL7o7RBO31YJjs3ioZFQAoR_jIhuG5dU572tHesQPUswQBDggI/s1600-h/0002171-R1-026-11A_010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQVTZOhn2I0WmrvaxLbAztLIWf6pXTHjsgyGuJLdmhv9YylVqGodfyxRNH3S2BKSFW_L0q0owzISH-e9S7rVQRjrtzSRL7o7RBO31YJjs3ioZFQAoR_jIhuG5dU572tHesQPUswQBDggI/s320/0002171-R1-026-11A_010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272704795755749314" border="0" /></a>Even though we weren't planning on picking up rocks - especially Josephine who was determined to stop collecting - we all found some interesting shells. I found a rock with a fossilized worm hole on it. Mary, who is a biologist, knew all the correct names of our various treasures.<br /><br />The beach walk lasted for about two miles. It was a lovely clear day. In the distance in<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"> front</span> of us we could see the beginning of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Monterey</span> wharf.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsDWboPsRBK9N0Gjd_WYED8EQRHF8Ifmb6wCI_h7G7IFIKlrFqXpX8F7NJl85WzH011i1nW_-4Zt8-UHg9JCK16KfzbC25xjFdNKYaE7xw7RE8iKKs2MujOQj_gbLIJ_siGaimWzZEIFi/s1600-h/0002171-R1-022-9A_008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsDWboPsRBK9N0Gjd_WYED8EQRHF8Ifmb6wCI_h7G7IFIKlrFqXpX8F7NJl85WzH011i1nW_-4Zt8-UHg9JCK16KfzbC25xjFdNKYaE7xw7RE8iKKs2MujOQj_gbLIJ_siGaimWzZEIFi/s320/0002171-R1-022-9A_008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272706699546834866" border="0" /></a><br />We arrived at the wharf and put our shoes back on. The rest of this hike wouldn't be in the sand. We walked out to the end of the wharf and watched the fisherman. There are several wharves, a yacht harbor and then of course you get to Cannery Row and the Aquarium.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPqQ_skAhOT1j6_hyoeOrtFtl24chQY4koPExA41W1EY041rr8Afa-9Pf9kXrd1dTk4bIgh_SUPlSI0hGORO3mw75_O2-LtaPFztW_hntWIvQxE0Kj3wYglND20gjlC5_pa-N8wCWMLz4/s1600-h/0002171-R1-020-8A_007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPqQ_skAhOT1j6_hyoeOrtFtl24chQY4koPExA41W1EY041rr8Afa-9Pf9kXrd1dTk4bIgh_SUPlSI0hGORO3mw75_O2-LtaPFztW_hntWIvQxE0Kj3wYglND20gjlC5_pa-N8wCWMLz4/s320/0002171-R1-020-8A_007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272708289019084770" border="0" /></a><br />When we were looking at all the boats we had Mary point out one which was the size of the boat that she and her husband Frank and their two (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">then</span>) young sons sailed around the world in for five years. It looked like a really small boat for four people to be living in, but what an adventure that was.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We heard music in the distance and went to explore. It turned out there was an old car show going on, so we walked through and each picked out our favorite car to have our picture taken with.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXgASfyMaHbccS6MgS7arFlzLLRSsxIMe2JNBzNoXsVKVX31kTIC8SVc70xmeTkfG7DVLFMjgBgaSO9OomeLn53rrCgJ0e3N1KonaAKOGLeHOUH7uAGmwxMhXAYh5VCsmt960C-XI5VWI/s1600-h/0002171-R1-016-6A_005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXgASfyMaHbccS6MgS7arFlzLLRSsxIMe2JNBzNoXsVKVX31kTIC8SVc70xmeTkfG7DVLFMjgBgaSO9OomeLn53rrCgJ0e3N1KonaAKOGLeHOUH7uAGmwxMhXAYh5VCsmt960C-XI5VWI/s320/0002171-R1-016-6A_005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272708948775838418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YqFxpAHm1U8JbchmwC-ZtlIPTyCpF72vpZ7TpXj_mJjgRFf3MNEBI2Qvrrh0QPmadf38-6nuMGqnBgZB5BC3EeUTHe9Gil7vGBpuuUy3sfyDBL_r8ZV6EA16MgGzpEk-T4_z9GvewKEH/s1600-h/0002171-R1-014-5A_004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YqFxpAHm1U8JbchmwC-ZtlIPTyCpF72vpZ7TpXj_mJjgRFf3MNEBI2Qvrrh0QPmadf38-6nuMGqnBgZB5BC3EeUTHe9Gil7vGBpuuUy3sfyDBL_r8ZV6EA16MgGzpEk-T4_z9GvewKEH/s320/0002171-R1-014-5A_004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272709211664654354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstpesJnRrILdmW1CbCsfUr-NXXNinFp9lt_t9aI_lCBHmKOQy5L7LSHpL1agefbBTB36iye8nHvN8fdE_Inop3JdY8EzEWnwFdmAtClOk8bQg2O08YfKEOHtlpAgTKkYAP0hwZ542JKxg/s1600-h/0002171-R1-018-7A_006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstpesJnRrILdmW1CbCsfUr-NXXNinFp9lt_t9aI_lCBHmKOQy5L7LSHpL1agefbBTB36iye8nHvN8fdE_Inop3JdY8EzEWnwFdmAtClOk8bQg2O08YfKEOHtlpAgTKkYAP0hwZ542JKxg/s320/0002171-R1-018-7A_006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272710221419181346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ltAD7IKC6fkds8jZVweIbQxszYLYjj6LdXf4oEV6BHHoqlSLW0yqDVlNCxpE6GKrf0dZbFr5J_rctbyd6Baomgp72S8ikI8sara7Hp80HJUU9xL4ldQe1Pi1hxZUWhVjIJxLdDo594d1/s1600-h/0002171-R1-018-7A_006.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacELCWC-MSfgcPVPvDns03KDwaiy2LKbHGkCQLz-upCxLJ_hkv_4yurXKeZr0mffboM6ZUIfVnKcp_h6WkvYB0YgCdKa-c7v8l0GbARI4PTzn4k2XOG-cJRlP8JiXfOV51Mvl-WibNUR0/s1600-h/0002171-R1-012-4A_003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacELCWC-MSfgcPVPvDns03KDwaiy2LKbHGkCQLz-upCxLJ_hkv_4yurXKeZr0mffboM6ZUIfVnKcp_h6WkvYB0YgCdKa-c7v8l0GbARI4PTzn4k2XOG-cJRlP8JiXfOV51Mvl-WibNUR0/s320/0002171-R1-012-4A_003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272712676250907650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We kept walking and came to Fisherman's Wharf. We walked up and down the wharf and tasted all the free clam chowder samples that the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">restaurants</span> had out front to lure you in. We tasted about five different samples. Delicious! However, we had our hearts set on shrimp at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bubba</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Gumps</span>, so we headed on our way. We were getting hungry after all our samples.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jc_pKV3IR5EjxEB0GmfaBs29xDSPv5ZvGz43i2Gstr2BAkM7YWqQ8WKDHenqstEHXO6y5NGQTZDdHmfAxI2f_CqmVkZN_dCCV-ELTa8eJs6Vqy5VlgUY4ILCkWpM-XN5Zim2BZsfW2Pd/s1600-h/0002171-R1-010-3A_002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jc_pKV3IR5EjxEB0GmfaBs29xDSPv5ZvGz43i2Gstr2BAkM7YWqQ8WKDHenqstEHXO6y5NGQTZDdHmfAxI2f_CqmVkZN_dCCV-ELTa8eJs6Vqy5VlgUY4ILCkWpM-XN5Zim2BZsfW2Pd/s320/0002171-R1-010-3A_002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272713685569865186" border="0" /></a>We walked through Cannery Row and came across this mural of Doc and the boys. Jo and Mary decided to join them. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Monterey</span> is a fun place to walk through, looking at the various shops, restaurants, wineries, hotels, etc. It was a pleasant reminder of what a nice town this is to visit. Especially now that Mary showed me whete that free parking is. Lots to see and do.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujHmHRe62hNaDzSQsjyhIpOG9WSdjUQsJswUCDogdMNXE7R-5M6ual9HhcHfNv9YXeBdlvQnc1gvE6WwR-kPANziJlCsOLfYm7HKvR2HC4rPM392wxghfCICCuHP3uTZegzfvxSyrOrte/s1600-h/0002171-R1-008-2A_001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujHmHRe62hNaDzSQsjyhIpOG9WSdjUQsJswUCDogdMNXE7R-5M6ual9HhcHfNv9YXeBdlvQnc1gvE6WwR-kPANziJlCsOLfYm7HKvR2HC4rPM392wxghfCICCuHP3uTZegzfvxSyrOrte/s320/0002171-R1-008-2A_001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272715154132982402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We headed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Bubba</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Gumps</span>. We had drinks in the bar while we waited to get a table. We hadn't thought to make a reservation. We had a toast to completing the trail. Then we feasted on delicious hush puppies and steamed shrimp. Absolutely delicious. It was getting late so we headed to the car. It's a very scenic section of coast.<br /><br />It was a great day. Good friends, good walking, good food and a completion of a goal. Now I have to decide where to go hiking next now that this section of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">CCT</span> is done. Life is a beach!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: It's a great feeling to accomplish your goal. wallking has given me a whole new feeling about this section of coastline. Love those shrimp and hushpuppies!<br /></span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-81094040480433383902008-10-28T12:41:00.000-07:002008-10-28T15:14:11.275-07:00Santa Cruz To Capitola Bar Hop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxY9xBZmyXQqyeF71KbksVhC-gD1LXUgt-ebRHNVLMsRukQDu42P4aruE54dRBFvUgEcqSghyKhtFIdxwLPaiXlXGoE1A_WzS4bh5v7vYrypnKZQSZmLAYY01I1PuY_VXTBbHnf-RQAUb/s1600-h/0123445-R1-022-9A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxY9xBZmyXQqyeF71KbksVhC-gD1LXUgt-ebRHNVLMsRukQDu42P4aruE54dRBFvUgEcqSghyKhtFIdxwLPaiXlXGoE1A_WzS4bh5v7vYrypnKZQSZmLAYY01I1PuY_VXTBbHnf-RQAUb/s320/0123445-R1-022-9A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262294784671795170" border="0" /></a><br />California Coastal Trail (CCT)<br />Distance: Santa Cruz - Capitola more than 7 miles<br />Trip time: 7 hours<br />Actual hiking: around 3 hours<br />Jo, Tara, Julie, Lisa<br /><br />After our Breast Cancer Walk which we knew would be short - we decided to walk from Santa Cruz to Capitola. This is the segment of the California Coastal Trail that will allow Jo and I to say we have walked from Santa Cruz to Monterey when we have finished. Our goal was to walk the streets and beaches and hit as many bars along the way as we could. Thus, it was the Bar Hop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvgMQYv7VSXj_wYl-IG9lO4fC6AQa27IwwIQ6ABvQkPQ-7plzNSgf50BmlNy-iLzzkLSbtbkjL0Os7XOKUNhGlj4nbnS13x_ei85Wb9iIiJ3iR5__EH_-j9AXM8Gz4Wm3qIK6yxi20mEY/s1600-h/tara2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvgMQYv7VSXj_wYl-IG9lO4fC6AQa27IwwIQ6ABvQkPQ-7plzNSgf50BmlNy-iLzzkLSbtbkjL0Os7XOKUNhGlj4nbnS13x_ei85Wb9iIiJ3iR5__EH_-j9AXM8Gz4Wm3qIK6yxi20mEY/s320/tara2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262296380107427730" border="0" /></a>Teresa chose to bow out of this portion of the hike. We parked on Josephine street off of River and headed for our first destination - the harbor area. We followed the paved bike trail along the river. I had never been on this portion of the trail, but it goes all the way to the boardwalk. Tara was looking pretty in pink. She had definitely gone all out to find and borrow pink for the hike. She was decked out from her shoes to her bra.<br /><br /><br />It was a beautiful sunny day. We crossed the trestle and then hiked East Cliff around the corner to the point. There were different memories that we shared as we walked. This was my old neighborhood when I lived on Hiawatha. Josephine told us she was on "the point" when she decided to move to Santa Cruz.<br /><br />We followed the CCT along the cliff top and in front of the houses on the bluff. I would find it very annoying to own a house with such an incredible view, but then constantly have people walking by. We were overlooking the beach and we could see a guy practicing his tightrope walking between two poles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgvUglzKzESkN-4jvVpXqEMSx8Dlbls2OOehx24WxgJgww2fqBWPI0wOdT7pecZIQu0bGrFQLTKLFGluMUb-aChyphenhyphenrG7iNZ-joHsIUOFH_6SiF6TgwdpQXFauMM_lILYH2IDoVZ3-VuAtL/s1600-h/joship2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgvUglzKzESkN-4jvVpXqEMSx8Dlbls2OOehx24WxgJgww2fqBWPI0wOdT7pecZIQu0bGrFQLTKLFGluMUb-aChyphenhyphenrG7iNZ-joHsIUOFH_6SiF6TgwdpQXFauMM_lILYH2IDoVZ3-VuAtL/s320/joship2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262297492774774226" border="0" /></a>We crossed down to the harbor, climbed up to the bridge then circled around to the Crow's Nest side. Jo noticed an old fashioned "pirate ship" was at the harbor. She went to investigate it and decided to take a tour another day.<br /><br />We had reached our first drinking spot, so we stopped for margaritas and beer. There were four seats at the bar, so we sidled up. As we were sitting there our sunny skies disappeared and the fog rolled in. We couldn't believe how quickly it came on.<br /><br />The next portion was a beach walk, so we stripped down to bare feet. I spent the time as usual in the surf. The other gals found it too cold. The tide was low so were able to get around the point and cut up on the bench probably around 14th street. We walked along East Cliff for a little bit then cut back down to the beach at Sunny Cove.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ13EV0cLKDdwGJRhUnJy1l2Fm5q7reSbhKVDrjgju_RingxTGk3tZrUuKdM9Lxi45UMyD4BUEJii7CqJvRYHKO-2_Fh23iZdEN0KI8GqoU75I5DK8Co3zYx_sKQhjfg-XeTZw370yLiVg/s1600-h/0123445-R1-020-8A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ13EV0cLKDdwGJRhUnJy1l2Fm5q7reSbhKVDrjgju_RingxTGk3tZrUuKdM9Lxi45UMyD4BUEJii7CqJvRYHKO-2_Fh23iZdEN0KI8GqoU75I5DK8Co3zYx_sKQhjfg-XeTZw370yLiVg/s320/0123445-R1-020-8A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262326963021533666" border="0" /></a>This was Josephine and my old beach when we lived on Palisades. We hadn't walked it for years. Jo and I walked barefoot, but Tara and Lisa kept their shoes on this time. After the beach, we walked through our old beach cottages on Palisades, which are now for sale and in sad, sad state of disrepair.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLA-pPt0LhedgR0GpjvsRXZG1EcTDNQeGM-ZSekH06roj7loFID5tvd8YaUlc3GiED5wG_OxwBJgR3I7X9BK-3ND4fs9vvh1CfN7H-PeFNTx2mHtXYkQdSRa2LIKQExTvk3pOdW8vc4G9i/s1600-h/0123445-R1-018-7A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLA-pPt0LhedgR0GpjvsRXZG1EcTDNQeGM-ZSekH06roj7loFID5tvd8YaUlc3GiED5wG_OxwBJgR3I7X9BK-3ND4fs9vvh1CfN7H-PeFNTx2mHtXYkQdSRa2LIKQExTvk3pOdW8vc4G9i/s320/0123445-R1-018-7A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262327408337125058" border="0" /></a>We walked on along the cliffs along East Cliff and then cut over to Portola to hit the Over The Hill Saloon. We saw that happy hour didn't begin until 4:00 and it was only 3:00. We debated going in until we learned the drinks were still only three dollars. Mizzi the bartender remembered Jo and I from our last pit stop there after a CCT hike.<br /><br />The guy next to me asked if I was a bowler. I said, "No, why, do I look like a bowler?" It turns out there was a breast cancer bowl-a-thon the same day which frequent patrons of the bar had gone to in the morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaOuJQSel72lIvbJFeKKpVZHBPtDk7oQaT1QZH-tfrj_vGOfwMLv9WCY6hv5g_vy5avOgDzFFtw-qjRacbhf6mSHZn9NVvO2QS-7KWu922vstr22EkM4eF_hL159V0yk3jc89aPokSfRa/s1600-h/0123445-R1-016-6A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaOuJQSel72lIvbJFeKKpVZHBPtDk7oQaT1QZH-tfrj_vGOfwMLv9WCY6hv5g_vy5avOgDzFFtw-qjRacbhf6mSHZn9NVvO2QS-7KWu922vstr22EkM4eF_hL159V0yk3jc89aPokSfRa/s320/0123445-R1-016-6A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262328039653353314" border="0" /></a>Jo and Lisa examined the bus routes to determine when and where we could catch the bus after our last stop at Capitola wharf. We finished our drinks, talked and then were ready to head into the fog towards Capitola.<br /><br />We were in quite high spirits (literally) by this time as we walked down Portola avenue.<br /><br />We walked by Frenchys the adult "bookstore" which Lisa and Tara said they had never been to. This required a stop. Josephine shopped for her Halloween costume, while Tara and Lisa looked at the various toys and gadgets. I promised not to post any of these pictures on the blog, but let's just say there was a lot of laughing and giggling going on. We visited the "movie gallery" at the back the store, but decided not to watch any of the videos.<br /><br />We dragged Lisa and Tara out of there and headed down Opal Cliffs to Capitola Village. When we arrived at the wharf, Tara shared a memory of her and Kirk's three month anniversary on the Capitola beach. They have now been married 25 years. We were able to take our drinks outside, so we sipped Bloody Mary's and looked at the fog. There was some sort of boat rescue going on and we watched a sea otter and a bird, floating together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6VA73b0KSOVzPPGE2lJ32ZFVb0EVniwKkPPUdHOnu2XzS7UH3v-P0JbXFAlZbUe7NioKxCm7pP1234VvY8nQnQxoFBm49J5nNS_T9Ipk1wbPEDhYE4F43Tra4LeVTu1f7H0xKQ4i_0oK/s1600-h/0123445-R1-010-3A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6VA73b0KSOVzPPGE2lJ32ZFVb0EVniwKkPPUdHOnu2XzS7UH3v-P0JbXFAlZbUe7NioKxCm7pP1234VvY8nQnQxoFBm49J5nNS_T9Ipk1wbPEDhYE4F43Tra4LeVTu1f7H0xKQ4i_0oK/s320/0123445-R1-010-3A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262328707648012770" border="0" /></a>We had really worked up our appetites now so we headed to El Toro Bravo for the best chili rellenos in town. (At least that's my opinion). We munched on chips, salsa, nachos and all ate Chili rellenos. Josephine ended up buying us dinner which was much appreciated.<br /><br />Now that the walk was completed we headed back up to 41st avenue to the transit center at the mall. Our timing was good and we didn't have to wait long at all to catch the bus. We were all feeling happily satiated after a fine day of walking, eating and drinking.<br /><br />Lessons Learned: Walks down memory lane are always sweet even when bittersweet. We've all lived in this town a long time. I should have gotten a Bloody Mary at the wharf. El Toro Bravo still makes a great chili relleno. Laughter is good for the heart and soul. Being silly is it's own reward.Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-75707232084434306772008-10-28T12:11:00.000-07:002008-10-28T12:40:48.693-07:00Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmKhyphenhyphenKAuV4xYuaQBVsVmX4HV59kly7r3SOq0nrYgvxF3Xpw5QBsG3PT_Au02GBOwxDBq7WR7_Nmih3qcZ8GxHUNqiVLLe2xaOquwEhzT4e0z-WIWnDcWs5l7Ou0UKlyxZN8-wG8RNLxNS/s1600-h/0123445-R1-040-18A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmKhyphenhyphenKAuV4xYuaQBVsVmX4HV59kly7r3SOq0nrYgvxF3Xpw5QBsG3PT_Au02GBOwxDBq7WR7_Nmih3qcZ8GxHUNqiVLLe2xaOquwEhzT4e0z-WIWnDcWs5l7Ou0UKlyxZN8-wG8RNLxNS/s320/0123445-R1-040-18A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262287831342348098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Location: San Jose, CA<br />Distance: a little less than 5K<br />Walking time: around 45 minutes<br />Jo, Teresa, Tara, Julie, Lisa<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We started a grass roots team of employees of King Library and their friends and family to walk in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk in San Jose. I dedicated the walk to my friends Paula (one of our hikers) and Sheryl in Sacramento. The team was named "Walk With the King" and we raised over $4,300 dollars of which almost $2,500 was raised by the Santa Cruz contingency made up of Jo, Teresa, Tara, Lisa and Julie.<br /><br />The walk started at 9:00 on Saturday and the group met at 7:45, so it was an early morning over the hill for us. Jo, Teresa and I rode the Highway 17 bus and Lisa and Tara drove. We all showed up in various levels of pink, but the crowning glory was when my colleague Carole showed up with pink rubber crowns inscribed with "Walk with the King". The crowns were very helpful in spotting team members in the crowd of 7,000 walkers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQBGXUftK6jKHx-dR0RNzQIhkRGMykyVAjKocZP4DdNpzRnhNHvslSCwI6jvJQgkhom6BqKuHyxV2-wcTdElT9VXR5yYqUyHF56Fl48Fn4IteyxIrH8KI3mV9UN-7DnwlaM1RTmCR55lk/s1600-h/jo2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQBGXUftK6jKHx-dR0RNzQIhkRGMykyVAjKocZP4DdNpzRnhNHvslSCwI6jvJQgkhom6BqKuHyxV2-wcTdElT9VXR5yYqUyHF56Fl48Fn4IteyxIrH8KI3mV9UN-7DnwlaM1RTmCR55lk/s320/jo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262288206443088786" border="0" /></a>There was a brief aerobic warm up which all the Santa Cruz gals participated in while my San Jose colleagues watched bemused. We were ready to party and have a good time. I had filled out a square dedicating my walk to Sheryl and Paula. Everywhere were folks dressed in pink. Survivors were identified by Olympic looking medals. The spirits were high and we were through the start line a little before 9:00 a.m.<br /><br />The route followed the river down to the Children's museum. There were volunteers along the way to cheer us on and hand out water at various spots. The walk went very quickly and everyone was surprised when we had reached the finish line by 9:45. (I later found out the walk wasn't quite 5K).<br /><br />We went to some booths - tried hula hooping and ate some fruit and then jumped into Lisa's car to head over the hill for our second hike of the day in Santa Cruz.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2Otw9X4Z6aZRMdO0c2R6iRuHpCqDBBsziOqrzELjB4ks4xez3sR1UyXknQKNpIEEoKoTSRU1nUcrsTKlraD3tFlh5fnuHz6UIxBtX-KurezDS-sqJCDxer5BArV0G5ORkZ4MpW2SxxVY/s1600-h/0123445-R1-030-13A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2Otw9X4Z6aZRMdO0c2R6iRuHpCqDBBsziOqrzELjB4ks4xez3sR1UyXknQKNpIEEoKoTSRU1nUcrsTKlraD3tFlh5fnuHz6UIxBtX-KurezDS-sqJCDxer5BArV0G5ORkZ4MpW2SxxVY/s320/0123445-R1-030-13A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262289740409931842" border="0" /></a>But, first things first. The morning walk made us work up an appetite, so we decided to make our first stop Auntie Mame's in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Scotts</span> Valley for breakfast. I had my favorite corned beef hash and eggs with fresh biscuit and gravy. Yum! Now, we were pleasantly stuffed and ready to walk.<br /><br /><br /><br />It had been a fun morning. I've never participated in a walk like this before and will definitely do it again. The energy of the walkers and survivors was great. It is such an important cause and one that is close to my friends and thus my heart.<br /><br />Our fundraising far surpassed my expectations. It was a great experience.<br /><br />Other photos from the hike can be seen at:<br /><br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/SJSUNorwegians<br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: Grass roots effort can work. People's generosity is quite surprising. Often those who have the least give the most.</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-31827575611614161012008-10-10T13:52:00.000-07:002008-10-10T15:17:41.615-07:00Marina to Seaside<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUMJV8_-TAOAizpxEmw1af3ZWLCIzKExJYVgV5PM6t1U7xZzlHwQtGxr5RSsbacWBvVVmZvm1M95HYOXE2sp9YwUVsxI5iuNauDwyZauOFCgO9eeg5hZYpdsYdjo_tKR0DjcpU5jtIW0j/s1600-h/marina+-+group+shot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUMJV8_-TAOAizpxEmw1af3ZWLCIzKExJYVgV5PM6t1U7xZzlHwQtGxr5RSsbacWBvVVmZvm1M95HYOXE2sp9YwUVsxI5iuNauDwyZauOFCgO9eeg5hZYpdsYdjo_tKR0DjcpU5jtIW0j/s320/marina+-+group+shot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255633296098368306" border="0" /></a><br />California Coastal Trail<br />Marina to Seaside<br />7 miles<br />4 hours<br />Jo, Tara, Julie<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This section of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CCT</span> involved another car drop off. We left Jo's car at the beach hotel in Seaside - then drove back to Marina in a rather circuitous route since I took the exit before Reservation Road. We made sure not to make this mistake on the way home.<br /><br />It was a beautiful sunny day. It had been cold in the morning so our packs were heavy with shoes and extra clothing, that it turned out we didn't need. As always, better safe than sorry. What we should have put on was more sunscreen, because both Tara and I got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sunburnt</span> on this hike.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVGnpjfsgFsZpSLgAaLlZwcuGDgv1-43vkL1Bnh9ie8Eg1hPYhTTLDlpnzziIvb4uSNQMtRaaFqmHj8odE6NvC0zy13lj0nxUBLNao0zwggkaexx-nC_CLPCqBg1ldauSqKQqniyI2F-m/s1600-h/marina+-+julie+and+jo.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVGnpjfsgFsZpSLgAaLlZwcuGDgv1-43vkL1Bnh9ie8Eg1hPYhTTLDlpnzziIvb4uSNQMtRaaFqmHj8odE6NvC0zy13lj0nxUBLNao0zwggkaexx-nC_CLPCqBg1ldauSqKQqniyI2F-m/s320/marina+-+julie+and+jo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255640785447961634" border="0" /></a>The waves were huge and breaking very close to the beach. The beach was angled and the sand soft which made for difficult walking conditions. I was disappointed I couldn't spend more time walking in the surf - but you had be extremely vigilant watching the waves. The rogue waves came on unexpectedly and waves which seemed big would peter out without reaching you. By the end of the hike we had all gotten wet - something I like to get over early in the hike.<br /><br /><br />This was a fairly deserted section of beach - similar to the Moss Landing to Marina section. There were no buildings and few people. I saw on the front page of the Sentinel that giant sea turtles had migrated to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Monterey</span> Bay so we had hoped to see one - but alas, we never did. We didn't see any wildlife in the water - though Jo at one point thought she saw a whale spout.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt8evHal_rtGNqzPvkHVvMgmec8vt-NuHrz7t-tRKAbfdU7A5jE1kyUMS_Lxhb38tsh3NM4i13E0MOjAqqjih5bXmHIdaQ5cfyp2XIGHyRnPr4beaaj1UVaheV7gJNxdAh-QOySODEKFW/s1600-h/marina+-+tara+and+jo.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt8evHal_rtGNqzPvkHVvMgmec8vt-NuHrz7t-tRKAbfdU7A5jE1kyUMS_Lxhb38tsh3NM4i13E0MOjAqqjih5bXmHIdaQ5cfyp2XIGHyRnPr4beaaj1UVaheV7gJNxdAh-QOySODEKFW/s320/marina+-+tara+and+jo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255641116366141762" border="0" /></a>Birds were our main companions. Vultures, gulls, plovers and pelicans. We saw lots of animal corpses in various states of decay - nature in action. There was one Sea Lion skeleton with the skull exposed which I was tempted to try and take, but it was to stinky and still attached to the body. Interesting to get to see the teeth up close.<br /><br />The soft sand made this a difficult hike. After doing so many miles of beach walking there is a natural rhythm you fall into. The landscape is constant and yet changing. You walk watching the waves. There was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">surprising</span> amount of trash on the beach, but it was too far to carry it. The most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bizarre</span> piece was a cat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">scratcher</span> which was by a shopping cart in the middle of nowhere.<br /><br /><br />We came across a couple and stopped to chat with them. They had come from a new park that had been created but wasn't officially open yet. I asked them about the "enlisted officers club" which was a building our book said that we had to climb around. The woman said that it had been a beautiful building - but they had torn it down several years ago. This was valuable information - because we stopped looking for a building in the distance. On the Moss Landing hike we kept waiting for a river that wasn't there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx8byGu_LO2VQW-2G1GRIllx0mBNeqdpdPlSJzsdJVTpPcyWjoD7tb9KfXKhUhIgc65ittARQWj_Qkq9a1ubhCEHmljitNRP9OVV0ngVQ0ZnwtdGImMUELC7tmIBycisfwtvTJO4rzfVI/s1600-h/marina+-+jo+sand+dune.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx8byGu_LO2VQW-2G1GRIllx0mBNeqdpdPlSJzsdJVTpPcyWjoD7tb9KfXKhUhIgc65ittARQWj_Qkq9a1ubhCEHmljitNRP9OVV0ngVQ0ZnwtdGImMUELC7tmIBycisfwtvTJO4rzfVI/s320/marina+-+jo+sand+dune.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255641726300075618" border="0" /></a>We stopped at 12:30 and had a short, pleasant lunch. It was hard to judge distance, so we stopped based on time. What can seem quite close takes quite a long while to reach. As we hiked we could see a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Para sailor</span> in the distance. He was on top of large sand dune, so we decided to stop and run down the sand dune <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">several</span> times. There is nothing like that sensation of flying down the dune. It takes so much effort to climb up and less than a minute to come sailing down. From the top of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dune</span> you could see Highway One and the houses of Fort <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ord</span> in the distance. You felt so isolated on the beach but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">civilization</span> was just a dune away.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0Q51M0FCJxXOu3fDr93_R6Pp4ELIBT0a9Er74BoY6kMD8zOObrhCQ1GAQlzxvrSQtDPPfwnhfNGg5VxVTVnLWerISfLZrIcETyV0gyoMJpEme3NxmnK4tZst_gipvI66zVMxhT11IHW0/s1600-h/tara+signa.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0Q51M0FCJxXOu3fDr93_R6Pp4ELIBT0a9Er74BoY6kMD8zOObrhCQ1GAQlzxvrSQtDPPfwnhfNGg5VxVTVnLWerISfLZrIcETyV0gyoMJpEme3NxmnK4tZst_gipvI66zVMxhT11IHW0/s320/tara+signa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255643643335321026" border="0" /></a>In the distance we could see what must be the site of the officers club, since it seemed like the waves came up to the cliff and we couldn't get around it without climbing up. We put on our shoes for the climb up and came into a construction zone with all sorts of equipment and piles of rubble. There was a real estate sign for Ocean <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">View</span> property which seemed rather <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">incongruous</span>. We were of course ignoring many "No Trespassing" "Dangerous Edge" and "No Parking" signs as we made our way through this area. We cut through the sand dunes and were able to make our way back to the beach.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGFOurTgNtO3-ZRlyM3Mmyf7l_4rlLS3Kl6G6C4mJVFdGn9t8fuyQqopv4tlk8grUWUI7iKJrnK2mE5npuORIKidvcGpY2SQqoL4-jYmQjvJiqmb4uiPY2BWVsYAkakHevlTJyPZQyAPX/s1600-h/marina+-+group+shot+end.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGFOurTgNtO3-ZRlyM3Mmyf7l_4rlLS3Kl6G6C4mJVFdGn9t8fuyQqopv4tlk8grUWUI7iKJrnK2mE5npuORIKidvcGpY2SQqoL4-jYmQjvJiqmb4uiPY2BWVsYAkakHevlTJyPZQyAPX/s320/marina+-+group+shot+end.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255645061383604338" border="0" /></a>Now we could see a giant flag and our hotel in the distance. We were like horses headed for the stable and our pace picked up briskly. This last section was well populated, but our goal was to make it to the car and get out of the sand!<br /><br />Although this hike was only 7 miles, it felt a lot further. I was glad we decided not to do the full 10 miles to the Aquarium. Tara and I had both neglected to put sunscreen on our faces and were reddening already, along with other odd spots.<br /><br /><br /><br />We headed to the little dive bar in Moss Landing and I was excited about dancing on the pole. Unlike the last Saturday hike however - the bar was full of bikers which we found out is common on Sundays. What bike club should be there - but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">none other</span> than our neighborhood club the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lompico</span> Ghost Mountain Riders! A lot of the dollar bills that had been hanging from the ceiling were cleared off, so it didn't have the same cave like feeling.<br /><br />The bar was packed with bikers, but we eventually all got seats. We got to meet some of our neighborhood Riders. Tara got on the email list of the Ghost Mountain Riders and I was invited to their clubhouse which is right down the street from my house. A great blues band started, so we danced (though the pole was blocked and I wasn't about to try it out with so many spectators). It was a great way to end the next-to-the-last-segment of the California Coastal Trail. Hiking and dancing two of things I love most in the world, done with dear friends.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Lessons Learned: Don't forget your sunscreen. You may have farther to go than you think. Always dance, you'll never regret it</span>.Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-71421944888186780142008-09-16T13:05:00.000-07:002008-09-16T14:12:43.178-07:00Zmudowski Beach – Moss Landing Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj5XrSr99yAYlrrwL1uYjKg24zRBCDHB5w8KGyfCspRVBQgdTvRnhk1GSuO5qaPnklPPXTBxD_a1ehgSRxdRHIIvIYeRQhZUdXfp4p2POgXyYsaEoG-VOyd4gR6y1za_bBCz3Vv6MIpsx/s1600-h/group+shot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj5XrSr99yAYlrrwL1uYjKg24zRBCDHB5w8KGyfCspRVBQgdTvRnhk1GSuO5qaPnklPPXTBxD_a1ehgSRxdRHIIvIYeRQhZUdXfp4p2POgXyYsaEoG-VOyd4gR6y1za_bBCz3Vv6MIpsx/s320/group+shot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246715960558481250" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place> Coastal Trail<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><br />Zmudowski</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place> to Moss Landing North Jetty<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><br />Moss</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Landing</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place> to Moss Landing South Jetty<br />Distance: 5 1/2 miles<br />Hiking time: 3 ½ hours<br />Hikers:<span style=""> </span>Jo, Jan, Julie <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 3 J’s returned to knock off another section of the California Coastal trail.<span style=""> </span>This was an out and back hike.<span style=""> </span>We parked at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Zmudowski</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place> and hit the sand by 11:00 a.m.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>We looked for landmarks so we would remember the entrance to the beach.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Jo and I had discussed how long this hike this would be.<span style=""> </span>I just wanted to hike along the sand to the Moss Landing jetty.<span style=""> </span>She thought we were going to do the whole segment which would have included walking along the road, crossing the bridge and then coming down to the MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) beach.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgql04SzovLg1qzsCkIFfemf1xtqrUK0sCd_bpl1GODKqkq8lTq8juzac4lvT7S_LsnJJSDr2nqAu_qjNti9KtQQFNHd8mUIvrCj8IWzX61J7zAbVz_UZo4W0cSRTMdApL0GvXvTgzHQBmX/s1600-h/jo+and+jan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgql04SzovLg1qzsCkIFfemf1xtqrUK0sCd_bpl1GODKqkq8lTq8juzac4lvT7S_LsnJJSDr2nqAu_qjNti9KtQQFNHd8mUIvrCj8IWzX61J7zAbVz_UZo4W0cSRTMdApL0GvXvTgzHQBmX/s320/jo+and+jan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246716163913844594" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">It was a foggy, gray morning and the water looked brown.<span style=""> </span>The towers of Moss Landing loomed incredibly close.<span style=""> </span>It was a leisurely hike on a flat beach.<span style=""> </span>There were several fishermen, but no houses, just sand dunes.<span style=""> </span>There was a horse trailer parked in the parking lot when we arrived and we came across the riders.<span style=""> </span>They were riding the horses in the breaking surf and the horses didn’t like it one bit.<span style=""> </span>They were skittish, which made us skittish and we gave them a wide berth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our time was mainly spent beachcombing.<span style=""> </span>After the hike we were going to stop in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Watsonville</st1:place></st1:city> to see Paula –one of our hikers – who is recovering from surgery.<span style=""> </span>We wanted to bring gifts from the hike – rocks, shells or driftwood – anything interesting we found.<span style=""> </span>I wanted to find an intact sand dollar, which is a tall order for this time of year.<span style=""> </span>There were a lot of fragments, but I never found a whole one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvYmNGc_4MeRgsAGhjC3XPWkxC1Kzw4hiDb-NsCxSixUi3ECRirroRFHLjvHD15ZVHI4R9U-IQZYrKX9Wyhyphenhyphen0B1-tisjVkAt_6SKe4UQciW3tINaNYfgo1XMpMnRKUabvwtN_6J4uG4YO/s1600-h/moss+landing+pier.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvYmNGc_4MeRgsAGhjC3XPWkxC1Kzw4hiDb-NsCxSixUi3ECRirroRFHLjvHD15ZVHI4R9U-IQZYrKX9Wyhyphenhyphen0B1-tisjVkAt_6SKe4UQciW3tINaNYfgo1XMpMnRKUabvwtN_6J4uG4YO/s320/moss+landing+pier.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246716387522788082" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">We reached the rocky jetty at Moss Landing in about an hour.<span style=""> </span>The jetty is made of giant rocks and there is not a pathway – you have to jump from rock to rock.<span style=""> </span>Neither Jan nor Jo wanted to go out to the end of the jetty.<span style=""> </span>I decided to try it.<span style=""> </span>I got about halfway before turning around.<span style=""> </span>There was a rotting carcass, too much bird poop for my bare feet and I didn’t like jumping from rock to rock.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5slenisoSkpSrS0W7Pi65-EHspPNdm1ZuLddFB4ylBB8VCe1vsG5Lm5_JhTGadqb7z9sPoDWCt-JUBpxsVdRxbYB8sd6apsaa_vNKISJ_-6w9WZ7o02iThD55pOKaHpvafOSJ22EJTikN/s1600-h/jo+and+moss+landing.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5slenisoSkpSrS0W7Pi65-EHspPNdm1ZuLddFB4ylBB8VCe1vsG5Lm5_JhTGadqb7z9sPoDWCt-JUBpxsVdRxbYB8sd6apsaa_vNKISJ_-6w9WZ7o02iThD55pOKaHpvafOSJ22EJTikN/s320/jo+and+moss+landing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246716742094343394" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">There is a parking lot for this beach, with a strip of marsh land which is probably part of Elkhorn Slough.<span style=""> </span>You can see the power plant clearly here.<span style=""> </span>We decided to have lunch on a picnic table on the beach.<span style=""> </span>As we ate the sun came out.<span style=""> </span>The sky was blue with white fluffy clouds and the water sparkled in the sunshine.<span style=""> </span>Jo and Jan got colder as the sun came out.<span style=""> </span>We must have been less protected from the wind here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We headed back to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Zmudowski</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>We decided since it had been such a short hike, that we would drive to Moss Landing and do the little section of beach between Moss Landing Beach and MBARI. I wasn’t sure how far that was, but I wanted to know that I had walked every foot of coastline possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1BxMX5XAUUte_l8_AT3h-iAGeC4LM9QMbUPRfctVAwu1Imh0oX5Fn8iwbowuEONHU-nwKp4DUSlbl4NzNk_Hw8YurmX0hnQLpTr3BqvV84TMFcttRGjbSH7IExdsSUXwwWMEHieydngC/s1600-h/julie+and+sea+lion.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1BxMX5XAUUte_l8_AT3h-iAGeC4LM9QMbUPRfctVAwu1Imh0oX5Fn8iwbowuEONHU-nwKp4DUSlbl4NzNk_Hw8YurmX0hnQLpTr3BqvV84TMFcttRGjbSH7IExdsSUXwwWMEHieydngC/s320/julie+and+sea+lion.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246717007580821138" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>As we headed back <span style=""> </span>we saw a Sea Lion up on the beach.<span style=""> </span>He hadn’t been there before.<span style=""> </span>We hoped he was just relaxing in the sun and wasn’t wounded or sick.<span style=""> </span>I got pretty close to him for this shot.<span style=""> </span>He ignored me. I stepped on a jellyfish and thought he might have stung me.<span style=""> </span>As I walked in the surf my foot felt better.<span style=""> </span>It think it was a psychological sting. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jo kept looking for the entrance to Zmudowski beach.<span style=""> </span>In the distance she could see a fisherman standing next to a driftwood structure.<span style=""> </span>There was the entrance to the beach.<span style=""> </span>We knew or doubted that we could have missed this driftwood structure made of about 8 poles stuck in the sand.<span style=""> </span>I asked the fisherman whether it had been built that day.<span style=""> </span>He didn’t understand me.<span style=""> </span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKAz-d3BAD0egnaouNMRHLL83NpA-caO9Ha-Gjf5qlZARO1fNWINEWpJ_PhhZSdR60v26p-_mUEcH_X8TcrOxTYK0rupLoCx3BgXaEWWxQ4aZ_Udbqj5zLr5MCZZQnI_ndo6IPZL7Mchu/s1600-h/julie+jo+structure.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKAz-d3BAD0egnaouNMRHLL83NpA-caO9Ha-Gjf5qlZARO1fNWINEWpJ_PhhZSdR60v26p-_mUEcH_X8TcrOxTYK0rupLoCx3BgXaEWWxQ4aZ_Udbqj5zLr5MCZZQnI_ndo6IPZL7Mchu/s320/julie+jo+structure.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246728013300653986" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We decided someone must have built it in the last three hours.<span style=""> </span>We had been looking for landmarks and this would have been hard to miss!!<span style=""> </span>Even we couldn’t have been that oblivious we told ourselves.<span style=""> </span>It was amazing that someone could put it together so quickly, though.<span style=""> </span>It must have been beach elves.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We hopped in the car to head to Moss Landing.<span style=""> </span>There were two rangers parked at the entrance.<span style=""> </span>I stopped and asked how to pronounce the name of the beach.<span style=""> </span>I had been saying “zoom-mud-kow-ski” but the actual pronunciation is “muh-dow-ski.”<span style=""> </span>The first ‘z’ is silent and I had been throwing an extra “k’ in there.<span style=""> </span>Who knew?<span style=""> </span>Now you do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jo and I marveled at how the fields had been cleared.<span style=""> </span>A month ago there had been lettuce and artichokes growing here.<span style=""> </span>Now it was just dirt.<span style=""> </span>Not a plant in sight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFmt7wCJgT7CHi4ilYJ4-nYpCf93oJWdpxtse75Mw6-yi2aa7xgThSrtceyDCZLoS1_2phGYWtuMm6b9Q82Ll4l5aGTq9pDtEfM3S550jJR-l09r5Jf4-tMnefMTLn_MxVEQB0gyuzWTi/s1600-h/jo+and+jan+mbari.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFmt7wCJgT7CHi4ilYJ4-nYpCf93oJWdpxtse75Mw6-yi2aa7xgThSrtceyDCZLoS1_2phGYWtuMm6b9Q82Ll4l5aGTq9pDtEfM3S550jJR-l09r5Jf4-tMnefMTLn_MxVEQB0gyuzWTi/s320/jo+and+jan+mbari.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246729025168711778" border="0" /></a>We parked at Moss Landing beach.<span style=""> </span>It was a very short walk to the jetty.<span style=""> </span>We walked in front of MBARI.<span style=""> </span>Teresa, another one of our hikers, works as an Expedition Coordinator there.<span style=""> </span>What a great place to work.<span style=""> </span>I would be walking that beach every lunch hour if I worked there.<span style=""> </span>Of course, it was a beautiful day and Moss Landing is known for being overcast and windy, usually. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The jetty on this side had a cement path, so we walked to the end of it.<span style=""> </span>Walking back we noticed a soft green algae that looked like moss.<span style=""> </span>We hypothesized that this is why it is called Moss Landing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For our post hike celebratory drink we went to the biker dive bar next to the Whole Enchilada.<span style=""> </span>It’s easy to miss this bar if you don’t know it’s there.<span style=""> </span>When you walk in, the ceilings and walls are covered with $1 bill with messages written on them.<span style=""> </span>They hang from the ceiling like stalactites or overgrown plants.<span style=""> </span>We figured there was over a 1,000 of them hanging.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The bar was full so we sat at a table.<span style=""> </span>There is a small dance floor with a pole.<span style=""> </span>I decided I had to try out the pole and began swinging around and playing on it.<span style=""> </span>When I was finished the table of men next to us started swinging on it.<span style=""> </span>Two of them did a maneuver where you hold the pole, then lift your legs until they are perpendicular at a 90 degree angle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyL9X2539ohC1niTestdf_CbRxnPuXk3Bi17C17WNecbZjcgAIR8YM7EZ52QqWBrYyCSga2DS3S7YV3Rt5Bzzf11wVzvcb4qrJ7OHM953MoY4qVJrJqhavrQ31vSNasExjXE52aFEVPV5/s1600-h/julie+and+pole+dance.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyL9X2539ohC1niTestdf_CbRxnPuXk3Bi17C17WNecbZjcgAIR8YM7EZ52QqWBrYyCSga2DS3S7YV3Rt5Bzzf11wVzvcb4qrJ7OHM953MoY4qVJrJqhavrQ31vSNasExjXE52aFEVPV5/s320/julie+and+pole+dance.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246729264963988002" border="0" /></a></span>I asked them to show me how to do it, but it is really difficult.<span style=""> </span>I had a little help getting into this position for the photo.<span style=""> </span>I’ve decided I’m going to work on my pole moves before the next hike.<span style=""> </span>Jan and Jo both took a few spins on the pole and we headed for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Watsonville</st1:place></st1:city>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had a nice visit with Paula – who is looking great and recovering quickly.<span style=""> </span>We gave her a variety of rocks and shells that we had found on tour hike.<span style=""> </span>Mine was a little rock shaped like a brain, because the desired sand dollar never materialized.<span style=""> </span>Then we headed for home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I drove back along Highway One and looked towards the ocean, I said – “We’ve walked the beach all along here.”<span style=""> </span>Now, I can picture the coastline as I drive.<span style=""> </span>It’s been a fun little adventure to explore the coast in our back yard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Lessons Learned:</i><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><i style="">Watch where you’re stepping and beware of skittish horses. <span style=""> </span>The beach will always give you something interesting if you look for it. <span style=""> </span>I need to work on my pole dancing moves.<o:p></o:p></i></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-77986173713590940212008-08-28T12:02:00.000-07:002008-08-28T12:19:03.690-07:00Capitola to Manresa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaR5WoL7Aqs8kcdYhhupG7P3xJExJz05_c5ikf8tkaQc9n394sW3tElyjealg70mk3c-f8JyUs2A7ux2xL5QqzJ5wC4lVyioTRYV7Jk82tkivFopGvf4SqgJvwoGOYC0Wd-3KXmiELEPe5/s1600-h/capitola+beach.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaR5WoL7Aqs8kcdYhhupG7P3xJExJz05_c5ikf8tkaQc9n394sW3tElyjealg70mk3c-f8JyUs2A7ux2xL5QqzJ5wC4lVyioTRYV7Jk82tkivFopGvf4SqgJvwoGOYC0Wd-3KXmiELEPe5/s320/capitola+beach.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239647127237341874" border="0" /></a><br /><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /><br /><br />California</st1:place></st1:state> Coastal Trail<st1:placename st="on"><br />Capitola</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Village</st1:placetype> to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Manresa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place><br />Distance: 7 miles<br />Hiking Time: 4 hours<br />Jo, Jan and Julie <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><o:p><br /></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>The 3 J’s decided to tackle the next section of the California Coastal trail from Capitola to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manresa</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Jo and I had a lot of discussion trying to decide how to coordinate the car shuttle.<span style=""> </span>When it was only three of us we decided to meet Jan at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Soquel</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> and Ride.<span style=""> </span>There was a parking lot somewhere in Capitola but we couldn’t exactly remember where it was or how long you could park there.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We drove to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Manresa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place> and left Jan’s car there.<span style=""> </span>Jo and I didn’t go down to the beach.<span style=""> </span>Since we had been there the weekend before we figured we would recognize the staircase at the end of our hike.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I drove us back to Capitola and we parked in a neighborhood above the village.<span style=""> </span>It turns out this was really close to Jan’s house, so it was ironic that she had driven to Manresa when she could have just walked to meet us!<span style=""> </span>Oh well.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw7idPxZqm-DQRU_9YpBw-6GJAE45ff2S_ECdXgM6WRiIvP41qb-ZIz_8JEA23CmA7rgi88rJHZGQVNWW2dnyEY795Irp9I5DXzGIhGuNyL9E7QuScmwNl5KfIly-D8wIqPWrCye2poY3/s1600-h/capitola+village+-+jo+and+jan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw7idPxZqm-DQRU_9YpBw-6GJAE45ff2S_ECdXgM6WRiIvP41qb-ZIz_8JEA23CmA7rgi88rJHZGQVNWW2dnyEY795Irp9I5DXzGIhGuNyL9E7QuScmwNl5KfIly-D8wIqPWrCye2poY3/s320/capitola+village+-+jo+and+jan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239647460957448818" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We followed the railroad tracks into the village.<span style=""> </span>The trestle crosses the river and gives you an interesting view of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capitola</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Village</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>It is a cute little town and fun to see it from a different angle.<span style=""> </span>The trestle is high, but there are walkways on each side so it’s not too scary.<span style=""> </span>Jo didn’t like the way the boards gave underfoot and was glad when we were on solid ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We followed the tracks towards <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">New Brighton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>As we crossed <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Monterey Avenue</st1:address></st1:street> we saw the parking lot – it had 12 hour free parking!<span style=""> </span>Now we know where to park next time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Jan really enjoyed walking on the tracks and I told her about my various railroad hikes following the tracks out to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davenport</st1:place></st1:city> and to Felton.<span style=""> </span>She decided she wanted to more track walking.<span style=""> </span>I warned her that the only problems are a) it is illegal trespassing - but who pays any attention to that - and b) that you might meet unsavory characters.<span style=""> </span>Right when I said that a large group of people appeared on the tracks in the distance. Uh-oh.<span style=""> </span>As we got closer we could see it was a family including parents, grandparents and young kids.<span style=""> </span>We joked about being able to “take out” the five year old if he gave us any problem.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcaYhQvvENJi1z2uufuBlxQnZ64si3FjBSo6jmIC3cVbw32DfoXbVVldZXfHgyksKa_MI-zbnoLGf6mVhyphenhyphenHm4Hwt6-vARFTWjh27kIuwDw9Vk6g2rUE6Obc-LNn4UXWw-QDqo1RqtIzAa/s1600-h/capitola+-+julie+jan+boat.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcaYhQvvENJi1z2uufuBlxQnZ64si3FjBSo6jmIC3cVbw32DfoXbVVldZXfHgyksKa_MI-zbnoLGf6mVhyphenhyphenHm4Hwt6-vARFTWjh27kIuwDw9Vk6g2rUE6Obc-LNn4UXWw-QDqo1RqtIzAa/s320/capitola+-+julie+jan+boat.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239647839369083730" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Above <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">New Brighton</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place> there was a dirt path down to the beach.<span style=""> </span>In the distance you could see the cement ship at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Seacliff</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Once we reached the beach we walked along the surf – Jan and I barefoot and Jo in her running shoes.<span style=""> </span>It was a steep angle to the water with a short breaking point for the waves.<span style=""> </span>Even though I had rolled my pants above my knees, I was soon soaked.<span style=""> </span>Oh well, par for the course.<span style=""> </span>I got wetter on this hike than any of the other sections.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_iBGC_pjHDQgjOgjdspOyqBHX8mzRhDw4fcwtNnakwCtbo9uKwrgiYe4zWew46uEAlU3gDLh7Z8sroPZlJSmIxcWsZEFAW0ToGZyHQQA41b0xTGPf-le8REdOZazaAucT_I1nJnzyjNt/s1600-h/capitola+jan+and+jo+beach.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_iBGC_pjHDQgjOgjdspOyqBHX8mzRhDw4fcwtNnakwCtbo9uKwrgiYe4zWew46uEAlU3gDLh7Z8sroPZlJSmIxcWsZEFAW0ToGZyHQQA41b0xTGPf-le8REdOZazaAucT_I1nJnzyjNt/s320/capitola+jan+and+jo+beach.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239648695320913234" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p>This stretch of beach is the most populated with houses most of the way.<span style=""> </span>Seacliff stood out because of the cement ship.<span style=""> </span>Jo knows this beach very well, since she used to spend lots of time here.<span style=""> </span>There is an RV campground right on the beach and Jo plans to come and spend the winter here when she retires and moves back to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>It did seem awfully sweet to be right there in a cozy little camper. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br />We kept walking past different houses and towns trying to figure out where we were.<span style=""> </span>Is this Rio <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Del</st1:place></st1:state> Mar or La Selva?<span style=""> </span>Hard to know.<span style=""> </span>We found a less populated area and sat down to have lunch.<span style=""> </span>Although we hadn’t walked that far, it felt like we had.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r8VXdstZJ0zHRMSicAy5WXiVr5NVnLK8FwRcw7cxsqStAglcLiLJ0GRjpSFI6wTNKe9mnRRoaKklcvu5wlRdj5yj7pLwySWtQwpIz8S6KZJhnQ5b-2WVZDDi0mj08dMwvT8-DJka9NnY/s1600-h/capitola+julie.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r8VXdstZJ0zHRMSicAy5WXiVr5NVnLK8FwRcw7cxsqStAglcLiLJ0GRjpSFI6wTNKe9mnRRoaKklcvu5wlRdj5yj7pLwySWtQwpIz8S6KZJhnQ5b-2WVZDDi0mj08dMwvT8-DJka9NnY/s320/capitola+julie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239648980106898578" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p>After lunch we kept walking.<span style=""> </span>We came to an area that didn’t have houses and then far up ahead we could see another populated beach.<span style=""> </span>We had much discussion about how far we had left to go.<span style=""> </span>We asked one woman and she said, “<st1:city st="on">Manresa</st1:city> – that’s in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Watsonville</st1:place></st1:city>, almost all the way to Moss Landing”.<span style=""> </span>We asked another man and he specifically pointed down the beach and said those buildings right there.<span style=""> </span>We chose to believe him, since he was telling us what we wanted to hear.<span style=""> </span>It was still a long way to walk and both Jan and Jo were starting to feel it in their feet and ankles. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Since Jan had never seen the staircase, she would ask with each one we passed, “is that it?”<span style=""> </span>Jo and I discussed whether there were houses near the staircase.<span style=""> </span>The weekend before we had focused on just getting to the beach and heading south.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t remember any houses being nearby.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We finally got to a beach with a lifeguard and asked him how much further to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manresa</st1:place></st1:city> staircase by the campground.<span style=""> </span>I believe we were at the beginning of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Manresa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>, but forgot to ask him where we were.<span style=""> </span>He pointed well down to the beach to the point we had already surmised was our destination. <span style=""> </span>It took awhile to get there, but we finally saw the familiar staircase.<span style=""> </span>We took a break to let our feet dry and to look at our accomplishment.<span style=""> </span>It was a long way back to Capitola.<span style=""> </span>Not that you could tell where Capitola was exactly...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manresa</st1:place></st1:city> had lots of people at the beach, especially down by the campground.<span style=""> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wh5_eOKOlYQMQK9SDSuAlUbqhG2FhReSmTr2DlfkkkBhmuA5aWUdypZrUdfmZCDaTogmVobZn7I7vAsOSrGxQh7QR__ZM2xqHOAP0fuxqgjeOgYptVthtOTzepVwvTkdYo96gMgNHOFw/s1600-h/capitola+jan+and+jo+sign.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wh5_eOKOlYQMQK9SDSuAlUbqhG2FhReSmTr2DlfkkkBhmuA5aWUdypZrUdfmZCDaTogmVobZn7I7vAsOSrGxQh7QR__ZM2xqHOAP0fuxqgjeOgYptVthtOTzepVwvTkdYo96gMgNHOFw/s320/capitola+jan+and+jo+sign.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239649299820774898" border="0" /></a> </span>A banner warned of “dangerous rip currents.”<span style=""> </span>Nice to know after walking in the surf for four hours!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We asked the lifeguard to take our group photo.<span style=""> </span>Turns out that it was the same lifeguard whom we had asked for directions.<span style=""> </span>He said, “So you made it.”<span style=""> </span>He was impressed when he found out how far we had come and said, “That’s a wonderful walk”.<span style=""> </span>We wondered if he had ever walked it.<span style=""> </span>More likely he has driven it in his lifeguard jeep.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6UvPs5n81fad_Be40o3Ceyzq-GTIoSTPsDytlYKYzjtM7jspfroC6LgebyzPlXm5pCb8QAfEjF0n9T6ez9UX2M3aHLtCBh6Fphgp9pt-w9QpsSX1IzjgnR9WHpU19RVeeFiFnmfnZC5Q/s1600-h/capitola+group+shot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6UvPs5n81fad_Be40o3Ceyzq-GTIoSTPsDytlYKYzjtM7jspfroC6LgebyzPlXm5pCb8QAfEjF0n9T6ez9UX2M3aHLtCBh6Fphgp9pt-w9QpsSX1IzjgnR9WHpU19RVeeFiFnmfnZC5Q/s320/capitola+group+shot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239649848995351634" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>This section wasn’t as interesting to me because of all the houses and people.<span style=""> </span>Even so, there is something calming about walking on the beach.<span style=""> </span>The sand gives you a natural pedicure, the cold water washes your feet, and the rhythm of the waves is soothing, until a rogue wave gets your adrenaline racing.<span style=""> </span>The sun sparkling on the water – blue sky and clouds.<span style=""> </span>It is just hard to beat a day at the beach.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We climbed the stairs to Jan’s car.<span style=""> </span>Jo and I laughed to see a whole housing complex next to the staircase.<span style=""> </span>Neither of us had noticed it the weekend before, we had been so focused on getting to the beach and knowing we wouldn’t be back that day.<span style=""> </span>Talk about oblivious!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>As we drove out of <st1:city st="on">Manresa</st1:city> I could see my <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Victorian</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Mansion</st1:placetype></st1:place> on the hill for sale. Sigh.<span style=""> </span>It is a beautiful house.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Jan dropped us of at our car above <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capitola</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Village</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>She had too many things to do, so she opted out of the post celebratory drink.<span style=""> </span>Jo and I went to the Over the Hill Saloon which was in our old Pleasure Point neighborhood.<span style=""> </span>They had $2 happy hour drinks from 4-7 p.m. even on a Saturday.<span style=""> </span>Now that’s what I call a happy hour. <span style=""> </span>The bartender, an older woman, was extremely friendly.<span style=""> </span>We talked about the plastic life size horse that used to be out front – but it had been vandalized and set to pasture out in the country.<span style=""> </span>There were photos of it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Since we were in the old neighborhood, we decided to drive by the old beach cottages we used to rent.<span style=""> </span>Jo and I had both lived there for seven years.<span style=""> </span>Sadly the property was abandoned, boarded up and overgrown.<span style=""> </span>It was a bittersweet moment for both of us, seeing our old homes in such a state.<span style=""> </span>We remembered the good times of another lifetime.<span style=""> </span>It was a reflective way to end a day of good walking.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><i style="">Lessons Learned:<span style=""> </span>It’s not the distance, but the conditions that count.<span style=""> </span>It’s easy to not pay attention.<span style=""> </span>Life moves on.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-91028346351040989162008-08-20T12:27:00.000-07:002008-08-21T15:32:53.943-07:00Manresa Beach to Zmudkowski Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAJ_-QLEK45TPwPEP786jHomXZgwiG5KyZ7tkE2MXTbW6UBtOxuhGEkOeO-MfgKSxMcuxIA9-NpSHXXh4Gqm6Mz15lHyUOHD6OkOek2EfhPNNuIYtJ0dqfCH_2df8pI4u39W1r37EqUXb/s1600-h/manresa+beach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAJ_-QLEK45TPwPEP786jHomXZgwiG5KyZ7tkE2MXTbW6UBtOxuhGEkOeO-MfgKSxMcuxIA9-NpSHXXh4Gqm6Mz15lHyUOHD6OkOek2EfhPNNuIYtJ0dqfCH_2df8pI4u39W1r37EqUXb/s320/manresa+beach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237098297338079618" border="0" /></a>California Coastal Trail<br />Manresa to Zmudkowski<br />7.1 miles<br />Hiking time: 3 hours<br />Julie and Jo<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Josephine and I decided to try another leg of the CCT. We got a bit of a late start, since I lost track of time. Jo followed me in her car to Zmudkowski beach.<br /><br />The exit for Manresa is San Andreas Road which we passed before we got to Watsonville. I kept looking for the turnoff to Zmudkowski. I've seen the signs off Highway One and thought I had been there years ago. When we entered the Moss Landing city limits I was sure I had missed the turnoff.<br /><br />Then right before the gas station I saw the sign. Struve Road. It was confusing because I turned on the road, but it actually was the gas station. I drove through with Josephine faithfully following behind. Then we drive down a narrow little street where farm workers lived. Then out into the fields. The road just kept going and getting narrower.<br /><br />As Jo said, "who needs to go to the farmer's market?" First there were strawberry fields, then broccoli (we think) next, artichokes and finally headd of iceberg lettuce - already harvested - just waiting to be picked up - or so it seemed to us.<br /><br />Zmudkowski has a dirt parking lot out in the fields. We climbed the sand dune to see the beach and find markers so we would know when we had reached our destination. There was pole stuck in the sand and the entrance seemed obvious.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxXilphmfk6qKyNNUX_ka7ADK9R9CkOOIhYp6_L1CSbY6A1JsaaJRw43ktLvXK1yaYipOAewgu1T0bWBnYmsyYxDjK6aaoDK6vNSVzs2pWIIRCoBNyJjBZbiEvLCt3a9NwUuRi6vPhRPX/s1600-h/manresa+-+julie+and+jo+begin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxXilphmfk6qKyNNUX_ka7ADK9R9CkOOIhYp6_L1CSbY6A1JsaaJRw43ktLvXK1yaYipOAewgu1T0bWBnYmsyYxDjK6aaoDK6vNSVzs2pWIIRCoBNyJjBZbiEvLCt3a9NwUuRi6vPhRPX/s320/manresa+-+julie+and+jo+begin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237099035228091634" border="0" /></a>We hopped into my car and headed to Manresa. It was a deceptively long drive back. With point to point hiking you wonder if you are ever going to see your car again. "Just how far is this hike? " The car shuttle took a long time, though we did stop to check out the walk in campsites at Manresa. We were on the trail head or beach head, I should say, at noon.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEvN23wWRM0wLe2MuaXhRSmNyMksxFA6ROfjG1zPqb4stPwGdn94OOZJvb4_impGWv_ky4km-W65HneIFR_TIOITvWOGySYxCKg3yaU_y6vXlMJjhVK0em5Vz1RQ6SPprSFUtzFi5rwU3/s1600-h/manresa+-+moss+in+distance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEvN23wWRM0wLe2MuaXhRSmNyMksxFA6ROfjG1zPqb4stPwGdn94OOZJvb4_impGWv_ky4km-W65HneIFR_TIOITvWOGySYxCKg3yaU_y6vXlMJjhVK0em5Vz1RQ6SPprSFUtzFi5rwU3/s320/manresa+-+moss+in+distance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237099331627267538" border="0" /></a>This beach walk was much more populated than the week before. We walked past Manresa, Sunset and Pajaro Dunes. Only a few stretches were isolated. The Moss Landing power plant was always in the distance - the twin towers looking like a castle in the fog (in my imagination) but like a power plant when it cleared.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8it8FIyERwY7sES4aYaRqS9FXYSUPVrWTiJk8uJRSsXztLUeIBNg30igMOzYVnSRhZ-ybToJ_4Pzw1o20PzPGa-QX1InK2m0nFxZkn6ikF-lgUQTtsLfVMeFe9YQPqF25ioRFEJ6Z8bt/s1600-h/manresa+-+jo+and+pyramids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8it8FIyERwY7sES4aYaRqS9FXYSUPVrWTiJk8uJRSsXztLUeIBNg30igMOzYVnSRhZ-ybToJ_4Pzw1o20PzPGa-QX1InK2m0nFxZkn6ikF-lgUQTtsLfVMeFe9YQPqF25ioRFEJ6Z8bt/s320/manresa+-+jo+and+pyramids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237099835883919234" border="0" /></a>It looked like there had been a sand castle contest at Manresa. There was an elaborate sand sculpture of a fish. Jo is posed amidst the pyramids. You can't see in the picture - but they had built a whole littel civilization with different pyramids and roads and canals connecting them<br /><br />Josephine quickly spotted dolphins offshore. Different schools of them accompanied us on almost the whole hike. There were lots of birds chasing the tide: the small snowy plovers, the larger pipers and a larger one that had a huge long arched beak. We also saw several dead birds on the hike, all of the same kind which we couldn't quite identify. We didn't see any living birds that looked like them so they must be migrating through. Josephine later went to a bird identification and identified them as a "Sooty". I'm still not sure thats what they were.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHGKBqB0XvmC6X4cOsknsghsKMLkz4RVPmnhgfAhzU_3M3jmNyl7MLTqTHfWE6UnbArxj8LIq9J8oIR7zCrgf-o4Yxa5Ka7P-2D4jKrZMw9CosgogAt8bISVw0TIxqLozCuAo05mOe9kN/s1600-h/manresa+jellyfish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHGKBqB0XvmC6X4cOsknsghsKMLkz4RVPmnhgfAhzU_3M3jmNyl7MLTqTHfWE6UnbArxj8LIq9J8oIR7zCrgf-o4Yxa5Ka7P-2D4jKrZMw9CosgogAt8bISVw0TIxqLozCuAo05mOe9kN/s320/manresa+jellyfish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237100235991946370" border="0" /></a>As we walked along the beach we saw lots of big jellyfish washed ashore. Usually it is just little pieces of them in the sand, but here you could see whole ones.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_N3GeRpyM8b87JLu6D6s4QTsKbFywrdlfpvTR0Hgb7Xth9sk506bGQAESsrhQxgy6SSv7Ijh4fIYqU87RepTE3qUXgJEVu7iRcDaQ5H-XcB5akjebNHURtTFuNcbwjodDJ6m8obPm-XZ/s1600-h/manresa+-+julie+and+sculpture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_N3GeRpyM8b87JLu6D6s4QTsKbFywrdlfpvTR0Hgb7Xth9sk506bGQAESsrhQxgy6SSv7Ijh4fIYqU87RepTE3qUXgJEVu7iRcDaQ5H-XcB5akjebNHURtTFuNcbwjodDJ6m8obPm-XZ/s320/manresa+-+julie+and+sculpture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237100553888512994" border="0" /></a><br />As we approached Sunset Beach we could see crowds of people. It was a popular beach full of activity. There were fishermen, folks digging in the sand with shovels, tents set up, surfers, kite flyers and just regular beach goers. There were odd driftwood structures that looked like drying racks.<br /><br />We had lunch once we were past Sunset. We could see Pajaro Dunes in the distance. As we approached we saw a fisherman approaching us walking in the surf dragging something. It was a BIG fish he had caught. It made Jo want to start ocean fishing.<br /><br />Pajaro Dunes starts with beach condos that all look the same. As you walk further, the houses become quite different. There were all sorts of modern designs, weird shapes, a wooden "castle" and other with strange geometric designs. It was interesting to look at the varied achitecture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFY7_87ExNt7JFLOCG3TZqrP5mV8I8k2gh3EfUnnOkwAk5SDApfkXDSbWGb1QfO22H39vvuHQwF7vhq394g9rEVFugKv7w6-A1QqIEasZHEe6eGUh4lLAq4shxx2hg_alnkfYrmmwQUIG/s1600-h/manresa+jo+crossing+river.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFY7_87ExNt7JFLOCG3TZqrP5mV8I8k2gh3EfUnnOkwAk5SDApfkXDSbWGb1QfO22H39vvuHQwF7vhq394g9rEVFugKv7w6-A1QqIEasZHEe6eGUh4lLAq4shxx2hg_alnkfYrmmwQUIG/s320/manresa+jo+crossing+river.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237100804670735570" border="0" /></a>I knew the Pajaro River was up ahead. I wasn't too worried after our experience with the Salinas River the week before. We crossed an open area and then came to the river. There was indeed a river. It was a narrow channel - but it was hard to judge how deep it was. We kept walking toward the ocean trying to find the narrowest, shallowest crossing. It seemed that the tide was coming in. We finally decided to take a chance and plunged into the river - only to discover that it wasn't even midcalf deep. The water was warm.<br /><br /><br />On the next section of beach Jo found some unusual crystal rocks. Early in the hike she said, "I'm not going to pick up any more rocks or shells. I have too many already." But these were pretty unusual so she kept them. I found the inside of a sand dollar. It was the lower half with a beautiful pattern etched into it. It was extremely delicate and even though I put it on the outside pocket of my backpack it was crushed by the time we reached the end of the hike.<br /><br />We were getting close to Zmuddy. A young couple and their child approached us to tell us there was a sea lion on the beach ahead. They said they had crawled really close to it. They didn't want us to scare it or mistake it for a lot. That reminded me of Teresa's close call with the sea lion at Gazos Creek.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1Pqjg3ZnKMNLD_pm8g-L0YefpFKx0kqV1EoMZYRs01R9LiuOPs2thfInWkF7XmpxBUaPXoYScNvACWR7gs4Fgj71V_Wuglv4ahMgJ_N2Ff2fchHT4hG7Tzqa9wE4DTouA6saKmjL4UXC/s1600-h/manresa+jo+and+sea+lion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1Pqjg3ZnKMNLD_pm8g-L0YefpFKx0kqV1EoMZYRs01R9LiuOPs2thfInWkF7XmpxBUaPXoYScNvACWR7gs4Fgj71V_Wuglv4ahMgJ_N2Ff2fchHT4hG7Tzqa9wE4DTouA6saKmjL4UXC/s320/manresa+jo+and+sea+lion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237101216806401106" border="0" /></a>I asked Josephine if she wanted to crawl and cuddle up to it and she gave the proper response - "are you crazy?" I did get this picture of the two of them. Jo was actually much closer than she appears in the photo.<br /><br />Before we knew it we were at our starting point. It was much too soon for me and I would have liked to keep going. Jo had had enough, though. Jo really liked this beach we agreed when we do this next segment - Zmudkowski to Moss Landing. We would do an out and back hike and then hang out at the beach and have a picnic.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIczz56Zi3rkAANmwqKEAJ8i_hjkHwdVAVmR3uJY545nGDXbPgTddx-B1hTcLbyGrKLIn8jPfGMAU9N9QA6jEND1yTwfNRwxp4S_c0ejdlgq3uH2e_4nLPluIJrnLZypNEiUssA6oWsoK/s1600-h/manresa+julie+and+jo+at+end.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIczz56Zi3rkAANmwqKEAJ8i_hjkHwdVAVmR3uJY545nGDXbPgTddx-B1hTcLbyGrKLIn8jPfGMAU9N9QA6jEND1yTwfNRwxp4S_c0ejdlgq3uH2e_4nLPluIJrnLZypNEiUssA6oWsoK/s320/manresa+julie+and+jo+at+end.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237101502415518818" border="0" /></a></span>We drove back to Manresa after harvesting a few roadside vegetables. There is a beautiful Victorian for sale at the entrance to Manresa. A giant white house with columns - it looks like a plantation at the top of the hill with beautiful ocean views. We stopped to look at the price: 2.5 million. A car was in the driveway, so I didn't peek in the windows. What a house!<br /><br />We stopped at Manuels for our post celebratory drink and chili rellenos. Another enjoyable day at the beach and another segment of the CCT knocked off!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: People can be quite creative with sand. There are all sorts of fun places to explore tucked away in your own backyard.</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-38385347639105036292008-08-14T08:53:00.000-07:002008-08-15T10:06:35.097-07:00Moss Landing to Marina Beach.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa1AfbSlwDGu6wGlajJwA97nlGClpCVV7AIvdThfgt3VtItsj0tPqu9VEwJAMPPES0hfJq8Nlg1-pGnTr4kGnRKdTf9qfy7PIEeDt0plaikpBNMopt-vcbfqHTNrU8wfIf6AApgy2R3bE/s1600-h/group+shot+marina.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa1AfbSlwDGu6wGlajJwA97nlGClpCVV7AIvdThfgt3VtItsj0tPqu9VEwJAMPPES0hfJq8Nlg1-pGnTr4kGnRKdTf9qfy7PIEeDt0plaikpBNMopt-vcbfqHTNrU8wfIf6AApgy2R3bE/s320/group+shot+marina.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234779411297037218" border="0" /></a>California Coastal trail<br />Moss Landing to Marina Beach<br />Distance: 7.25 miles<br />Hiking Time: 4 hours<br />Tim, Carly, Julie<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was a last minute decision to do this hike. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tim</span> had done it in March, so I wanted to go with him. Also, being a sailor I figured he would know about the tides and such things. I knew this segment of the California Coastal Trail was tricky because you have to cross the Salinas River.<br /><br />The California Coastal Trail <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">runs</span> from the Oregon Border to Mexico. "Trail" is truly a misnomer, since for sections <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">north</span> of Santa Cruz the trail consists of walking along Highway 1 when the coast is inaccessible. Not exactly my idea of a good hike. I am also paranoid about being trapped against cliffs by a high tide or having to race incoming waves to get around rocks. The section between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Capitola</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Monterey</span></span> seems pretty open.<br /><br />My goal was to hike the coastline from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Capitola</span></span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Monterey</span></span> by the end of the year. This would be done in increments - not as one long hike. This first hike was a test to see if these hikes were doable and enjoyable. Turns out they are both.<br /><br />We met at the Whole Enchilada in Moss Landing at 9:00 a.m. and dropped one car at Marina Beach. We drove back to Moss Landing, got a cup of coffee <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">and</span> a tamale (which took way too long) and were on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">trail head</span> by 10:00 a.m.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE3kBiB2ysArPke_QJl8r7xwcr93wHdLyM_A_hoHf_Q4JbpQH8ql3mNKn79P-tBGV5i0I1WEjOkYYrHe2JlG1vmof5bKiZj3dUbUE6PkRFySkqI2cxo1M7XWpx9oFp5yukFrIiy-40z-C/s1600-h/carly+and+julie+river+sign.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE3kBiB2ysArPke_QJl8r7xwcr93wHdLyM_A_hoHf_Q4JbpQH8ql3mNKn79P-tBGV5i0I1WEjOkYYrHe2JlG1vmof5bKiZj3dUbUE6PkRFySkqI2cxo1M7XWpx9oFp5yukFrIiy-40z-C/s320/carly+and+julie+river+sign.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234775126357438850" border="0" /></a>We wanted to reach the river at low tide. Tim had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">initially</span> described the river at "easy to cross" buy the more we heard about the last crossing - rushing water at mid thigh height - the more concerned I became. Tim said, "we can always swim it". Since I don't swim well and have a lot of respect for rivers and the ocean - this wasn't going to happen. I confirmed that we wouldn't be up against any cliffs. Tim knowing about my "getting trapped" fear suggested we purposely trap ourselves so I could have the experience of swimming out and seeing how easy it is. Then I would overcome my fear. I don't think so! I began to wonder about Tim as tour guide. :-)<br /><br />When I left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lompico</span></span> in the morning it was sunny and clear. I wore a sleeveless top and almost didn't bring a jacket and fleece. At the last minute I threw them in. When I drove into Santa Cruz it was completely foggy and it stayed that way all the way Marina. The fog never lifted on the whole hike - though it wasn't windy at all. It was extremely pleasant hiking in the fog. I'd gotten enough sun the day before.<br /><br />Carly and I hiked barefoot in the surf. I had brought tennis shoes - but ended up doing the whole thing barefoot - one of my favorite things. It's the longest I have ever walked barefoot. Being in the cold water felt good on my ankles. Walking near the water also has the advantage of having harder sand to walk on. Tim kept his shoes on for the whole hike. He had to run from the waves a couple of times, but he was able to keep his shoes dry.<br /><br />As we started out, I thought "this may get monotonous, just sea, sand, fog. No trees or variation of landscape." Yet it was very peaceful walking in the surf. The ocean is always varied. We passed some fishermen and a housing development. A surf patrol drove by in a jeep and busted some fishermen for not having licenses. There were tire tracks in the sand, but we didn't see another person for two hours.<br /><br />The snowy plover - those cute tiny birds who chase the surf on their little twig legs - nest in this area. They are an endangered species and the upper portion of the beach was fenced off to protect their nesting area.<br /><br />I loved that it was a cloudy, "Julie Day". The waves looked steely gray in the misty light. The further we walked in the solitude, the more it felt like escaping into another world. When can you on the beach for hours and not see another person?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uF_SiCvT2zv4qjV2w4UiCGmZ0_Alm6GiHzL0uHPU2ZjMXwD8ad6J6k-hyg34YCD4wWU-LogXn3rfA8m31hmXIyZONspvzzCXBXsa8cE8wKA_wf84jWM7RQUHt3-OJQyTqtuAiPL-ywrs/s1600-h/tim+and+barge.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uF_SiCvT2zv4qjV2w4UiCGmZ0_Alm6GiHzL0uHPU2ZjMXwD8ad6J6k-hyg34YCD4wWU-LogXn3rfA8m31hmXIyZONspvzzCXBXsa8cE8wKA_wf84jWM7RQUHt3-OJQyTqtuAiPL-ywrs/s320/tim+and+barge.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234775862727105474" border="0" /></a>Tim described it as "a beach of life and death". It is nature in all it's glory and horror. We saw several dead sea lions, an otter and gulls. A group of turkey vultures huddled on the beach, then flew over to snack on some of the decomposing bodies. There were flocks of brown pelicans intermingling with sea gulls. I loved watching the pelicans take off. They look so prehistoric in flight.<br /><br />The river crossing was weighing heavily on my mind. The longer it took to get to it, the more rushing a torrent I pictured. We finally came to a sign saying Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge. I figured the river would be close. We kept walking and walking and walking. Always seeing it up ahead of us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2zy2o-4hxEmNbnYLIkIiPn9O2E_M0np3lj4oe6sdpx_5xiABg6jzCq5DfjgL07YkSX0ZSnBKLWsmaHugxLnl5UeLIgbKHhKLw58jB2QCkWkv31ySmK1AzRy6vnFFbIunq-120b8Uwrpk/s1600-h/carly+barge.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2zy2o-4hxEmNbnYLIkIiPn9O2E_M0np3lj4oe6sdpx_5xiABg6jzCq5DfjgL07YkSX0ZSnBKLWsmaHugxLnl5UeLIgbKHhKLw58jB2QCkWkv31ySmK1AzRy6vnFFbIunq-120b8Uwrpk/s320/carly+barge.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234777823413512162" border="0" /></a>We were getting hungry for lunch, but I wanted to have the river crossing behind us before we stopped. We came upon an old rusty barge that was grounded. We walked awhile further and then Tim said - "I think we are past the river". I'm sure that the barge was after the river crossing. It turns out that the area not far past the sign was where the river flows in the winter. During the summer the river doesn't reach the ocean. What a relief.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvPD3WylD-pKwiURdxLObhf6QIXG1SiTmw0wK751kgfDc4XadmU19uQm1aprtaL_Dzu1OpfhL_KP98woLHRw839p1awRWCPQIL20bdwwTsl-adx7hhC4t7ScXaUd8zJbl31S82__wj5MZ/s1600-h/julie+in+scoop.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvPD3WylD-pKwiURdxLObhf6QIXG1SiTmw0wK751kgfDc4XadmU19uQm1aprtaL_Dzu1OpfhL_KP98woLHRw839p1awRWCPQIL20bdwwTsl-adx7hhC4t7ScXaUd8zJbl31S82__wj5MZ/s320/julie+in+scoop.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234778392530906674" border="0" /></a>We quickly found a spot to have lunch and sat down next to a log to eat. It got colder as we were sitting, though it still wasn't windy. We started hiking and came upon a "sand dredging" operation. There were rusted old scoops and a small lagoon where sand was brought up and than transported to be processed or so we assumed. We couldn't really tell what they were doing, but they were doing something.<br /><br />Carly wanted to run and roll down some sand dunes. Tim had started hiking up the in the hills. He pointed to where we were down in the water and we could see a school of bottle nosed dolphins swimming close to shore. There were still protected Plover <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nesting</span> areas, so it took us awhile to find a good sand dune.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRIAXM8wJu2BxJknVeMQYCqPsXt185HsVix8hMZBrPGlnpn37Jz_6Tl9lj8Uz_jRlGQ-fq7y3UUK0-oRHMeYtUxAsDbnyzdDUcWSzY6ueo80-a7Yp98Jq36tLTIWpJ0alXL_fEJVJmiGy/s1600-h/carly+on+sand+dune.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRIAXM8wJu2BxJknVeMQYCqPsXt185HsVix8hMZBrPGlnpn37Jz_6Tl9lj8Uz_jRlGQ-fq7y3UUK0-oRHMeYtUxAsDbnyzdDUcWSzY6ueo80-a7Yp98Jq36tLTIWpJ0alXL_fEJVJmiGy/s320/carly+on+sand+dune.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234779015577529202" border="0" /></a>Right before Marina we found one. Nice and steep. First I ran down it. then Carly rolled down it, then Tim and I rolled down it a couple of times. Talk about dizzy - we lay sprawled at the bottom for a minute afterwards trying to regain equilibrium. Sand was everywhere - ears, hair - but it was invigorating. We found a piece of cardboard and Carly tried to slide down, but it didn't quite work.<br /><br />I was worried we might "miss" where we parked the cars, but all the people on the beach quickly clued us in we were close. There is also a building and a hang gliding ramp. As we walked back we saw a para glider sailing above the beach. We had never seen a contraption quite like this one. Rather than being belly down - superman position - he was sitting in a what almost looked like an "air kayak" He was sitting and his legs were encased in what looked like a sleeping bag. Looked a lot easier than hang gliding, though I didn't get to see him land.<br /><br />Thus ended our first segment of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CCT</span>. It had been a great day and I am now inspired to do the whole Santa Cruz to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Monterey</span> portion by the end of the year. It was fun to spend time hiking with Carly before she heads out for a South American adventure and it's always a pleasure hiking with Tim.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: Beach hikes are anything but monotonous. You can hike a long way barefoot if you're in the surf. Don't fear the crossing, because it may not come.</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-56679590228592871682008-08-11T10:52:00.000-07:002008-08-11T11:37:45.581-07:00Carmel River Trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5gkNjadX-eVclT3pya9S2yVM1-urDS3bIOOmz3Va4nXMTVdhUte1tdVDIMHxzUyX0awqpVo8mcPFaAs8uA7Zfjok-vLi5EsSbZWos9uNHTttfBM2AZnMkaXirUchhV9wZp7FRk2UuA_R/s1600-h/bill+in+distance.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5gkNjadX-eVclT3pya9S2yVM1-urDS3bIOOmz3Va4nXMTVdhUte1tdVDIMHxzUyX0awqpVo8mcPFaAs8uA7Zfjok-vLi5EsSbZWos9uNHTttfBM2AZnMkaXirUchhV9wZp7FRk2UuA_R/s320/bill+in+distance.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233324642035819074" border="0" /></a><br />June 2008<br />Carmel Valley Backpack<br />Distance: 8 miles<br />Elevation: ????<br />Julie and Bill<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I had trouble posting this before I left in July, but now that this area has been burned, I thought I would put up some of the pictures. When we looked at a map of the fire - it looked like this area had been badly burned. Which is really sad, because it was such a wonderful camp. We'll have to hike in and see what's left.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeqNO_otou_Ez9mW2wAPSOzWDBxX2Lmh3FeX2vmj91ZSgNXJOlg8nvkLdOXNHOIIYwMmxe7JSJoxnLcM8zD7HUPuuTucyCzMgehDIxuLV3mcBgRcx3qUsxZaBQGivJtQcASoDegt-TQ_b/s1600-h/trailhead.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeqNO_otou_Ez9mW2wAPSOzWDBxX2Lmh3FeX2vmj91ZSgNXJOlg8nvkLdOXNHOIIYwMmxe7JSJoxnLcM8zD7HUPuuTucyCzMgehDIxuLV3mcBgRcx3qUsxZaBQGivJtQcASoDegt-TQ_b/s320/trailhead.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233325020810198434" border="0" /></a>This was a 3 day back pack that Bill and I did in June. The Big Sur book described it as "easy and good for children". We figured being only 4 miles out, if it was terrible we could just turn around and head back out. We took the "easy" too much to heart and packed incredibly heavy packs for two days. Nothing is easy when your pack is too heavy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQUFQVzVwkAmS6PU0EKNgxIs68o64CdG-dqR8YB7DJLUq1cnLYNzCUJyRJOEYFK2iMXgrBcN3uFAn9czrDWltztXvbipry_Jfvuxc4xbjFs4OLczx6CeIae_ZVpSZwvAotbKfRtNTGrC5/s1600-h/julie+with+pack.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQUFQVzVwkAmS6PU0EKNgxIs68o64CdG-dqR8YB7DJLUq1cnLYNzCUJyRJOEYFK2iMXgrBcN3uFAn9czrDWltztXvbipry_Jfvuxc4xbjFs4OLczx6CeIae_ZVpSZwvAotbKfRtNTGrC5/s320/julie+with+pack.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233328533852919250" border="0" /></a>Carmel Valley is so close to Santa Cruz that this is an ideal weekend getaway. You start at the San Pedro dam after driving along Carmel Valley Road past multi million dollar houses and through the "slums" - a dilapidated old trailer park right before the trail head. We got a late start at the trail head, so we were hiking in the heat of the day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimatD9xf1uUWmvrE8G39BR110uq-8q9tWK9UjGi5cCb0HhGfF73hC2SLMJ2l8wn_Svag1dlasqXBu-Xkeanq-U4NgjTMH2M71MNGHKixYK1w3a-4UmXz3OnetNevNmRF56XBCGwPQFV1xm/s1600-h/view+of+lake.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimatD9xf1uUWmvrE8G39BR110uq-8q9tWK9UjGi5cCb0HhGfF73hC2SLMJ2l8wn_Svag1dlasqXBu-Xkeanq-U4NgjTMH2M71MNGHKixYK1w3a-4UmXz3OnetNevNmRF56XBCGwPQFV1xm/s320/view+of+lake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233328052792354226" border="0" /></a>It took us much longer than we anticipated to hike the 3 miles to Bluff camp. Elevation, narrow trails, unmarked trails in the beginning, the heat of the day and heavy packs made it a long hike. You start out crossing the dam and hiking above the reservoir. The trail is narrow with steep drop offs. We came upon an "unofficial" campsite, which we thought was Bluff Camp. When we got to Bluff Camp we thought we had reached River Camp and decided we would stay even after we realized our mistake.<br /><br />Photos of the actual campsite didn't come out too well, but it is a large campsite with sites on both sides of the river. The trees were beautiful and varied. Large groups could be accommodated in both camps. No one was there on Friday night except two guys coming in late. On Saturday a large group arrived.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL87iA1YBAzhwVef198IOpUb9Y9fYH-6w_kKG64-3Nr1cNqQTL2CKyVH-rrWJQN9pMRWkq4qgx1j1ojSrfWOTCOWIsjWy-EooKenkEWh6VYIM73w_l8lYvf_m-U2KiyaaPu2lzfllsnhU8/s1600-h/bill+on+trail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL87iA1YBAzhwVef198IOpUb9Y9fYH-6w_kKG64-3Nr1cNqQTL2CKyVH-rrWJQN9pMRWkq4qgx1j1ojSrfWOTCOWIsjWy-EooKenkEWh6VYIM73w_l8lYvf_m-U2KiyaaPu2lzfllsnhU8/s320/bill+on+trail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233329541435784162" border="0" /></a>The camp is right on the river. We day hiked up to River Camp the next day and didn't like it nearly as much. It was dark and the mosquitoes were extremely heavy. I took a quick dip but then we headed back to Bluff camp. There was a swing in Bluff Camp made of rope, which wasn't comfortable, but I took a couple of swings on it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63t11D_ZnKc0_RrYrZfU-tDpwVBtSZTLSlu5gc0ihPOc63a-cDA6FH8-lYMj4VhBBOOZWq9bbbUApcFhj4zL4c-zPc2M7YCXzxCx-z9d9MLVMNES8IlQaY0Zff-ab6wIljPaYU2xJzncw/s1600-h/julie+and+bill+whole+enchilada.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63t11D_ZnKc0_RrYrZfU-tDpwVBtSZTLSlu5gc0ihPOc63a-cDA6FH8-lYMj4VhBBOOZWq9bbbUApcFhj4zL4c-zPc2M7YCXzxCx-z9d9MLVMNES8IlQaY0Zff-ab6wIljPaYU2xJzncw/s320/julie+and+bill+whole+enchilada.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233329964197809202" border="0" /></a><br />We headed out Sunday morning and it was a quick hike out, now that our packs were much lighter. We decided that this would be a great quick weekend getaway. Loved the place. Now who knows? We stopped and took this picture at the Whole Enchilada in Moss Landing. It was a great little trip.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lesson Learned: Appreciate what you have before it goes up in smoke!</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-80367751022234335262008-06-09T13:07:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:17:58.317-08:00Waddell Creek - Berry Creek Falls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wUXxUTVQ4bgJCTrEvQ6D48FxPTPTQTjzvCEd6WrmR0AVwCcs7mtg8xwOnioQysJCmS20h2Ajy-gvkkiPU8kU6451tgFG5nYq_ywstkuywJOK2nm68_5CLlOnfn1Cpt7B9gYMC2pevCYW/s1600-h/julie+and+bill+bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wUXxUTVQ4bgJCTrEvQ6D48FxPTPTQTjzvCEd6WrmR0AVwCcs7mtg8xwOnioQysJCmS20h2Ajy-gvkkiPU8kU6451tgFG5nYq_ywstkuywJOK2nm68_5CLlOnfn1Cpt7B9gYMC2pevCYW/s320/julie+and+bill+bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209983042483265890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >Big<st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"> Basin</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype st="on">State Park</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br />Bike/Hike<o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br />Bike 10 miles<o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br />Hike 3 miles??<o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br />Julie and Bill<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wpickzxmi0Ud4ADjFm6Tem3_7Fw2lOZo6oWG8L5TCIPg3AyJJn0Ghna3RAhUrBFeDfVUNSc04tTAAtM4rLd3bijDQuOaANIsB1taXu2p9nj-DUGOtl9pLAxxaes_yIDza4po3z6wQwbs/s1600-h/julie+and+bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wpickzxmi0Ud4ADjFm6Tem3_7Fw2lOZo6oWG8L5TCIPg3AyJJn0Ghna3RAhUrBFeDfVUNSc04tTAAtM4rLd3bijDQuOaANIsB1taXu2p9nj-DUGOtl9pLAxxaes_yIDza4po3z6wQwbs/s320/julie+and+bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209984281965347458" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p>I bought a new cheap $80 mountain bike while up in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redding</st1:place></st1:city> and wanted to try it out here.Ever since we hiked <st1:placename st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Basin</st1:placetype> to the Sea I have wanted to try to bike fromWaddell Creek to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Berry</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Creek</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>I kept looking at the trail and saying - even I can bike this.<span style=""> </span>It seemed pretty level for the most part.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>Because Bill doesn't have a bike we were<br />going to rent one.<span style=""> </span>When I checked around I found that only one place rents bikes and we didn't want to go there.<span style=""> </span>I talked to Tom Sullivan and he explained that the insurance is exorbitant for covering bike rentals, which makes sense.<span style=""> </span>Finally our friend Brant said he would lend Bill a bike, but Hans while riding it from Brant's house ran off the road and messed up the gears so it wouldn't shift out of one gear.<span style=""> </span>Ooops!<span style=""> </span>Better than nothing, we thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>We had a lot of errands to do in the morning before hitting the trail - including buying a bike locks and bungee cords to tie the bike down.<span style=""> </span>We were planning on stopping at AuntieMames for breakfast, but decided to just grab something quick at McDonald.<span style=""> </span>I haven't had many breakfasts there and when I flipped my paper place mat over for the nutritional information - I learned that my breakfast choice was the highest one in fat.<span style=""> </span>I at over 50 grams of fat between the breakfast burrito and 99c breakfast sandwich!<span style=""> </span>Oooooops! Good thing we were going to get some exercise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LCGSOSKAxSRs4efylnKAlhaV41NPd1t_7Xskrynh13JOj7vuFI1W-kIgR-wKP2vlN6Q-S7l3JT01SN-5OqSQ7W-D4SQplRA8ZmYG952kBPRHkYINs5DL6vDp97zH9bilJ8n10nHxT9GD/s1600-h/bill+on+trail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LCGSOSKAxSRs4efylnKAlhaV41NPd1t_7Xskrynh13JOj7vuFI1W-kIgR-wKP2vlN6Q-S7l3JT01SN-5OqSQ7W-D4SQplRA8ZmYG952kBPRHkYINs5DL6vDp97zH9bilJ8n10nHxT9GD/s320/bill+on+trail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209984942259477906" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>The drive up the coast went quickly without too much traffic.<span style=""> </span>Waddell Creek isn't that much beyond <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davenport</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>We parked in the dirt lot overlooking the ocean and unloaded the bikes.<span style=""> </span>It wascool and overcast which is just fine for a bike ride.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >We crossed the<br />highway and were on our way.<span style=""> </span>The<br />beginning of the trail is a paved road going through private<br />property.<span style=""> </span>There is a small for with neatly planted fields and beautiful farm house. I joked that it looked just like my garden at home, which is sadly far from the truth.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >The road eventually turns to gravel - but is relatively level.<span style=""> </span>You actually going uphill most of the way, but you don't notice it until you are on your way back.<span style=""> </span>That's my kind of grade.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >A couple of miles in there is a backpacking camps which seems extremely popular.<span style=""> </span>There was no-one on the trail until we passed a couple of hikers coming from the camp.<span style=""> </span>The road winds thought the redwoods and lush ferns.<span style=""> </span>It was shady and cool and we even felt a few droplets of rain.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1uczfsg9nioRjD2ZKRGcPtzl65SZus6JSZj-87sBXQ-TrPuaP0O-IYoK5McWlnY_YPgbVAb2qBGkFtWxxOAQW3vDmkF8twQSyv_1TeG__QCD54UlM-BhawDjCKQ_n5Zz40hDm7DVb6mr/s1600-h/steep+path.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1uczfsg9nioRjD2ZKRGcPtzl65SZus6JSZj-87sBXQ-TrPuaP0O-IYoK5McWlnY_YPgbVAb2qBGkFtWxxOAQW3vDmkF8twQSyv_1TeG__QCD54UlM-BhawDjCKQ_n5Zz40hDm7DVb6mr/s320/steep+path.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209985523547869586" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >We came to a steep narrow part where the road turned into a path with steep switchbacks.<span style=""> </span>It was too narrow and steep to ride, so we walked that part. There were only two sections of the trail that I needed to<br />walk though.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >Annoyingly, my brakes made a screeching noise every time I used them.<span style=""> </span>This had happened when I first bought the bike - but then they had quieted down. Not on this ride.<span style=""> </span>They<br />screeched the whole way.<span style=""> </span>Bill was pedaling away in his one gear. Fortunately it was an easy gear for hills, but this meant when we were on the flats he was doing a lot of unnecessary pedaling.<span style=""> </span>He of course didn't<br />complain about this.<span style=""> </span>So there we were<br />Screechy and One Gear riding away.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZri3oPvinO2LDuJZfza9qbERBUDNOo7U3Uh8OIbTf7ZWyRigy7KxNuq7x8ruZMOAwshtvawZch81P7P0DH93dSX-G8OeAZ3EanXIcz-qMZJqZMhgzMrdq_BJ2wC9eijg1QtPoYyQFkzs/s1600-h/bill+at+bike+rack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZri3oPvinO2LDuJZfza9qbERBUDNOo7U3Uh8OIbTf7ZWyRigy7KxNuq7x8ruZMOAwshtvawZch81P7P0DH93dSX-G8OeAZ3EanXIcz-qMZJqZMhgzMrdq_BJ2wC9eijg1QtPoYyQFkzs/s320/bill+at+bike+rack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209987108220155794" border="0" /></a><br />It's five miles to the bike rack and we got there in about an hour.<span style=""> </span>I remembered how long it had taken to hike it and was thankful for our bikes, regardless of annoying things like squeaky brakes.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >There were about six horses and riders at the bike rack.<span style=""><br /></span>They asked if I had been to the falls before and whether it was worth seeing.<span style=""> </span>I said yes, the<br />falls were really close. One of the guys was trying to tie up his horse who was not happy about being left. Someone else in the party said "that horse is going to have over the cliff". Which didn't install a lot of confidence in their ability with horses. I just wanted to get out of there.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx2r54bQ_Itq95t8wtF5GAerKJ7N3te98_raEhfNJmQ_UWvIHNDL2sP4ftXhk9Z20waFJD0DDrPOvXEIL3_lWK3czBfQFW1gB_MsnOqyoO9k1gvcQ91bfOWhKSHjSNIHMqSZMNkQ_rOtr/s1600-h/julie+and+bill+falls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx2r54bQ_Itq95t8wtF5GAerKJ7N3te98_raEhfNJmQ_UWvIHNDL2sP4ftXhk9Z20waFJD0DDrPOvXEIL3_lWK3czBfQFW1gB_MsnOqyoO9k1gvcQ91bfOWhKSHjSNIHMqSZMNkQ_rOtr/s320/julie+and+bill+falls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209985965920649826" border="0" /></a> >The hike to the falls took a little longer than I remembered. It seemed that when we were hiking it that bike rack came right up. It was still probably 1/2 to a mile hike. Berry Creek Falls was flowing, but wasn't full. Bill wasn't impressed being used to Rocky Mountain falls, but we had the platform to ourselves once the horse people left.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4SOrTxxhe6Dn1xn2gsWtgBzhb02Uo9zl-NFXicXf066miIDFrM8DiYjnU-LEicVsLr6jYK28utyuDvsPdCiLPFTUzr14SZ57rJdGjWOmeLVkoUZmdeDwjX4SiwFaY7LZd0IF3TP4T1gi/s1600-h/bill+at+lunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4SOrTxxhe6Dn1xn2gsWtgBzhb02Uo9zl-NFXicXf066miIDFrM8DiYjnU-LEicVsLr6jYK28utyuDvsPdCiLPFTUzr14SZ57rJdGjWOmeLVkoUZmdeDwjX4SiwFaY7LZd0IF3TP4T1gi/s320/bill+at+lunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209986326241015218" border="0" /></a>We hiked up to Silver Falls and had lunch there. It wasn't worth it to Bill to hike up to Golden and Cascade falls. The steps are cut in stone right next to the falls. When the falls are running full, it can be a little scary but it always invigorating.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgJop24IFlhW4h4oSAusRvAA2OyCRcNls90vOipmRZzQwq237gzqQDLc3e5aIczN-X63MxP1bmebStYUvYF2t8azKPkypX0CApXBzXUHU5gC4_y-HjKNN7lZhIGtrj7RNyaaw9ZOGm0Yn/s1600-h/bill+from+top.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgJop24IFlhW4h4oSAusRvAA2OyCRcNls90vOipmRZzQwq237gzqQDLc3e5aIczN-X63MxP1bmebStYUvYF2t8azKPkypX0CApXBzXUHU5gC4_y-HjKNN7lZhIGtrj7RNyaaw9ZOGm0Yn/s320/bill+from+top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209988378095294898" border="0" /></a><br />I liked looking down from the top of the falls to see Bill down below.<br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" >Golden Falls is unusual in that the rock is a mud colored and when the falls are full, they look golden. Since they aren't quite full, they aren't as impressive. I hiked to the last fall and then back down to where Bill was.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB4T5rVXZYfcsOjvfBCGJjksoCpOGLYGoHgwY74PvxvNpaYWynJEpwQsaKkx2JkoeoyTSKT3cjUfjJRjBvQLQxI2xZXQPNzWjVe4R4GROpNzk6YxFZeGTtjO1BJiGIFme23UZA8ZF6vFT/s1600-h/julie+on+trail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB4T5rVXZYfcsOjvfBCGJjksoCpOGLYGoHgwY74PvxvNpaYWynJEpwQsaKkx2JkoeoyTSKT3cjUfjJRjBvQLQxI2xZXQPNzWjVe4R4GROpNzk6YxFZeGTtjO1BJiGIFme23UZA8ZF6vFT/s320/julie+on+trail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210007994240600130" border="0" /></a>As we hiked out we came a larger group of boy scouts or at least boy backpackers. After passing the main group, we saw one straggler, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">agangly</span> boy who tripped, did a face plant and his glasses flew off. We stopped to help him. I couldn't believe that they had left him behind and that there wasn't an adult coming up. As we walked a bit further we came to the rest of his group, which was a relief.<br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">We got back to the bike rack and started<br />back. It was amazing how most of it was downhill. We had been coming uphill on the way up without even realizing. Going back was a breeze. My squealing brakes were annoying of course, but it seemed like we were back in no time.<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfK2HKSxhx1iaTjYUfXpr2pIRU2ZCVyFcrrKMwl4CjBnpQLgd5_sSXzgNKOh0n8HzEm_WiKgYdWdXscbcNrPNvrWbM3nGf-FFctzTgu-bInudcESfYPCJM6hmMFbBLMfVW0EipAZwwwTZ/s1600-h/kite+surfers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfK2HKSxhx1iaTjYUfXpr2pIRU2ZCVyFcrrKMwl4CjBnpQLgd5_sSXzgNKOh0n8HzEm_WiKgYdWdXscbcNrPNvrWbM3nGf-FFctzTgu-bInudcESfYPCJM6hmMFbBLMfVW0EipAZwwwTZ/s320/kite+surfers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210008957365057954" border="0" /></a>When we got back to the beach there were lots of Kite Surfers. I asked the only woman kite surfer I saw whether it was fun. She said, "it's great, but it has a huge learning curve. It took me three years to learn how to do it and that was coming out here every day". I decided that was too much of a time investment for me. Especially since I can't swim well. It did look like fun.<br /></span></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Bill and I stopped at the Roadhouse in Davenport for our post celebratory drink. Scott doesn't work there anymore, but the Bloody Mary was still tasty. It had been a great day and bike ride we will definitely do again!<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: You cover ground a lot faster n a bike. You get what you pay for.</span><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style=""><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-78300635977175105422008-05-20T12:36:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:18:00.957-08:00Garrapata State Park May 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1IspssUlEjfFBvfNfcaiBgGuklrUQNzNBQSK-LJWCWLEGmKrR45LQAYNc_u_hPAdJIYNBvH0Q3K_FgVt0svNh-wLWVoEBuB-sxRNK2pNpo-Cio_tZcWdBUxCCirtOc9w7WyC-AIxGj_5/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1IspssUlEjfFBvfNfcaiBgGuklrUQNzNBQSK-LJWCWLEGmKrR45LQAYNc_u_hPAdJIYNBvH0Q3K_FgVt0svNh-wLWVoEBuB-sxRNK2pNpo-Cio_tZcWdBUxCCirtOc9w7WyC-AIxGj_5/s320/view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203332102160084914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sobranes Creek - Rocky Ridge<br />4.5 miles<br />1,700 elevation gain<br />Hiking time: 3 1/2 hours<br />Jan, Paula, Julie<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I knew it was going to be hot this weekend, so I was looking for a hike that would be shaded, not too much elevation and by water. I decided on the Carmel River Trail which follows the Carmel River and ends at a backpacking camp which was supposed to have nice swimming holes. Sounded perfect.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4bsimgX8yTw8amUCG7HhyphenhyphenDTGp3KcNTXFDKrxNsvigq4K960K3z_Pzb-USQbHS1xyoZFcIHVsCzJp3UYlzZBjFS9BICaTx0dmX_OGkXXiDdSvp98SCkrv-55g39lvdQGhta4vFQ42Jz9g/s1600-h/boot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4bsimgX8yTw8amUCG7HhyphenhyphenDTGp3KcNTXFDKrxNsvigq4K960K3z_Pzb-USQbHS1xyoZFcIHVsCzJp3UYlzZBjFS9BICaTx0dmX_OGkXXiDdSvp98SCkrv-55g39lvdQGhta4vFQ42Jz9g/s320/boot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205902644381708242" border="0" /></a>With the usual cancellations there were three of us the day of the hike: Jan, Paula and myself. We met at 9:00 a.m. at the Soquel Park and Ride. We were on the road, fairly quickly, but had to make a quick return when Jan realized that she'd left her hat in her car. It was not a day to be without a hat - although I don't where one myself. I did bring my boots and I love this superimposed picture of leg and landscape. A preview of what was to come.<br /><br /><br />I've been to Carmel Valley road several times, but I always think that the road with our gas station and Safeway is Carmel Valley. I realized this is Rio Road and Carmel Valley must be a little further south. So I took Highway 1 south. We were chatting and I wasn't paying that much attention until we reached the former Highlands Inn. I knew that was too far past Carmel and realized that we had headed in the wrong direction.<br /><br />I said, "Jan, I think we are going in the wrong direction. I think we are almost to Garrapata. I need to find a place to turn around", which isn't easy on Highway One. We had to make it all the way back to Carmel Valley Road and then it was another 20 miles on curvy little roads. Jan said, "Why don't we just go to Garrapata - if it is closer and that was my favorite hike." I thought about it and asked Paula what she thought.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7AN5Nld1BffUkJiA5L71ZOn5BRjwX1qcn9HfJ-S5xRX094Q_MglKqe73LhzgC-b3KbzA_bFh0za1Solcsi3oxnhv1KttOcysLtNUpxSif1mWkBHQI1p8UlHkM2Rlzwx1IBxSkKNJm7Db/s1600-h/julie+and+jan+creek.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7AN5Nld1BffUkJiA5L71ZOn5BRjwX1qcn9HfJ-S5xRX094Q_MglKqe73LhzgC-b3KbzA_bFh0za1Solcsi3oxnhv1KttOcysLtNUpxSif1mWkBHQI1p8UlHkM2Rlzwx1IBxSkKNJm7Db/s320/julie+and+jan+creek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205904126145425378" border="0" /></a>Garrapata is a hard to beat hike. It has everything forest, wildflowers and coastal views. I knew it was a strenuous hike but Jan assured Paula she could do it. It did seem that last time that the elevation went by very quickly. The coast was foggy but the sun was shining on the hills. I said, "what if it's foggy?" (having just gone on the foggy Montara hike). Jan reminded me that it had been foggy last year, but then had cleared enough for us to see the ocean.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6NK0WFKazzoEuM7we7CR8As_YNlvE_1sb79-ifjmyLK2qL2LxW1y5wTpl39NvkXR7FkXgjF6zZs30GtUVSQuT-igu4eOhRmeokbFmPlRdg91CxxK9tUbwDx2ULKpZpQfAGeF5h01uU6X/s1600-h/jan+on+hill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6NK0WFKazzoEuM7we7CR8As_YNlvE_1sb79-ifjmyLK2qL2LxW1y5wTpl39NvkXR7FkXgjF6zZs30GtUVSQuT-igu4eOhRmeokbFmPlRdg91CxxK9tUbwDx2ULKpZpQfAGeF5h01uU6X/s320/jan+on+hill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205905380275875826" border="0" /></a>I did want to go to a new place and had planned on swimming - but I agreed with Jan to be flexible and because I love this hike as well. We arrived and I encouraged everyone to bring windbreakers and warm clothes, because it had been foggy and cold on top last year.<br /><br />We started off on the hike at 11:00 a.m. The sun was already coming out along the path that winds along the side of the mountain. Then you are plunged down into the cool lush redwood forests. Lots of ferns grow beside the creek. It is so pleasant in the shade. I wet my sarong and realized that because I had been planning on swimming I had two more sarongs which I gave to Paula and Jan to use. There is nothing like a sarong to keep the heat off - especially when dipped in an icy spring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3cFMG6lLyg6xgxbrGTR64mgUQ-Axje0p99Gzn2AuinAZCIrfJp0KE1sUPntd0h28jwHbK1GkV3GeiOyHds-rHrQMD01I9XXvjQ44pry8DLF5DYYKQnsWPMzOIFZb1nNf_PIZiCYHMonH/s1600-h/paula+on+hill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3cFMG6lLyg6xgxbrGTR64mgUQ-Axje0p99Gzn2AuinAZCIrfJp0KE1sUPntd0h28jwHbK1GkV3GeiOyHds-rHrQMD01I9XXvjQ44pry8DLF5DYYKQnsWPMzOIFZb1nNf_PIZiCYHMonH/s320/paula+on+hill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205905895671951362" border="0" /></a>I remembered that there was stairs and then the elevation truly began. We kept winding up and down and Paula would ask, "Is that the elevation?" and I would say "no, that hasn't quite started yet". We would think we were to that point and then it would level out. I said once the elevation starts it just keeps going almost straight up.<br /><br />We finally came to the stairs in question. They did go straight up into the heat. An old Chinese woman was coming down the stairs. She said "you are getting a really late start, it's too hot to be climbing up now." I assured her we had done the hike before and knew what we were getting into. I looked at my watch and realized that it was high noon. The fog had completely burnt off and it was indeed hot out there.<br /><br /><br />According to the guide book (consulted after the fact) this trail gains 1,000 feet in less than a mile. In other words it is really steep. And it was really hot. And we were moving really slowly. This seemed a completely different hike from the year before. The elevation kept going and going and going. We would reach the top of the hill, only to see another hill behind. We'd reach that thinking we were finally at the top and then see another huge climb. Even with the sarongs it was hot. We ended up using water to wet the sarongs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8o7vkQNHkRRU-N5bh2gnwa7S0VQPtWTeAG4IuDOvUg_mZ_3h90KsEn9qJmJZUts_9veRPWLCf1XjB7iowMwkAm-ouD46Px92BjtQLTJ0kVkDpdeQOvE2nJMip5MkaHyFnM3hyiUXkgjBn/s1600-h/group.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8o7vkQNHkRRU-N5bh2gnwa7S0VQPtWTeAG4IuDOvUg_mZ_3h90KsEn9qJmJZUts_9veRPWLCf1XjB7iowMwkAm-ouD46Px92BjtQLTJ0kVkDpdeQOvE2nJMip5MkaHyFnM3hyiUXkgjBn/s320/group.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205906797615083538" border="0" /></a>I had brought two water bottles rather than my usual three and we shared water on the whole trip. The intense heat took it out of everyone, especially Paula who hasn't been hiking lately. I was worried that she would have heat stroke. We were exposed with no shade and just lots of elevation to look forward to. I thought we would never make it to the top. I was so glad Bill hadn't come on this hike. He really hates hot, exposed hikes.<br /><br /><br />The trail was extremely slippery and I was sorry that I didn't have sticks for Paula and Jan. I would have had a real struggle without mine. As we were scrambling up the trail, a hiker coming down informed me that as of the day before the trail had been downgraded from trail to "goat path." It was an accurate description. I started bleating and waited to tell Jan and Paula the good news. Paula was not amused. This hike was not what she had signed up for at all. We had gone from "a little bit of elevation that will be over quickly" to the "hot hike from hell."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1B4996gAOS2x_AzGExxRzogIBmhZgCdmyLCy1I9dkYnfaKRHnDXOxp6_MpmuMuYOXx3Iqtif0gABTXAb-MurqHkbT3YraFHIKVaIkYdEfQrM0ZnHn0S3cuK8FGTkTWk8m_Xd5DZP_5k_h/s1600-h/julie+and+book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1B4996gAOS2x_AzGExxRzogIBmhZgCdmyLCy1I9dkYnfaKRHnDXOxp6_MpmuMuYOXx3Iqtif0gABTXAb-MurqHkbT3YraFHIKVaIkYdEfQrM0ZnHn0S3cuK8FGTkTWk8m_Xd5DZP_5k_h/s320/julie+and+book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205907506284687394" border="0" /></a>When I was looking at hiking books later - I noticed one said, "strenuous. For Serious Hikers only." We earned the name on this hike.<br /><br />Finally we reached the top and ironically we were looking at a sea of clouds. No ocean views. There were rock outcroppings, but no shade, so we decided to postpone lunch and wait until we were at a cooler elevation. Now we began the descent down. This also was not how we remembered it. A very steep grade with an equally eroded path. We finally found an overlook and had lunch. It was a little cooler.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU4YvN9a4gWDNsj3ZWRR_EAhscPw2xyionuNhxo4W6nh8yMg8EMFSwLrF7QkR81x4ZI5EvDG4rDh39TpcAlSfX9bYlnlmE2sl11Epkp8OXrtm6irE_65bokMQzbwPHMKZAJHr5GtxD_ET/s1600-h/resting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU4YvN9a4gWDNsj3ZWRR_EAhscPw2xyionuNhxo4W6nh8yMg8EMFSwLrF7QkR81x4ZI5EvDG4rDh39TpcAlSfX9bYlnlmE2sl11Epkp8OXrtm6irE_65bokMQzbwPHMKZAJHr5GtxD_ET/s320/resting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205908000205926450" border="0" /></a><br />Paula found a spot to lay in the dried grass until I mentioned ticks. We decided to start down. We were racing for the fog below which looked so inviting and cool. I kept expecting to come to the bench that we had stopped at last time, but we never did. Jan and I wondered if this was a different trail. Certainly different from our memories.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-rF5EHVmgQiVXlgCs1hOH3Lo4h9UHuK__4OrxEYYY0tx-6ERc_BXWJMdg-yEGAQQH1qJU9i42Ivgofsl9xuXpkcozWF-1PRExuqC44VghETX-LmpYCpNwJjKR1tTYHIkG71WkgEzAXEM/s1600-h/waterfall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-rF5EHVmgQiVXlgCs1hOH3Lo4h9UHuK__4OrxEYYY0tx-6ERc_BXWJMdg-yEGAQQH1qJU9i42Ivgofsl9xuXpkcozWF-1PRExuqC44VghETX-LmpYCpNwJjKR1tTYHIkG71WkgEzAXEM/s320/waterfall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205909185616900162" border="0" /></a>Paula's poor feet were killing her and even though it was somewhat cooler as we got down, we were getting extremely low on water. Finally we made it to other bottom and took a shortcut to the highway. I wanted to see if we could easily get down to the beach and soak our feet. My Achilles was acting up. We walked down to the edge and could see a beautiful little waterfall coming off a creek falling to a rocky beach. . I climbed up to see if we could get to the creek. Paula and Jan waited while I explored.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX4tI0nmRdCxyomN_WR16G4wt0H_rpgAYRup5I3edBCBXOAwBiOr8-T2aa9O6bu0t3LlUDNbbertzBEIbpSSegreqxNFE7XxVaARKH0Y70QgSWSxqxHJP3Eg11d1g3JqNQBC8CiT_D-Aa/s1600-h/grotto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfX4tI0nmRdCxyomN_WR16G4wt0H_rpgAYRup5I3edBCBXOAwBiOr8-T2aa9O6bu0t3LlUDNbbertzBEIbpSSegreqxNFE7XxVaARKH0Y70QgSWSxqxHJP3Eg11d1g3JqNQBC8CiT_D-Aa/s320/grotto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205915228635885650" border="0" /></a>It wasn't difficult to get down to the creek. Just a bit of rock climbing. It was a beautiful lush wading pool in a grotto with a view out of the ocean. It was easy to walk to the top of the little waterfall. Paula perched there enjoying the ocean breezes and great view. She said "this magical spot makes up for the rest of the hike. I can forgive you now". We all laughed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s0xP4DZbd0tiaw43VDuW6NvwNyIzG0oOlja7cGXf8kE3zPtrW8egXvr4yEmvgs4Dp3wvcud6Bib27lIUsIxyggbAVTRJ_eusPvW26Hvwjwv088FWcnMP6XRuU67wlOFeSgq_-lw0PyMJ/s1600-h/julie+soaking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s0xP4DZbd0tiaw43VDuW6NvwNyIzG0oOlja7cGXf8kE3zPtrW8egXvr4yEmvgs4Dp3wvcud6Bib27lIUsIxyggbAVTRJ_eusPvW26Hvwjwv088FWcnMP6XRuU67wlOFeSgq_-lw0PyMJ/s320/julie+soaking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205916040384704610" border="0" /></a>I waded across a small pool and soaked my Achilles in the cool water, reflecting on the hike. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you have completed a tough hike and are now safely cooling your heels. It is amazing how conditions such as heat and dryness can change the whole experience of the hike.<br /><br />Our last minute decision to change destinations could have serious consequences, since we weren't really prepared. Many lessons learned on this hike, and even though it was grueling, I will remember it as an adventurous well earned day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: Sticks and Sarongs for all! Listen to old women when they give advice. Better to bring more water than not enough. Consider seriously before hiking elevation in the heat of the day. To forgive is divine.</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-1190628494423176722008-05-09T12:25:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:18:02.791-08:00Montara Mountain - May 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFKJwQUztoWgcPSn3R0aa4-egqLFp73QyliwUrkcuhbTVRR9R1_pRTqtGeYPX3ZU0iGyZXEZ5GZDIGtgtUkMHzNEjPZzvqwMvdMeZm5sLGlj4obWdx7eKF2svq0VjQSQTCDKrNd20AAwf/s1600-h/summit+shot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFKJwQUztoWgcPSn3R0aa4-egqLFp73QyliwUrkcuhbTVRR9R1_pRTqtGeYPX3ZU0iGyZXEZ5GZDIGtgtUkMHzNEjPZzvqwMvdMeZm5sLGlj4obWdx7eKF2svq0VjQSQTCDKrNd20AAwf/s320/summit+shot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198470088299484738" border="0" /></a>Brooks Fall Trail - Montara Mountain<br />Ladies Lompico Book Club<br />7.5 miles<br />1,800 elevation gain<br />4 hours hiking time<br />Barbara, Tara, Toni, Priva, Julie<br />Photos by Toni<br /><br /><br />Since the Lompico Ladies Book Club was having an overnight at Montara Hostel, I couldn't resist a hike to the top of Montara Mountain since the views are so spectacular. Other members of the hiking group were going to try and join us, but in the end it was the just the five of us.<br /><br />The original plan was to hike from the Montara side, since the trailhead was less than a mile from the hostel. This is a steep fire road all the way to the top. The morning dawned extremely foggy, but the group was up for the hike - hoping it would be clear but satisfied even if it didn't.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYK2p7tO9iBjOO0NZpdhp9mor9imVp74vDRlOFjLrptcwm9A3wXBiq5bteOx6cbYMWhxluaht3MClWUxfJn1ipoidMbw9GkcJLq0Vb6tlBtxWowhC1A7xcu92-zBnPDfSkzOC6xyhVyQx/s1600-h/trail+and+fog.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYK2p7tO9iBjOO0NZpdhp9mor9imVp74vDRlOFjLrptcwm9A3wXBiq5bteOx6cbYMWhxluaht3MClWUxfJn1ipoidMbw9GkcJLq0Vb6tlBtxWowhC1A7xcu92-zBnPDfSkzOC6xyhVyQx/s320/trail+and+fog.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198473017467180674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I consulted with Barbara who had done the hike the first time with the fantastic views. We decided to repeat the Pacifica hike - because the trail would be more interesting than the fire road. Fire roads also tend to have a steeper grade since they are designed for vehicles. My Achilles were acting up so we opted for the easier option.<br /><br />On the drive from Montara to Pacifica you can see the work on the tunnel that will reroute Highway One from Devil's Slide through the mountain and onto a new bridge that is being built. It is slated for completion in 2011. Perhaps they will open up the coastline for hiking once the highway is closed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQoxzePwa31FYywgiQJoYmFer-BV-GHDzKK4BNzTZJRs5kwr8iIGb09M2Us-dPWInqdVFlQ-aQhYAoBoRrB4CVbtp0RSHrAhLYR7buRm8p2YYxcz-2pf2rbJTCRD8vsoSIsBDB-N2_QY7/s1600-h/group+shot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQoxzePwa31FYywgiQJoYmFer-BV-GHDzKK4BNzTZJRs5kwr8iIGb09M2Us-dPWInqdVFlQ-aQhYAoBoRrB4CVbtp0RSHrAhLYR7buRm8p2YYxcz-2pf2rbJTCRD8vsoSIsBDB-N2_QY7/s320/group+shot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198471303775229538" border="0" /></a>We easily found San Pedro park and loaded up for the hike. We started up the trail in the fog. I missed the views of Pacifica and the whole bay area behind the fog - but Tara, Priva and Toni focused on the beauty of the wildflowers along the trail.<br /><br />I like the fog and it was nice and cool as we wound our way up the mountain side. I came to appreciate having the whole cityscape obscured and focusing on the immediate natural surroundings.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSryjUtX7KBu1ehYKvnpOCeUVbyVXbaDsSz6HTm5oAPb1GsUuUdhdHUWuwsLrToaK-7ArGGeSZQZaJXPMms2eDe2wmGmjZTeRkwcQAu0VwmWieMVNY8fi00zVAF66nR9G4-K8sc6ssfmLi/s1600-h/barbara.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSryjUtX7KBu1ehYKvnpOCeUVbyVXbaDsSz6HTm5oAPb1GsUuUdhdHUWuwsLrToaK-7ArGGeSZQZaJXPMms2eDe2wmGmjZTeRkwcQAu0VwmWieMVNY8fi00zVAF66nR9G4-K8sc6ssfmLi/s320/barbara.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198472325977446002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We took a break at Barbara's bench along the way where Toni got this great shot of "our" Barbara.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7qs4boaLTxHreHVJhydjdLk7aevzHZg1p-wi2JWBIVn7DX8bGkQRyTAVPCuW2U5nQ3E2OPUvDF5kSbwa9h3IiPA3pmoIzFPg2YXGBH0CaRn6cW0j7JEQBCFlQcO3fRhy8u2_XsrKWFWo/s1600-h/blue+flowers.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7qs4boaLTxHreHVJhydjdLk7aevzHZg1p-wi2JWBIVn7DX8bGkQRyTAVPCuW2U5nQ3E2OPUvDF5kSbwa9h3IiPA3pmoIzFPg2YXGBH0CaRn6cW0j7JEQBCFlQcO3fRhy8u2_XsrKWFWo/s320/blue+flowers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198470612285494866" border="0" /></a>The wildflowers were definitely in bloom. Especially noticeable was a bush with blue flowers which smelled like Ajax cleanser. Trees surrounded us on the rutted path suffering badly from erosion. We stopped at another viewpoint and peered into the fog. The trail continued up to meet the fire road and we had entered Sam McNee park.<br /><br /><br />This portion of the hike was steeper and slippery. The sun came out - not to burn off the fog, but to heat up our climb to the top. Tara had gone ahead and soon we could see the satellite equipment at the top of the mountain. Some cyclists who had ridden past us were resting at the top and took our picture. We looked for the container holding the summit notes, but it wasn't there this time. Perhaps someone tossed it off the mountain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkmfD-x6y6k50uoMPA5ShvxaC8AbEgBTMd8-fqmzlVkIAGSVPq6Jp_9RabJMX5qZo_2B4-2rj0qNYG4EdXW-eI7MVCGwRKYT-I-u5I7sisr6HjnrSXSHqQzvljB3n83VLW3Fgk2R5Zg_-/s1600-h/toni+in+fog.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkmfD-x6y6k50uoMPA5ShvxaC8AbEgBTMd8-fqmzlVkIAGSVPq6Jp_9RabJMX5qZo_2B4-2rj0qNYG4EdXW-eI7MVCGwRKYT-I-u5I7sisr6HjnrSXSHqQzvljB3n83VLW3Fgk2R5Zg_-/s320/toni+in+fog.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198473571517961874" border="0" /></a>We lunched in the spot on the side of the hill with just enough room for us all to squeeze in. After lunch we headed back down the mountain. The fog rolled in even thicker than before. Toni cme down the hill all bundled up with one glove on. We returned down the fire road to our trail, but on the way back took the trail to Brooks Falls, even though we knew the falls wouldn't be running.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D-TZxrNaZ-68aUoZmEebI0TSBm63uUP0TmWTVkERHr0AhW9x8mdN8F8bnY8O35R5Hk9iWT-Yaf0H2oWl-WegXjkqX9PA5JcCABA29p-mf_IdmEX5YnfoSHCGJf1Y_NeIQt9jqOO8bjlD/s1600-h/lush+greenery.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D-TZxrNaZ-68aUoZmEebI0TSBm63uUP0TmWTVkERHr0AhW9x8mdN8F8bnY8O35R5Hk9iWT-Yaf0H2oWl-WegXjkqX9PA5JcCABA29p-mf_IdmEX5YnfoSHCGJf1Y_NeIQt9jqOO8bjlD/s320/lush+greenery.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198474134158677666" border="0" /></a> This part of the hike was less foggy then the last time and was quite dramatic. The foliage was lush and felt like a jungle. Flowers bloomed and ferns overgrew the path.<br /><br />The opposite canyon wall was partly bare rock face and also covered with trees. I expected to see monkeys swinging through the trees at any minute. It had a wild feeling to it. We stopped at a viewing bench and could here the falls and even see a little trickling water. This area is a hidden gem. Unexpected. Lush. Open.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOFsqOHwVnKU1PyaM2HYho79C-f5lccUlTQW2yNTBJjQ4jJphMl6CwYfdgB2qm34iO74my_WB0zbTgn6Df4Q0LJfY5hQ786SMxejJ6Zqo6HhMDRvCIyTJQcyEV4WPTt91owT39JHNxdWh/s1600-h/manzanita.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOFsqOHwVnKU1PyaM2HYho79C-f5lccUlTQW2yNTBJjQ4jJphMl6CwYfdgB2qm34iO74my_WB0zbTgn6Df4Q0LJfY5hQ786SMxejJ6Zqo6HhMDRvCIyTJQcyEV4WPTt91owT39JHNxdWh/s320/manzanita.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198474567950374578" border="0" /></a>Continuing down the trail we walked through thick bushes. I small a tiny bright yellow bird flittered through the brush. We passed a dramatic grove of eucalyptus trees which were flowering. I don't think I have seen them flower before. We walked under an archway of manzanita bushes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowtmcS_LyWfjce197ErjwWy0sIV3JLmNvGpkFTdDqZBaiByHHRNFRDs728fOtR2LK7BT_nqdGQu5lz8Rq6le1pVWz0SaLch2gngLe0Sg4crfIdvH9VYWvRijlEezB-7DfFTecPwCvK-z7/s1600-h/julie+and+tara.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowtmcS_LyWfjce197ErjwWy0sIV3JLmNvGpkFTdDqZBaiByHHRNFRDs728fOtR2LK7BT_nqdGQu5lz8Rq6le1pVWz0SaLch2gngLe0Sg4crfIdvH9VYWvRijlEezB-7DfFTecPwCvK-z7/s320/julie+and+tara.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198475134886057666" border="0" /></a><br />The trail came out along a creek and looped back to the parking lot. The rest of the group headed back to Felton for a post celabratory dinner, but I was anxious to get home since I had been gone all week. It had been a most enjoyable day and a great end to our away book club weekend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyryphuegfBU9B5MT6KJCa8cMaYMeXtbCsnMsgkczvNdQuDM9f1kUpKNGRd1nJGBE3CnSvKWrL70PRS1UTpAInpQaiWmopfA0ZkRIc7KS6Q8E4xLCuQ_2A9m2_kAFpcwiHuQbSbtgdtNR-/s1600-h/toni+and+priva.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyryphuegfBU9B5MT6KJCa8cMaYMeXtbCsnMsgkczvNdQuDM9f1kUpKNGRd1nJGBE3CnSvKWrL70PRS1UTpAInpQaiWmopfA0ZkRIc7KS6Q8E4xLCuQ_2A9m2_kAFpcwiHuQbSbtgdtNR-/s320/toni+and+priva.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198475572972721874" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lessons Learned: If you don't know what you are missing - you won't miss it. When you are in a fog, appreciate what's closest to you. Take Advil before hiking.</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-73089018202090536122008-03-11T12:19:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:18:03.654-08:00Andrew Molera - Big sur Coast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2B2RNpfx2x72kaIWU_ul5a91XZtAZBuK9Wglq_wyw_PaqCkYSwgwe5OY5RxgRmFyTKOTaIQuzuJu795CVugIIm1fw1dVOGCWqfPMm4faTEE36Wka0yAPBJBXoqp4bkLhHPKOmD6gyV-e/s1600-h/wave.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2B2RNpfx2x72kaIWU_ul5a91XZtAZBuK9Wglq_wyw_PaqCkYSwgwe5OY5RxgRmFyTKOTaIQuzuJu795CVugIIm1fw1dVOGCWqfPMm4faTEE36Wka0yAPBJBXoqp4bkLhHPKOmD6gyV-e/s320/wave.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176573740837416578" border="0" /></a>Hidden - Ridge- Panoramic - Bluff Loop<br />8 miles<br />1,100 elevation gain<br />Hiking time: 4 hours<br />Bill and Julie<br /><br /><br /><br />I really wanted to do a Big Sur hike. Bill agreed to go to Andrew Molera to our favorite beach. We usually take the beach and then bluff trail which is six miles. I convinced Bill to do the loop hike the Tara, Paul and I had done back in 2006.<br /><br />This hike has everything - meadow, forest, ridge, mountains, ocean and great panoramas. I thought Bill would like the route because part of it was through the forest and he doesn't like dry, exposed hikes. We got to the trail head at 11:30 after picking up sandwiches in Carmel Valley.<br /><br />I asked the guy at the entrance if the bridges over the river were up and he said "No, and the water is above knee level." I decided to change into my shorts. I didn't bring my tevas so I walked barefooted to the river which is very close to the parking lot.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQQr-y9em9suJ7ZH8jScP3wT3dQnT-d7ejhqiAtH-4_jJNNgLdSmbVDQB0STMT2zASqtE94_zYghrn0IsWQemdu2XMQ2KST_8U1sjLkGKMELJC5C5uK78YUt9NyYQ1058mnmAp1ceHtBq/s1600-h/bill+crossing+creek.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQQr-y9em9suJ7ZH8jScP3wT3dQnT-d7ejhqiAtH-4_jJNNgLdSmbVDQB0STMT2zASqtE94_zYghrn0IsWQemdu2XMQ2KST_8U1sjLkGKMELJC5C5uK78YUt9NyYQ1058mnmAp1ceHtBq/s320/bill+crossing+creek.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176574277708328610" border="0" /></a>The water was cold - I mean refreshing - and in my case went mid thigh deep. I was really glad to have my stick for extra balance and to act as a "third leg". I put on my hiking boots on the far side and we were off. We started on the river tail that parallels the river and the highway.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Everywhere it was lush and green. The wildflowers were already out in force. We saw purple iris, Indian paintbrush and lots of poppies. The lupine wasn't out yet. There was a white flower that I couldn't identify that was everywhere. This is a pleasant trail through twisted coastal oaks. Eventually you come to the Hidden Trail which is steep .9 trail up to the ridge.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai6_r7mYTcedZmKdfUQUVAP1zb44KcerNB_0DpvVN_oPVroFz5P_7gnWxSM_bOl41mes7MC0NzmeDU6xe-BcCSi7q_ExVs6RpOLMhFdwF4X1u9bpQ0EEmCX_M6oE4lWbzFOut0699HVEn/s1600-h/flowers.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai6_r7mYTcedZmKdfUQUVAP1zb44KcerNB_0DpvVN_oPVroFz5P_7gnWxSM_bOl41mes7MC0NzmeDU6xe-BcCSi7q_ExVs6RpOLMhFdwF4X1u9bpQ0EEmCX_M6oE4lWbzFOut0699HVEn/s320/flowers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176574621305712306" border="0" /></a>The ridge trail gives you a great view of the Santa Lucia mountains and particularly of Pico Blanco. At one point the ridge opens up and you have mountains to the left and ocean to the right. We kept hearing gunshots from the mountains on the other side and hoped they weren't aiming for us.<br /><br /><br /><br />The ridge trail turned into forest with more oak trees eventually giving way to a redwood grove. One of the things that I like about Andrew Molera is the variety of trees from birch, oak, redwood to evergreens. Butterflies were also out and fluttered around the trail. We reached the top of the ridge and there is a bench and a grand vista of the Point Sur peninsula.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPvgS6vMeylbEVY6EoPKubEWHQQ0WTLu36zElE8nmvStiejTThL-Q11iZxre-C9tSySKUlijO00Z93zCcWRjdY060dYpwwvJSWyN_NYLZ4xMHpPYLStQnmQTQJAN_567SbLw-_Oxp9Wm-/s1600-h/bill+stong+man.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPvgS6vMeylbEVY6EoPKubEWHQQ0WTLu36zElE8nmvStiejTThL-Q11iZxre-C9tSySKUlijO00Z93zCcWRjdY060dYpwwvJSWyN_NYLZ4xMHpPYLStQnmQTQJAN_567SbLw-_Oxp9Wm-/s320/bill+stong+man.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176587836920082114" border="0" /></a>We took a break to eat our sandwiches and enjoyed the hard earned view. We headed down the Panoramic trail. This intersects with the beach - but is deceptive in that you can see the beach - but there are many curves and switchbacks before you get to the trail junction. There were two guys coming up the trail as we headed down, but otherwise the beach was deserted.<br /><br /><br /><br />It is was much smaller than it has been in the past with big waves breaking close to the shore. The point we usually get around was inaccessible. I soaked my ankles in a little stream running down to the ocean. We hung out the beach for an hour and a half, napping, reading War and Peace (yes, I carried that sucker all the way down) and playing in the water. Bill was mesmerized by the waves and eventually went down the beach exploring a bit. It was an absolutely gorgeous Big Sur kinda day. We could have gladly stayed longer at the beach, but at 3:45 we decided to head back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTl80PerTbdZVCqLjWcPcjvpyvf3VWAFMlljyc2E1LpnCXcMje1P2yzTpv7A6_GLtevbl_U2tyXgMFGN7VJwlRi7vtfqqTK_N_q76Hh8qFHd1iRKkziTiYsaa3J4ksYEYcwtWq4B4S73h/s1600-h/bill+at+beach.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTl80PerTbdZVCqLjWcPcjvpyvf3VWAFMlljyc2E1LpnCXcMje1P2yzTpv7A6_GLtevbl_U2tyXgMFGN7VJwlRi7vtfqqTK_N_q76Hh8qFHd1iRKkziTiYsaa3J4ksYEYcwtWq4B4S73h/s320/bill+at+beach.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176588176222498514" border="0" /></a><br />It was the first day of daylight savings and so we had gained an hour of sunlight, but still had the drive home before us. The hike out on the bluffs trail was pure bliss. Birds singing, flowers, the ocean glowing. Perfect temperature. All that a hike should be. Good for the heart. Good for the soul. Good for the mind. Good for the body.<br /><br />We moved at a good pace and it took a little less than an hour to get back to the river crossing. We cut across Creamery Meadows. A group was crossing the stream when we got there who had stripped down to their underwear which was entertaining. The water felt great on my legs and feet. We relaxed at the car for a bit and prepared for a beautiful drive home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVcZ8KFfnTGdBdQPWUFBtbeu2nR37c3qMqDbdp619XLKu0wqLmtSHW_MKrwxj-A5X53eVB99XRMR6bgK7Ii_KkbUU9AehctMZTR21rtg2s7wNzlTG3nATwJSafT-ACwiJLV2dnEitD8YK/s1600-h/julie+rocky+point.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVcZ8KFfnTGdBdQPWUFBtbeu2nR37c3qMqDbdp619XLKu0wqLmtSHW_MKrwxj-A5X53eVB99XRMR6bgK7Ii_KkbUU9AehctMZTR21rtg2s7wNzlTG3nATwJSafT-ACwiJLV2dnEitD8YK/s320/julie+rocky+point.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176588691618574050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We stopped at Rocky Point for our post celebratory hike drinks - a ritual of which Bill strongly approved. The view from the deck was amazing with Bixby Bridge in the background. It was definitely a day to remember and just what we both needed.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: Bring a stick when crossing a river. A day in Big Sur in spring can cure all.</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-37888783300963394512008-03-10T12:51:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:18:04.703-08:00Whiskeytown Falls - Redding CA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMJFSV42gPqpOFaPPfB0Np-XW0_JJnpeT3gu5W4vaX_OPdUBJwlFnE3IL-cz15bGALpLTEcLP0E9HuGYbkFyft8KKtN1PIOfPytNZN1bh-kksqqJScV-57PJ6jphyphenhyphenc_P-f8EyU_fi2MV2/s1600-h/The+Upper+falls.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMJFSV42gPqpOFaPPfB0Np-XW0_JJnpeT3gu5W4vaX_OPdUBJwlFnE3IL-cz15bGALpLTEcLP0E9HuGYbkFyft8KKtN1PIOfPytNZN1bh-kksqqJScV-57PJ6jphyphenhyphenc_P-f8EyU_fi2MV2/s320/The+Upper+falls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179170679928041202" border="0" /></a><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >Whiskeytown</span></st1:placename><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" > <st1:placetype st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></span></st1:place><o:p></o:p><br />3.6 miles<o:p></o:p><br />Unknown elevation<o:p></o:p><br />Hiking time: 1.5 hours <o:p></o:p><br />Driving time: 1 hour<o:p></o:p><br />Hikers: Nick and Julie<br />Drivers: Sue and Ed<span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br /><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >While up in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redding</st1:place></st1:city>, my 19 year old nephew Nick and I<o:p></o:p> decided to hike up to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Whiskeytown</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>My dad was<o:p></o:p> going to look for mushrooms at the trailhead and mom<o:p></o:p> decided to come along.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p>I </o:p>had done this hike last year to the waterfalls and I<o:p></o:p> remembered that time I was alone and pushing to get<o:p></o:p> there and back for dark.<span style=""> </span>I knew we had gone up<o:p></o:p> a windy dirt road to get to the trailhead and I<o:p></o:p> wondered if there would be snow on the road<o:p></o:p> since the mountains around <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Redding</st1:city></st1:place> were snow covered.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzMIZ1OyOndXUEUOt4ERYWFpMxINBOMri0P9uGmINZixHKqeTJdHr2EqFjJ1UtcrioeX7xfW3Z-y9Ox41lUpXL634ejoB-mzy-03GqhqMCEOXw-ZqZ0ICR813RKm949fdfHmrTQ_c2qg2/s1600-h/Driver's+Nana+and+Grandpa.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzMIZ1OyOndXUEUOt4ERYWFpMxINBOMri0P9uGmINZixHKqeTJdHr2EqFjJ1UtcrioeX7xfW3Z-y9Ox41lUpXL634ejoB-mzy-03GqhqMCEOXw-ZqZ0ICR813RKm949fdfHmrTQ_c2qg2/s320/Driver's+Nana+and+Grandpa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179170894676406018" border="0" /></a> <o:p></o:p>Mom was our trusty driver and we loaded into the car,<o:p></o:p> getting a little later start than we anticipated.<span style=""> </span>We<o:p></o:p> stopped and looked at the boat ramp above Keswick Dam.<o:p></o:p><br />When we got to Whiskeytown I went in and talked to<o:p></o:p> the rangers.<span style=""> </span>I asked how long the hike was and they<o:p></o:p> said 3 hours.<span style=""> </span>3 hours!!!! I knew it hadn't taken me<o:p></o:p> that long.<span style=""> </span>I asked if the road up was open and they<o:p></o:p> said no problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>We got back in the car and headed towards Brandy<o:p></o:p> Creek.<span style=""> </span>When I looked at the map and trail<o:p></o:p> instructions I realized that they had us starting at a<o:p></o:p> point on the opposite side of the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>Mom was doubtful that we knew where we were going since it didn’t match the directions on the map. <span style=""> </span>Between Dad and I we directed her to a narrow dirt road above <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Brandy</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Creek</st1:placename></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>It was 2 ½ miles to where the road was closed and we hoped that was also the trail head.<span style=""> </span>Mom isn’t used to driving on these kinds of roads.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeUI0e7njQybp0VozdJtjOb71erJ6HsFMRpcFYMa6gGfn_rudCSPtISDA2eE9Pcqcm-Bz91Q8FWU8u9-w_Uqp3TTN4l_KiPNIB0E4hIIR5MQy7JeM9A9Voz6LFyc8k9N5J6L5jDXXjxGg/s1600-h/the+trail+into+the+woods.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeUI0e7njQybp0VozdJtjOb71erJ6HsFMRpcFYMa6gGfn_rudCSPtISDA2eE9Pcqcm-Bz91Q8FWU8u9-w_Uqp3TTN4l_KiPNIB0E4hIIR5MQy7JeM9A9Voz6LFyc8k9N5J6L5jDXXjxGg/s320/the+trail+into+the+woods.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179173548966194978" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p>The further it went the worse the road got.<span style=""> </span>It didn’t help that dad was a front street driver – calling out suggestions such as “to the right, go to the right – watch out for that puddle, speed up, slow down – watch out for the edge!!!!”<span style=""> </span>I gave words of encouragement from the back seat “It’s okay mom, you’re doing fine…”<span style=""> </span>Nick just took it all in and clutched the side of the door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>Finally we made it to the trailhead.<span style=""> </span>It was now 3:00 p.m. and once again we would be pushing sun set on the hike.<span style=""> </span>Mom and Dad were going to stay close to the car and go down to the creek looking for mushrooms.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>Nick and agreed that we would turn around at 4:00 p.m. regardless of how far we had gotten. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8gcFT391aZILf6Ky3c21jGxUC2ptSzMvUHACYQAhcl_pv9UUeVfnnOYM26o6HZfYNHHoeOMETll4QG3nEg5-Apg8uTdWBiagcJt1Nf8PEDUumQ7shiIGb4jlaVCQYBiD9a7MidRr5NZY/s1600-h/Julie+admires+the+view.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8gcFT391aZILf6Ky3c21jGxUC2ptSzMvUHACYQAhcl_pv9UUeVfnnOYM26o6HZfYNHHoeOMETll4QG3nEg5-Apg8uTdWBiagcJt1Nf8PEDUumQ7shiIGb4jlaVCQYBiD9a7MidRr5NZY/s320/Julie+admires+the+view.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179171401482546962" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p>We started up the trail.<span style=""> </span>It’s all uphill with a gradual grade through a forested trail. We came to the first bridge and there was a giant snow bank on the far side.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>The road narrowed and we crossed several creeks.<span style=""> </span>Part of the trail was covered in snow.<span style=""> </span>Both Nick and I were wearing tennis shoes, not hiking boots.<span style=""> </span>We passed two girls who were having trouble with a stream crossing.<span style=""> </span>Then an older couple was coming down the trail with their dog.<span style=""> </span>They warned us that the creek was full, the falls rushing and the rocks slippery.<span style=""> </span>There is a bench at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Lower</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></st1:place>, but being on a tight schedule we headed right up to the falls.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRDBK8bxIiCc1_UT55MdjjWcHREUaiY5JIOBkjBd2kSkskr9T9x_Gr0fKrhRP_IBO5386mrg-dDJU4Y0ZZt-lxojB9ICJAg8nhi29J7wkaOSm8JELvd3HOPEnuECsZXSWMo2coNuU2jQX/s1600-h/Nick+at+falls.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRDBK8bxIiCc1_UT55MdjjWcHREUaiY5JIOBkjBd2kSkskr9T9x_Gr0fKrhRP_IBO5386mrg-dDJU4Y0ZZt-lxojB9ICJAg8nhi29J7wkaOSm8JELvd3HOPEnuECsZXSWMo2coNuU2jQX/s320/Nick+at+falls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176219333021052530" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >They were indeed gushing.<span style=""> </span>There are iron railings built in some of the trickier areas.<span style=""> </span>We crossed a board bridge to the other side and then climber up to where we could see the top of the falls.<span style=""> </span>There was one more river crossing – but it looked to tricky to risk.<span style=""> </span>We enjoyed the view then headed back down.<span style=""> </span>I was climbing down a rock, but didn’t realize a stream was running down the rock and I got my butt very wet.<span style=""> </span>It was cold for the rest of the hike down.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>We stopped at the board bridge at the bottom and I briefly soaked my Achilles in the ice cold water. It felt great.<span style=""> </span>We headed back down the trail and made it out in record time.<span style=""> </span>Dad had moved the car and was sitting in the driver seat.<span style=""> </span>He drove us out – very uneventfully.<span style=""> </span>No front seat driving comments for were directed at him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p>It was quite an adventurous little drive/hike and Nick was a great sport about it all.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: Front seat driving suggestions are not always helpful. Keep your butt dry.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-77987344810064549192008-01-23T12:47:00.000-08:002008-12-10T23:18:04.972-08:00Fall Creek - Henry Cowell State Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cxfRG9ejgRNhJPt0ZyaWSat2hY7CJB39cH9I4qZ1xL3BCVxFvjOTWquIGwvLjGqhmPVyjeMicdr2U6QfzPR09O7luj9hPPTgvPIMoA9Q8Az0non25O2JA4KtDhOhc6nXYBkEnhIOnbvA/s1600-h/Bill+and+julie+-+fall+creek.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cxfRG9ejgRNhJPt0ZyaWSat2hY7CJB39cH9I4qZ1xL3BCVxFvjOTWquIGwvLjGqhmPVyjeMicdr2U6QfzPR09O7luj9hPPTgvPIMoA9Q8Az0non25O2JA4KtDhOhc6nXYBkEnhIOnbvA/s320/Bill+and+julie+-+fall+creek.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158779373763899426" border="0" /></a>1/20/08<br />Anniversary Stroll<br />Fall Creek<br />To the Limekilns and back<br />2.4 miles<br />Hiking time: 1 hour<br />Julie and Bill<br /><br /><br /><br />Bill suggested we hike Fall Creek for our anniversary. He loves it because it's so close. What's not to love about a place so beautiful and only 15 minutes away?<br /><br />We thought we would go early - first thing in the morning - but what with this and that we didn't get there until almost 11:00 a.m. The parking lot already had lots of cars, surprising for a rainy Sunday morning, I thought.<br /><br />Bill wanted to head straight for the Limekilns. He doesn't like the Barrel Mill Loop. We were curious to see how high the creek would be after the storm - but it was flowing as usual. It would have been fun to see it during the big storm - but judging from all the debris on the trail - it probably wouldn't have been safe to be there.<br /><br />At the bridge we forked to the left. Coming down the trail you don't notice the grade - but coming this way it's all uphill. It smelt fresh from the rain and all the branches on the trail. We saw a few people on the main trail - but then didn't see anyone the rest of the hike. At the Lime Kilns we took a few pictures with Bill's camera (none of which came out) and then headed back to the car.<br /><br />It was a great way to spend our five year anniversary - quality time in the redwoods, sharing what we love.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: Bill's infamous saying works for hikes too: "Short visits make long friends."</span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-15109526722691393582008-01-16T16:51:00.000-08:002008-12-10T23:18:06.844-08:00Gazos Creek – Ano Nuevo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDWc-n9Pfnq2-o1ItIBYPeb5_0WDay6alVAD0K52adOWBTKEvprbuqRlAeLjfisxynCmFsfT5Jp9_DTcuiNmPqc9Dnai-Z74UFqITtjk8qGCefRLahdLJgsRWtDpJ_qBgxj5ZomedbqHG/s1600-h/group+shot+franklin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDWc-n9Pfnq2-o1ItIBYPeb5_0WDay6alVAD0K52adOWBTKEvprbuqRlAeLjfisxynCmFsfT5Jp9_DTcuiNmPqc9Dnai-Z74UFqITtjk8qGCefRLahdLJgsRWtDpJ_qBgxj5ZomedbqHG/s320/group+shot+franklin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156250030579719442" border="0" /></a>January 13, 2008<br />8 miles<br />Elevation Gain: minimal<br />Hiking time: 4 hours<br /><br />Josephine, Teresa, Graciela, Tim, Frank and Julie<br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This was our first hike of 2008 and what a great way to start the New Year!<span style=""> </span>This was a bush-whacking, wave running, seal stepping, cart wheeling, rock clinging, frolicking good time.<span style=""> </span>Add in a little adrenaline, a sense of adventure, lots of laughter, sea foam, big waves, a gorgeous clear day and you have our hike.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We met at 10:00 at our usual meeting spot.<span style=""> </span>It was a bit of a rough morning for a few folks:<span style=""> </span>Jan and Paula were sick, Mary was called into work on an emergency, Josephine’s back was hurting and Teresa could have used a little more time to get it all together.<span style=""> </span>Still the fearless crew gathered: Jo, Teresa, Graciela, Tim, Frank and Julie.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We loaded into three cars and headed for Gazos Creek.<span style=""> </span>As we were driving Highway One – a huge hawk swooped in front of my windshield.<span style=""> </span>I saw him coming, but the oncoming car heading in the other direction had to hit their brakes.<span style=""> </span>Luckily both the car and the hawk seemed to be okay.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got to the parking lot and prepared for the hike.<span style=""> </span>I knew there was a creek crossing early on – so I decided not to put my hiking books on until afterwards.<span style=""> </span>Tim and Graciela arrived a little late because they had stopped in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davenport</st1:place></st1:city> for coffee.<span style=""> </span>Graciela bought a loaf of fresh Challah – which she shared and which was absolutely delicious.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We started down the beach.<span style=""> </span>The creek crossing was not too deep.<span style=""> </span>Because Teresa had already put her boots on – I crossed over – dropped my boots, backpack and daypack on the far side – then returned and pulled a St. Christopher and ferried Teresa across piggy back.<span style=""> </span>When we got to the other side we were talking and suddenly a rogue wave came up over the banks of the creek.<span style=""> </span>I grabbed for all of my stuff – foremost the daypack which had my cell phone and car keys.<span style=""> </span>My hiking boots, water bottle and day pack all got wet, but luckily I didn’t lose anything.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxrn94NsUccYazMRIMIKkUw7ODI64CIGdy4raIvQQRsnIcUQDgSlldjfNo6eK34w7S0OUKyjawsjRpBU63pYKuBL8kz8QKpSqBHiYkeBl9WMziVgzjpfLZtDVIVtcwwD8_Z-NLMCRWn1X/s1600-h/graciela.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxrn94NsUccYazMRIMIKkUw7ODI64CIGdy4raIvQQRsnIcUQDgSlldjfNo6eK34w7S0OUKyjawsjRpBU63pYKuBL8kz8QKpSqBHiYkeBl9WMziVgzjpfLZtDVIVtcwwD8_Z-NLMCRWn1X/s320/graciela.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156242321113422994" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">We put on our boots and walked down the beach.<span style=""> </span>Graciela was feeling particularly playful.<span style=""> </span>She would run ahead and find long whips of sea weed which she would twirl around with until she cast them into the sea like a giant algae discuss.<span style=""> </span>Nature brings out her playful side and she was in rare form this day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got to the end of the beach and needed to head for the dunes.<span style=""> </span>Tim, Jo, Graciela and I had done the hike before – so we knew this first section included a bit of bushwhacking until you found the trail.<span style=""> </span>Each time we end up going a different way.<span style=""><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvGZsVg7N1VBbwbaJl0QsA7MIVGmbvRK8EsNRRw4fLYBY8M9RtUjd0mw8LQqFMMrS8S1MEX5JlJGaljZB9_xcL9Z6jSL3hyphenhyphenm-wrdlGxfwR3tsKE_ypnQZc8FeiY7ODHt3caWY7fZKI2zN/s1600-h/weeds.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvGZsVg7N1VBbwbaJl0QsA7MIVGmbvRK8EsNRRw4fLYBY8M9RtUjd0mw8LQqFMMrS8S1MEX5JlJGaljZB9_xcL9Z6jSL3hyphenhyphenm-wrdlGxfwR3tsKE_ypnQZc8FeiY7ODHt3caWY7fZKI2zN/s320/weeds.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156243201581718690" border="0" /></a>This time because of the recent rain – the grasses were high and the bushes prickly.<span style=""> </span>We wove our way along through, up, down and over the bluffs heading in the general direction of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Franklin</st1:place></st1:city> point.<span style=""> </span>We never quite found the trail but were looking for the white poles indicating where it began.<span style=""> </span>We didn’t find them.<span style=""> </span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Everyone was getting poked by the bushes.<span style=""> </span>I felt like I was stung by a Stinging Nettle.<span style=""> </span>When the weeds became almost shoulder high, Teresa said, “Let’s just turn around now and head to the Road House for a drink.”<span style=""> </span>I explained that we were almost to the trail.<span style=""> </span>She said, “Oh, you mean there is an actual <i style="">POINT</i> to this hike?”<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>I chuckled about that for the rest of the day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l2OQJRUCWnKEWHNop0B5Y3RzxIgnXD6N7rx2XEo75rPlMDNEWhCZd68lC2he0zIKt65zoYGuiI_3Y-JUCk4Yw-OUX8NwHFKZhGP8STujCq3ydMrXaogpH7lIHl0ZOLEfv_KcMoQMV7Lu/s1600-h/group+bench.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l2OQJRUCWnKEWHNop0B5Y3RzxIgnXD6N7rx2XEo75rPlMDNEWhCZd68lC2he0zIKt65zoYGuiI_3Y-JUCk4Yw-OUX8NwHFKZhGP8STujCq3ydMrXaogpH7lIHl0ZOLEfv_KcMoQMV7Lu/s320/group+bench.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156244511546744002" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">We pushed our way through the brush and found a giant bench which we had never seen before.<span style=""> </span>We realized that we had overshot <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Franklin</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Point</st1:placename></st1:place> and decided to just catch it on the way back.<span style=""> </span>We took a quick break.<span style=""> </span>The weeds gave way to sand and soon we stumbled upon the real trail.<span style=""> </span>We could see our lunch spot – two cypress trees in the distance. The trail was clearly established and followed the edge of the cliffs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The waves were huge that day.<span style=""> </span>The surf competition at Maverick had taken place the day before.<span style=""> </span>We almost had a lunch at a cliff with a great ocean view – but decided it was too windy so we decided to push on.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We crossed the beach where the elephant seal had been the year before.<span style=""> </span>Then headed for the trees.<span style=""> </span>There are only two tall trees left.<span style=""> </span>The rest have been blown over and are cut into pieces.<span style=""> </span>I found an orange construction helmet with ear covering to block chainsaw noise and a screen for eye protection.<span style=""> </span>Whoever was cutting the wood must have been using it.<span style=""> </span>It was in good shape, so I decided to take it home to Bill who I knew would put it to good use.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjxm0QI1SUWCFCeYIlznIuh5fPG7Xuj_r3h5jctULv8AlVYtOdIok-YOHcq05Os7i49oElwQarEdea72lIq1Dr27RKnzmgWG2R8Kua-GUKCHrUWAL_eAM5U2fI3wU6GJ5CdFY3F6ad6TH/s1600-h/coast+shot+waves.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjxm0QI1SUWCFCeYIlznIuh5fPG7Xuj_r3h5jctULv8AlVYtOdIok-YOHcq05Os7i49oElwQarEdea72lIq1Dr27RKnzmgWG2R8Kua-GUKCHrUWAL_eAM5U2fI3wU6GJ5CdFY3F6ad6TH/s320/coast+shot+waves.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156242127839894658" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">We ate our lunch sitting on a log – looking at the white reflection of the sun on the waves.<span style=""> </span>We easily found our way to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Franklin</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Point</st1:placename></st1:place> on our return trip.<span style=""> </span>From the platform you have a nice view of Pigeon Point lighthouse in the distance.<span style=""> </span>We took a break and Graciela and Tim disappeared.<span style=""> </span>The rest of us were ready to go.<span style=""> </span>I tried to find them, but couldn’t see them, though I called and called.<span style=""> </span>I headed off towards the rest of the group when they finally appeared.<span style=""> </span>Later I learned that they had some difficulty getting back up and felt bad that we had almost left them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Since we weren’t looking forward to bushwhacking between <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Franklin</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Point</st1:placename></st1:place> and the parking lot – we decided to try to make our way back via the beach.<span style=""> </span>We had barely started on the first stretch when a high wave washed in and had us all climbing up on the rocks and clinging to the sides as the water climbed closer to our heels and the beach disappeared under the wave.<span style=""> </span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The water wasn’t deep – but this happens to be one of my personal phobias – being trapped by waves in a cove – so as the water receded – Teresa and I made a beeline running around the next point.<span style=""> </span>Graciela was calling “no, no – not a good time.”<span style=""> </span>But we just wanted to get through there and on to the next section of beach.<span style=""> </span>We both raced as the waves came in – our feet got wet – but we didn’t care.<span style=""> </span>The adrenaline was coursing through our veins and we were laughing hysterically.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a nice strip of beach – but we stayed as far away from the waves as we could while we waited for everyone else to make it over the point.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1XoTwZUlVLkzBuVijiMOmPnfIPLuIcWvuOAPS9pGmj9e_iRGuVizBV4NjR8GoDwNZGdolTxpV7KOpJet60yluxmoHt8nzXK3yHMpcBflDgwNs9S6x-zD5EsBz7qo27OrNXlOwGUTW_HT/s1600-h/Teresa's+Nemesis.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1XoTwZUlVLkzBuVijiMOmPnfIPLuIcWvuOAPS9pGmj9e_iRGuVizBV4NjR8GoDwNZGdolTxpV7KOpJet60yluxmoHt8nzXK3yHMpcBflDgwNs9S6x-zD5EsBz7qo27OrNXlOwGUTW_HT/s320/Teresa's+Nemesis.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156245306115693778" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">Teresa was up in a corner and suddenly she cried out, backtracked and took a couple of running steps.<span style=""> </span>I thought she might have been stung by a bee – but actually she had almost stepped on a sand colored seal that had blended into the beach.<span style=""> </span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Teresa was trying to calm down, because she had been so startled and she was patting her heart with her hand.<span style=""> </span>Then we looked over at the seal and he was patting his chest with his flipper as if he was equally frightened.<span style=""> </span>As we watched the seal more closely it became apparent he was actually scratching his chest with his flipper.<span style=""> </span>But it had been a heart tapping moment.<span style=""> </span>We couldn’t stop laughing at how similarly the two of them had reacted. (If you double click the picture you can really see him).<br /></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6pnezNONa7lo6Yn0Itoyg0tNNQriQeYMctnA2CTAV1gk9Kc2_tyN3236i3Mvad3jtkZiLkpnPdBy99odRhhoZdfdxXmHvHR2f2CZyZ98ugQFrhjFtCSXzxDJjzxCk_761jU5fovsajHI/s1600-h/mazama!.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6pnezNONa7lo6Yn0Itoyg0tNNQriQeYMctnA2CTAV1gk9Kc2_tyN3236i3Mvad3jtkZiLkpnPdBy99odRhhoZdfdxXmHvHR2f2CZyZ98ugQFrhjFtCSXzxDJjzxCk_761jU5fovsajHI/s320/mazama!.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156246062029937890" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">We crossed another outcropping without incident and had a nice long stretch of beach, covered with sea foam.<span style=""> </span>This inspired Teresa, Josephine and I to run through the sea foam using our walking stick as spears and calling out the Bill-and-Julie war cry:<span style=""> </span>“Mazama!!!<span style=""> </span>Mazama-zama!!!!”<span style=""> </span>Why?<span style=""> </span>It just seemed like the thing to do at the time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the end of this section of beach – I had had enough wave running – so I opted for bushwhacking.<span style=""> </span>Everyone else braved the beach route.<span style=""> </span>I climbed up the bluffs and lo and behold there was a fine little path running right along the edge.<span style=""> </span>Here was the trail that we never quite found coming out. The rest of the group joined me shortly after coming to a beach route dead end.<span style=""><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFcON_AAi2nbdCZGw-a71l4usHau2jMW13ANPBqaIGhqG6RcAVLeH9mqp6K6B4K16OT0oabtTPy3_YfiL4EydYWlDdAKisUVxalTfX0sUYYub5k75c0fEfM9MLvyO_2-jMOIokKWUCZGJ/s1600-h/julie+with+helmet.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFcON_AAi2nbdCZGw-a71l4usHau2jMW13ANPBqaIGhqG6RcAVLeH9mqp6K6B4K16OT0oabtTPy3_YfiL4EydYWlDdAKisUVxalTfX0sUYYub5k75c0fEfM9MLvyO_2-jMOIokKWUCZGJ/s320/julie+with+helmet.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156248905298287858" border="0" /></a> </span>Soon we were back on Gazos Creek beach.<span style=""> </span>I took off my boots and hung them over my shoulder.<span style=""> </span>With my helmet hanging off my backpack and my boots – I looked like a forestry worker getting off shift.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I walked in the cold surf which felt great on my Achilles which unfortunately was starting to tweak a bit.<span style=""> </span>Josephine walked with me and we both got caught by another wave – which soaked me up past my knees.<span style=""> </span>When we got back to the creek I was ready to ferry Teresa across but she just went tromping through the water.<span style=""> </span>She was too wet at this point to care.<span style=""> </span>Ah, what a change in perspective a day will bring.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYYKASc6mwJp_qAYlMusBYo8b6kTn0ONdC1Sc2so1xR_53Ncr-VCigKCDwRyJDYbOLBqostABCRLcdPmW0XnlvOtrzDCUvW_kGK9H3FG-fVDCIjao5_3A9uEqqEjVH5HJaLQLXfmOSxtI/s1600-h/Carthwheel.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYYKASc6mwJp_qAYlMusBYo8b6kTn0ONdC1Sc2so1xR_53Ncr-VCigKCDwRyJDYbOLBqostABCRLcdPmW0XnlvOtrzDCUvW_kGK9H3FG-fVDCIjao5_3A9uEqqEjVH5HJaLQLXfmOSxtI/s320/Carthwheel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156249532363513090" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the parking lot I joined Teresa and Graciela in doing cartwheels.<span style=""> </span>Why?<span style=""> </span>Because we can.<span style=""> </span>(though I may have strained my toe doing it).<span style=""> </span>It was just an amazing, exciting playful day.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Frank needed to get home to the kids, Graciela and Tim headed to <st1:placename st="on">Half</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Moon</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Bay</st1:placetype>, Teresa, Jo and I headed to the Road House in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davenport</st1:place></st1:city> where Scott the bartender was indeed back from his hip surgery.<span style=""> </span>We had great Bloody Marys (though sadly still no hand made pickled green beans for garnish).<span style=""> </span>We also sampled his winter sangria which was absolutely delicious.<span style=""> </span>Another longer-than-planned adventure on the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">North</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Coast</st1:placetype></st1:place>!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Favorite Quotes from the hike:<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">“Oh, you mean there is an actual <i style="">POINT</i> to this hike?”<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Mazama!!!!<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Lessons Learned:<span style=""> </span>Watch the waves.<span style=""> </span>Don’t leave your friends behind.<span style=""> </span>Never stop playing.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-18253487578546032772007-11-05T10:38:00.000-08:002008-12-10T23:18:08.255-08:00Purisima Creek Redwoods<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEa2N1H8kJZV7BwdLRmRPvb1AVSduQaBm89fjb0lZrGCNOVtB_dJapz5HjLFT2G_TGyMCHE9L6VO4QIYOYkf-clzNsH3LGKd6LYJyP-Cimp1kYOt7OvyM_ydHNj6eXy-pd7hb15yc_SEN/s1600-h/redwoods+path.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEa2N1H8kJZV7BwdLRmRPvb1AVSduQaBm89fjb0lZrGCNOVtB_dJapz5HjLFT2G_TGyMCHE9L6VO4QIYOYkf-clzNsH3LGKd6LYJyP-Cimp1kYOt7OvyM_ydHNj6eXy-pd7hb15yc_SEN/s320/redwoods+path.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129430370150402018" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >Open Space Preserve<o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br />Harkins Ridge loop<br />October 28, 2007<o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br />7.5 miles<o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br />1,200 elevation gain<o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br />Rating: Moderate <o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br />Hiking Time: 3 1/2 hours<br /><br /><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >A cool hike along a creek with redwoods leading to<o:p></o:p> views sounded like a nice October hike. I had only<o:p></o:p> been to Purisima once before.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflFrct3lfG9rm7C3zpvzfJMNOHYvKC0YXdD2JEt7Ld_BLopji0wEY-qBfpbNDPQWn652wZuEhcpPyVcWSD09UUw3P0pQ_E71pOW0EESmqv_kZjx_jpSYSCuQj6z7Hp-3C89ZO-Ho7biKa/s1600-h/purisma+group+0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflFrct3lfG9rm7C3zpvzfJMNOHYvKC0YXdD2JEt7Ld_BLopji0wEY-qBfpbNDPQWn652wZuEhcpPyVcWSD09UUw3P0pQ_E71pOW0EESmqv_kZjx_jpSYSCuQj6z7Hp-3C89ZO-Ho7biKa/s320/purisma+group+0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129430834006870002" border="0" /></a>It seemed like it was going to be a large group, but<o:p></o:p> on the day of the hike there were only six of us.<span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >We split into two cars. </span><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >We<o:p></o:p> left Western drive around 10:30 a.m.<span style=""> </span>Teresa drove her<o:p></o:p> car to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Davenport</st1:city></st1:place>, where we left it so that after our<o:p></o:p> Bloody Marys at the Road House, I could take Bonny<o:p></o:p></span><st1:place st="on"><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" > Doon</span></st1:place><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" > road to Felton.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style=""></span>Tim and Teresa rode with me<o:p></o:p> - the "lead" car.<span style=""> </span>Both Tim and Teresa have<o:p></o:p> connections to Half Moon Bay.<span style=""> </span>Teresa grew up there as<o:p></o:p> a child and Tim's plumbing business is located there now.<span style=""> </span>Tim<o:p></o:p> knew of many of Terri's relatives because they are<o:p></o:p> prominent members of the Portuguese community.<span style=""> </span>They<o:p></o:p> talked about how much <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Half</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Moon</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place> has changed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >Neither Teresa or Tim had been to the Preserve even<o:p></o:p> though they are so familiar with area.<span style=""> </span>So often we<o:p></o:p> don't visit the places in our own back yards!<o:p></o:p> We took Higgins Purisima road off Highway One.<span style=""> </span>This<o:p></o:p> was a pretty, narrow winding road with farms and<o:p></o:p> houses tucked along it. At the top there were several<o:p></o:p> bike riders pulled to the side.<span style=""> </span>After we passed it -<o:p></o:p> Tim wondered if that was the park.<span style=""> </span>We wound down the<o:p></o:p> road and came to the small parking lot.<span style=""> </span>It's a<o:p></o:p> popular place - we parked along the road next to the<o:p></o:p> trailhead.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >We were on the trailhead by 11:45.<span style=""> </span>The beginning of<o:p></o:p> the hike follows Purisima Creek.<span style=""> </span>The trail is level<o:p></o:p> and shaded.<span style=""> </span>There were beautiful redwoods and ferns<o:p></o:p> along the creek.<span style=""> </span>There were other trees that were<o:p></o:p> turning yellow and the path was carpeted in leaves. <o:p></o:p> It felt like fall.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zi03L4_d4uWh2QFfYRlFqs6-Yi-UyElqNqGMVC9oO_GLbI439QuLOQlKtwJjpAiJCNpq_J0gTD_xzw0scFsAHIoMgrrv3wM98_OxTFR97y5xS5HVbX8CIKY4s8TEV3ri41xYxa-zOIwa/s1600-h/redwoods+walking.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zi03L4_d4uWh2QFfYRlFqs6-Yi-UyElqNqGMVC9oO_GLbI439QuLOQlKtwJjpAiJCNpq_J0gTD_xzw0scFsAHIoMgrrv3wM98_OxTFR97y5xS5HVbX8CIKY4s8TEV3ri41xYxa-zOIwa/s320/redwoods+walking.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129431396647585794" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >We soon came to the junction with Soda Gulch trail. <o:p></o:p> This is one of the few trails in the park that is<o:p></o:p> hiking only.<span style=""> </span>The other trails are popular with<o:p></o:p> cyclists and horses are allowed.<span style=""> </span>The trail stayed<o:p></o:p> close to the creek and narrowed.<span style=""> </span>It was a very<o:p></o:p><br />gradual pleasant climb.<span style=""> </span>The ridge gave us nice views<o:p></o:p> towards the ocean - but it was obscured by fog.<span style=""></span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >It was getting past lunch time and we kept looking for a<o:p></o:p> spot - preferably one with shade and a view.<span style=""> </span>Finally,<o:p></o:p> we settled on shade and enough room for all of us to<o:p></o:p><br />sit down.<span style=""> </span>We could just keep our feet out of the<o:p></o:p> path.<o:p></o:p> I was hungry and looking forward to the sandwich Bill<o:p></o:p> had made me.<span style=""> </span>When I pulled out my lunch I discovered<o:p></o:p><br />that rather than grabbing the sandwich I had grabbed<o:p></o:p> the bag of pretzels which were stuck inside a baggie<o:p></o:p> and the size of the sandwich.<span style=""> </span>I was so disappointed. <o:p></o:p><br />No sandwich! Fortunately, Graciela came well prepared<o:p></o:p> with two sandwiches.<span style=""> </span>Mary gave me some of her avocado<o:p></o:p> and I was quite satiated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oFl3qsDHt-wxwOrars5yviB-QPi0eYSxRyDfADAr_aYKi40r2TMVd_rY9XHaJVwC726mF68D3_DnaVq3PTzL7lNMa7WBGWBplBdsdW9ZOH4xxg1HAN1ZXRRIXEgH6tRyxqAdRzVL1Na5/s1600-h/tim+and+graciela.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oFl3qsDHt-wxwOrars5yviB-QPi0eYSxRyDfADAr_aYKi40r2TMVd_rY9XHaJVwC726mF68D3_DnaVq3PTzL7lNMa7WBGWBplBdsdW9ZOH4xxg1HAN1ZXRRIXEgH6tRyxqAdRzVL1Na5/s320/tim+and+graciela.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129431770309740562" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >After lunch a bit up the trail was huge oak tree.<span style=""> </span>I<o:p></o:p> took this picture of Graciela and Tim in front of the<o:p></o:p> trunk which is massive.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2jYRVka963n4PPWZ0HyiK9M81A2vtHFshqkbBnPOxCSAa4hRKT46_Uanpt1Q5eGXrRXIeTi1LTvrtxnK6MIrl6xIWsOAaXPx_bQzBXz9OANEXlR-rWuMwmyoEPeCAJuwlATHVqJ0xyes/s1600-h/teresa+and+jan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2jYRVka963n4PPWZ0HyiK9M81A2vtHFshqkbBnPOxCSAa4hRKT46_Uanpt1Q5eGXrRXIeTi1LTvrtxnK6MIrl6xIWsOAaXPx_bQzBXz9OANEXlR-rWuMwmyoEPeCAJuwlATHVqJ0xyes/s320/teresa+and+jan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129432405964900386" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >We came to the junction with <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Harkins Ridge Road</st1:address></st1:street> and<o:p></o:p> turned to the left.<span style=""> </span>The ridge started heading down<o:p></o:p> - but still gave us excellent views of the Santa Cru<o:p></o:p>z mountains.<span style=""> </span>There were lots of branches, so almost<o:p></o:p> everyone had found a temporary hiking stick.<span style=""> </span>As<o:p></o:p> always they helped on the downhill.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYH-NsBq-zy6L3MThy686zXBL6QdJQPdkk6O3SwlGalC_Uf_n4_fQ9DkWQhKJCGU4PxBEX5HJjb9JbNxX_dWr-eSXJ7e7sdgZGmQ1ufSAfZ3IJFaH4jREyvkGpXYUWMDKj2iiOCyW5QcN/s1600-h/shroom.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYH-NsBq-zy6L3MThy686zXBL6QdJQPdkk6O3SwlGalC_Uf_n4_fQ9DkWQhKJCGU4PxBEX5HJjb9JbNxX_dWr-eSXJ7e7sdgZGmQ1ufSAfZ3IJFaH4jREyvkGpXYUWMDKj2iiOCyW5QcN/s320/shroom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129432775332087858" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >As the forest closed in there were trees changing<o:p></o:p> color and it was beautiful with the light filtering<o:p></o:p> through the trees.<span style=""> </span>As we entered thicker forest Mary<o:p></o:p> spotted a group of mushrooms.<span style=""> </span>They were very<o:p></o:p> interesting.<span style=""> </span>The tops almost looked like custard and<o:p></o:p> as if they were dripping with icing.<span style=""> </span>Quite unusual.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFghvVM4H_A0fTh9EFvAp6w8hO_kgkI5_g_qeHSoe9Bf2VKDTL3sL3E82ei6wnvbytyxGaZdZoYxR6qjf5nI8JpVdYL0dMAEK6BLexl4R5V6cDSDA5osbHSH8K5Za8I7pGYAOR1AYY6Ve/s1600-h/purisma+group0002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFghvVM4H_A0fTh9EFvAp6w8hO_kgkI5_g_qeHSoe9Bf2VKDTL3sL3E82ei6wnvbytyxGaZdZoYxR6qjf5nI8JpVdYL0dMAEK6BLexl4R5V6cDSDA5osbHSH8K5Za8I7pGYAOR1AYY6Ve/s320/purisma+group0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129433303613065282" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >All too soon we had completed the loop.<span style=""> </span>I wanted<o:p></o:p> more!<span style=""> </span>Because we had time restraints we called it a<o:p></o:p> day.<span style=""> </span>Mary and Jan drove back together because they<o:p></o:p><br />needed to get back early.<span style=""> </span>The rest of us took Purisima<o:p></o:p> Creek road back out to Highway One (the road is a loop with Purisima Higgins road).<span style=""> </span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" >We <o:p></o:p>stopped at the Road House in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Davenport</st1:city></st1:place> for Bloody<o:p></o:p> Marys.<span style=""> </span>Scott was there, but I was disappointed that<o:p></o:p> he didn't have any of his homemade dilly beans for the drinks.<span style=""> </span>I forgave him when I heard he was going in for a hip replacement the next day.<span style=""> </span>Yikes!<span style=""> </span>I was thankful we were all healthy enough to enjoy our wonderful hike.<span style=""> </span>Another beautiful day in the woods.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lessons Learned: You will never starve on a hiking group hike. There are always unexplored pockets even in places we know well. Be thankful for healthy hips!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Courier;font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276085945868774342.post-5633617709549425712007-10-03T12:34:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:18:11.308-08:00Mt. Diablo Loop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJtktEDCY9V-Ic6AtRWMIoAfP9aOiNIuhG2CWAnSbkqJYqvLGTf2V_JUmclToybbTExMv_aLocKPBNnLhpRTmwD3m5hR7IN8vj-48kF3xC7e57JXgHj8t94oSBP-E6xyrWNxwXkeXeW7Z/s1600-h/diablo+-+view+sun.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJtktEDCY9V-Ic6AtRWMIoAfP9aOiNIuhG2CWAnSbkqJYqvLGTf2V_JUmclToybbTExMv_aLocKPBNnLhpRTmwD3m5hR7IN8vj-48kF3xC7e57JXgHj8t94oSBP-E6xyrWNxwXkeXeW7Z/s320/diablo+-+view+sun.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117905055171304498" border="0" /></a><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> Diablo State Park<br />10 mile loop<br />Elevation gain – 2,050 at least!<br />Hiking Time:<span style=""> </span>6 hours<br />Jo, Graciela and Julie<br /><br />I wanted to find a new challenging hike that I haven’t done before.<span style=""> </span>I started reading about <st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Diablo</st1:placename> and was hooked when I read that the view from the top encompasses more square miles than any other point in the <st1:country-region st="on">United States</st1:country-region> and is second only to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Kilimanjaro</st1:placename></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Since Jo and I are climbing Kilimanjaro in 2009, I knew we should give Diablo a try.<o:p> </o:p> <p class="MsoNormal">On a clear day you are supposed to be able to see the Sacramento Valley, Sutter Buttes and Mt. Lassen to the north; the Sierras including Half Dome in Yosemite to the east; Mt. Hamilton to the South; as well as San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tamalpais to the west.<span style=""> </span>Rereading the description I notice it says on an exceptionally clear day.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure we have those kind of days anymore.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Still, I was intrigued.<span style=""> </span>I’ve heard of <st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Diablo</st1:placename> but have never been able to pick it out although I drive past it when I come back from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Redding</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Growing up with views of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Shasta</st1:placename></st1:place> and Lassen – the bay area mountains always seem more like hills.<span style=""> </span>At 3,849 feet <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Diablo</st1:placename></st1:place> has the widest view?<span style=""> </span>We decided to investigate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I checked the weather several times during the week.<span style=""> </span>It said clear on Saturday.<span style=""> </span>Friday it was cloudy and overcast all day and it even rained in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>I checked the forecast again before leaving work:<span style=""> Clear. </span>All righty then.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7anUS2bGr3_lC0UvqfZfdDE5KvrnhYywlgoVW2GjMTHNjai3ueM9P63y7mNl4mVleltORGrxQYM6PldF6v2p2I5bXItdIzEdZ4ZO2r0ROt1qSwvz1WURZVL1mxciBUShLCjpHf2bAIXk2/s1600-h/diablo+-+group.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7anUS2bGr3_lC0UvqfZfdDE5KvrnhYywlgoVW2GjMTHNjai3ueM9P63y7mNl4mVleltORGrxQYM6PldF6v2p2I5bXItdIzEdZ4ZO2r0ROt1qSwvz1WURZVL1mxciBUShLCjpHf2bAIXk2/s320/diablo+-+group.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117905622106987586" border="0" /></a>The number of hikers fluctuated from 4-6 but on the actual morning three of us met in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Scotts</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Valley</st1:placename></st1:place> at the transit center:<span style=""> </span>Jo, Graciela and I.<span style=""> </span>The hiking book had described this hike as “moderate”.<span style=""> </span>Graciela was recovering from a sprained ankle.<span style=""> </span>She was able to dance on Thursday and thought she would be up for the hike. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We actually left <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Scotts</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Valley</st1:placename></st1:place> about 9:30.<span style=""> </span>Mapquest had said it would take 1 hour 45 minutes to get there, but I figured they were counting Bay Area traffic.<span style=""> </span>Ha!<span style=""> </span>As we were driving north on 680 I tried to envision where <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Diablo</st1:placename></st1:place> was.<span style=""> </span>I knew it was the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Danville</st1:place></st1:city> exit and off to the right.<span style=""> </span>We finally saw a peak with satellite equipment on top and said that must be it!<span style=""> </span>It didn’t look like much.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We took the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Diablo Road</st1:address></st1:street> exit in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Danville</st1:place></st1:city> and drove by many expensive looking homes.<span style=""> </span>We were getting low on gas, but didn’t see a gas station so we decided to just go for it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>You can drive all the way to the summit of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Diablo</st1:placename></st1:place> which seems like cheating.<span style=""> </span>Talking about the hike I would say “we are climbing <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Diablo</st1:placename></st1:place> – of course we’re driving to the top”.<span style=""> </span>The drive itself is an adventure.<span style=""> </span>Eleven miles of steep, narrow, curvy road with no guardrails, sharp drop-offs and lots of bicyclists. Fun!<span style=""> </span>I didn’t see any of the spectacular views because I was keeping my eyes on the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>At the top we stopped at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Visitor</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> to soak up the great views.<span style=""> </span>It really is quite impressive.<span style=""> </span>I thought the views from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Montara</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> were something.<span style=""> </span>This is even better!</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMN0nA3mtAX-VN9ZnflI8eosKv3sKrP7pCiXUDDQSqdnYpubcT7WSifEowgqQvTDRGPpGui-pDjFZObzomnQKfCGXweFLmsB8iq8DSc8mj1OqynjTyeaZg_j_FUN9UcRuyTGko4iF7ZtL/s1600-h/diablo+-+building.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMN0nA3mtAX-VN9ZnflI8eosKv3sKrP7pCiXUDDQSqdnYpubcT7WSifEowgqQvTDRGPpGui-pDjFZObzomnQKfCGXweFLmsB8iq8DSc8mj1OqynjTyeaZg_j_FUN9UcRuyTGko4iF7ZtL/s320/diablo+-+building.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117906940661947474" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p>There is a visitor center and Limestone tower.<span style=""> </span>The tower was built in 1928 by Standard Oil with an aviation beacon on top.<span style=""> </span>The beacon was first turned on by Charles Lindberg.<span style=""> </span>Planes used the beacon for navigation until the bombing of <st1:place st="on">Pearl Harbor</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>Then it was feared that it would help the Japanese so it was turned off.<span style=""> </span>By the time World War II ended the beacon was obsolete.<span style=""> </span>The beacon is turned on once a year on December 7<sup>th</sup> to commemorate the survivors of <st1:place st="on">Pearl Harbor</st1:place>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljUmhGlJ_OD3mXTGwGa9lox1MQF1B6KO-Mm18lG7aHj8TTfNj72TESVuK1BYPOkcLPM4MJqFNEAGnuI0MOprgYVDpso8vLvcYsV-Qs05_GVc3u-n7TuoTh-CUjxBtufVumVfOXPWzzzy2/s1600-h/diablo+-+door.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljUmhGlJ_OD3mXTGwGa9lox1MQF1B6KO-Mm18lG7aHj8TTfNj72TESVuK1BYPOkcLPM4MJqFNEAGnuI0MOprgYVDpso8vLvcYsV-Qs05_GVc3u-n7TuoTh-CUjxBtufVumVfOXPWzzzy2/s320/diablo+-+door.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117907344388873314" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>It is a beautiful building.<span style=""> </span>When you go inside the tower you feel like you are in a lighthouse with windows all the way around and views in every direction.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbxgDaz68Jn7K1swY5zBj3pKHLnzwzvJlY1my0JRyD4ys8TNKWgK9lPXxlu8kVZE7x9RLfidSI0j5seEvWHmCRDGaVniyTk8bVvblwFiCWuwCQ2JTXqsiZkT7P5N04f0194oWBQwJfc15/s1600-h/diablo+-+binoc.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbxgDaz68Jn7K1swY5zBj3pKHLnzwzvJlY1my0JRyD4ys8TNKWgK9lPXxlu8kVZE7x9RLfidSI0j5seEvWHmCRDGaVniyTk8bVvblwFiCWuwCQ2JTXqsiZkT7P5N04f0194oWBQwJfc15/s320/diablo+-+binoc.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117908267806841970" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>There is an observation platform with telescopes pointing in different directions which you can use for a quarter.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately we didn’t have any quarters, but luckily Jo had brought her binoculars.<span style=""> </span>It was cold and breezy and Graciela and Jo were bundled up with jackets on.<span style=""> </span>It was a clear day with just a little smog in the distance.<span style=""> </span>You could see for miles.<span style=""> </span>With Jo’s binoculars you could see <st1:city st="on">San Francisco</st1:city> and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Golden Gate</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>We weren’t quite sure whether we were seeing clouds or the Sierra to the east.<span style=""> </span>It would have been good to use the telescopes.<span style=""> </span>But even with the naked eye it was spectacular.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbxgDaz68Jn7K1swY5zBj3pKHLnzwzvJlY1my0JRyD4ys8TNKWgK9lPXxlu8kVZE7x9RLfidSI0j5seEvWHmCRDGaVniyTk8bVvblwFiCWuwCQ2JTXqsiZkT7P5N04f0194oWBQwJfc15/s1600-h/diablo+-+binoc.JPG"><br /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93Y91zp8y7kGQkUmVvnVCPHA9EvsHUfO44s8CeKRFqw5-aSUbLIXAMQrUiM3u0ITasPyAC6y4Xsl61l3YeB4oYuADzAMie2z2nx_XILlJlhAQ6KZcvlwuRahoNS1GyEcrl1HgdbcMtzYN/s1600-h/diablo+-+jo+stairs.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93Y91zp8y7kGQkUmVvnVCPHA9EvsHUfO44s8CeKRFqw5-aSUbLIXAMQrUiM3u0ITasPyAC6y4Xsl61l3YeB4oYuADzAMie2z2nx_XILlJlhAQ6KZcvlwuRahoNS1GyEcrl1HgdbcMtzYN/s320/diablo+-+jo+stairs.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117910368045849746" border="0" /></a>We walked around looking in all directions and then decided we better get hiking.<span style=""> </span>It was already noon.<span style=""> </span>We drove to the lower parking lot trying to find our trail. <span style=""> </span>This hike was basically a loop around the whole mountain.<span style=""> </span>We started on end of the parking lot and returned on a trail at the other end of the parking lot. <span style=""> </span>There was satellite equipment by the beacon – but also by our return trail. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We switched into our boots and were off.<span style=""> </span>We descended down the summit trail and then headed toward the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">North</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>The trail was narrow and two mountain bikers came by.<span style=""> </span>The first one flew by, but his friend was much more cautious and reasonable it seemed to us.<span style=""> </span>He walked his bike over the steep narrow trail and then eventually rode off.<span style=""> </span>The trail wound around the side of the mountain heading toward the North Peek – that also had satellite equipment on it.</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XbuhP7qMOrLiACDTmZ9BH9GGk4tEvS6zNv8s12MnmTbIu51mfBSJWmiUh62-ys26WVhgfs6KVFzWYCP0S-YMYtHAZDRC_vgQN4zGVOPFl6Dh5GjBGSW_i_7oKVDML3QJ7YDoVHDbL6rN/s1600-h/diablo+-+gracilela+point.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XbuhP7qMOrLiACDTmZ9BH9GGk4tEvS6zNv8s12MnmTbIu51mfBSJWmiUh62-ys26WVhgfs6KVFzWYCP0S-YMYtHAZDRC_vgQN4zGVOPFl6Dh5GjBGSW_i_7oKVDML3QJ7YDoVHDbL6rN/s320/diablo+-+gracilela+point.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117912055967997090" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>One nice thing about this hike was that we could usually see the tower up on top of the mountain, so we knew where we were.<span style=""> </span>Our trail intersected with Prospector Gap Trail which was actually a dirt road.<span style=""> </span>The road started going down very steeply.<span style=""> </span>It was a rocky road and slippery.<span style=""> </span>Even with my hiking boots and stick, I would occasionally slip and slide.<span style=""> </span>Graciela was wearing tennis shoes which weren’t appropriate for this trail.<span style=""> </span>She kept slipping and eventually her feet went from under her and she went all the way down.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, she wasn’t hurt.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""></span>I decided she should hike with my stick – which gave her more support.<span style=""> </span>This was a tricky road to hike down.<span style=""> </span>We made very slow progress.<span style=""> </span>Jo’s feet and ankles were screaming, she said and we placed each step carefully.<span style=""> </span>We could see our road in the distance – the far, far distance.<span style=""> </span>It was hard to believe that we were going to hike that far and this was just the beginning!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Jo noticed how all the pine trees were growing with branches on only half the tree.<span style=""> </span>We decided is must be because the back side doesn’t get sun.<span style=""> </span>Jo observed they would make good Christmas trees to stick in a corner.<span style=""> </span>She contemplated having a Christmas tree farm that raised only “half” trees.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu00r4J0Vt8hUWLjBv3P5M3PuUD_zxyJYNQOLl0iD2Ox80vhUfTqTMasFzfZRJEIZmAjuach2rTui-SO4fINpdzWJKPINv8Q9m-FtHP7v7e_5rE62IW_1gPBufCorul5RvzGvYmW92jP1/s1600-h/diablo+-+balls.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu00r4J0Vt8hUWLjBv3P5M3PuUD_zxyJYNQOLl0iD2Ox80vhUfTqTMasFzfZRJEIZmAjuach2rTui-SO4fINpdzWJKPINv8Q9m-FtHP7v7e_5rE62IW_1gPBufCorul5RvzGvYmW92jP1/s320/diablo+-+balls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117913189839363266" border="0" /></a>Another interesting tree had cotton like balls on it.<span style=""> </span>The tree looked dead, but was covered with the balls.<span style=""> </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyozJ1oYtwm_3x3bzN-xbpvTUMPEuSVmgdEJaCHK5SzpLsV93jYx8Ld3_Isr8BdSMAYBEFif4o3LBpGfb2mfh0H572WM8EnLhb2ArW5BmbBX7MKhCsgj0dnLStMUBnTKkbN9ukHjtIlV_5/s1600-h/diablo+-+julie.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyozJ1oYtwm_3x3bzN-xbpvTUMPEuSVmgdEJaCHK5SzpLsV93jYx8Ld3_Isr8BdSMAYBEFif4o3LBpGfb2mfh0H572WM8EnLhb2ArW5BmbBX7MKhCsgj0dnLStMUBnTKkbN9ukHjtIlV_5/s320/diablo+-+julie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117915564956278002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We finally got to the bottom of the road and now we started climbing up.<span style=""> </span>I could see what looked like a big rock and tree at the top of the hill and so I said – let’s have lunch at the tree up there.<span style=""> </span>It turned out to be a great spot.<span style=""> </span><br /><br /><br /><br />It was a bit of a climb to get up on the rock – but the view was great in both directions.<span style=""> </span>We enjoyed our lunch and the view.<span style=""> </span>We were looking at some town but had no idea what it was.<span style=""> </span>Later we determined it was probably either <st1:city st="on">Concord</st1:city> or <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:place></st1:city>. The great thing about this spot was later we were able to see it in the distance and judge how much ground we had covered. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxa9y7lT7H23e82uPi2GqcOxjhOQsh4SpKgPDPWomGMVLDHeYGqfyIOez88qf8dmz47YxjSaeGYKpnxt1NpjDBP3Bz3JAgkhWBgXl78R16wBWITD08gTfMbExjPN5bLTUBBHCDY2oTsVu5/s1600-h/diablo+-+graciela+sitting.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxa9y7lT7H23e82uPi2GqcOxjhOQsh4SpKgPDPWomGMVLDHeYGqfyIOez88qf8dmz47YxjSaeGYKpnxt1NpjDBP3Bz3JAgkhWBgXl78R16wBWITD08gTfMbExjPN5bLTUBBHCDY2oTsVu5/s320/diablo+-+graciela+sitting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117916810496793874" border="0" /></a></o:p>Refreshed after lunch we climbed off the rock.<br />Because of her shoes, Graciela ended up sitting down and sliding down the steep part of the trail.<span style=""> </span>First we headed down, but the road wasn’t rocky or slippery.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>It was still misleading because Jo’s feet slipped from under her and down she went – very gracefully.<span style=""> </span>She also wasn’t hurt.<span style=""> </span>Soon we started heading up and up and up.<span style=""> </span>It was a very steep grade that took us to Juniper Campground.<span style=""> </span>Graciela was struggling at this point but still being a good sport about it.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LUsOBMdNaHYG172rP8_Q_B7IhrDN85DnChaR6FLmTzbroz_uvvCu_OFvJsH0OpjOoX0RhKKwzlGzSyqd1-HtuX7bi_kJK8p1jaiYqsvoYQJzH5jcCd1rVWOTO_FAi5-8Wb181ZJCrkAP/s1600-h/diablo+-+graciela+uphill.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LUsOBMdNaHYG172rP8_Q_B7IhrDN85DnChaR6FLmTzbroz_uvvCu_OFvJsH0OpjOoX0RhKKwzlGzSyqd1-HtuX7bi_kJK8p1jaiYqsvoYQJzH5jcCd1rVWOTO_FAi5-8Wb181ZJCrkAP/s320/diablo+-+graciela+uphill.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117917313007967522" border="0" /></a><o:p></o:p>From Juniper Campground we were just a mile away from the parking lot.<span style=""> </span>The directions said you went through the campground past the bathrooms on the left.<span style=""> </span>Jo said the map said the same thing, however I saw a trail going off to the right.<span style=""> </span>It was signed as “Juniper Trail to Summit Trail – a Walk through Time”. <span style=""> </span>All of these trails were a “Walk through Time” – we never found out why.<span style=""> </span>I said let’s follow the signs and so we did.<span style=""> </span>We had seen the satellite which we at first thought the car was parked near, but we were so turned around we weren’t even sure if there was a satellite by the parking lot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGsv2KgIrAtmI5Am6Ueb57KxOx9JIaHpPBKc9b1e53vF1MSZiwp12xUwu_FqPZYSGiZC0FAYbm52wVT6oJm-LYxWj3c-IJsp9TlLkchGUDMX9GqLLzXWgPM2BPFdRkjSfzCUjJLJOp11U/s1600-h/diablo+-+j+and+j.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGsv2KgIrAtmI5Am6Ueb57KxOx9JIaHpPBKc9b1e53vF1MSZiwp12xUwu_FqPZYSGiZC0FAYbm52wVT6oJm-LYxWj3c-IJsp9TlLkchGUDMX9GqLLzXWgPM2BPFdRkjSfzCUjJLJOp11U/s320/diablo+-+j+and+j.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117917763979533618" border="0" /></a>The Juniper Trail was pretty with nice views.<span style=""> </span>It was good to be on a trail again and off the road.<span style=""> </span>It seemed we were moving away from the satellite and suddenly we were going down again.<span style=""> </span>We knew what that meant.<span style=""> </span>Jo was certain the parking lot was just ahead, but we came out on the road and our satellite landmark and building were far away.<span style=""> </span>We pulled out the map and discovered that there are two Juniper Trails.<span style=""> </span>The one we had taken took us far off course.<span style=""> </span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqulBcqaUWLGFwqtt7fSSXGt6U8dZkwO_o_ydEJ-ylQUfAgIWY6iomAmhyphenhyphenGgEKiBHkBGLcwizyoPPC2fecih-1QScUiEovrcLJ7jCTUZeLtXZVNAc_dqxipKHNZ2PEH_fI1D9VAhFLd9xl/s1600-h/diablo+-+spider.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqulBcqaUWLGFwqtt7fSSXGt6U8dZkwO_o_ydEJ-ylQUfAgIWY6iomAmhyphenhyphenGgEKiBHkBGLcwizyoPPC2fecih-1QScUiEovrcLJ7jCTUZeLtXZVNAc_dqxipKHNZ2PEH_fI1D9VAhFLd9xl/s320/diablo+-+spider.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117918305145412930" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We crossed the road and there was a sign 2 miles to the summit.<span style=""> </span>I asked Graciela if she wanted to wait here and we would pick her up in the car, but she wouldn’t hear of it. We started up the road.<span style=""> </span>Suddenly Josephine said “Look at that!”<span style=""> </span>It was a tarantula crossing the road.<span style=""> </span>If you click on the picture it will be enlarged.<span style=""> </span>It was quite impressive.<span style=""> </span>For the next hour we would say, well, if we hadn’t taken the wrong turn, then we wouldn’t have seen the tarantula!<span style=""> </span>Trying to make the best of it.</p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCIQ95eu4iuruwgr4iUDtsUIYofmDCjsikl8H8Ew0pBdsfu_QW5ma1mZpJ1vaSB7e8EnG46SFKyrl9asOR5LDquOxoufSeHf2zMPYOupTYYGy4XON6FnUdKb43cEzRWpS5d9L1xzFbvtu/s1600-h/diablo+-+view+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCIQ95eu4iuruwgr4iUDtsUIYofmDCjsikl8H8Ew0pBdsfu_QW5ma1mZpJ1vaSB7e8EnG46SFKyrl9asOR5LDquOxoufSeHf2zMPYOupTYYGy4XON6FnUdKb43cEzRWpS5d9L1xzFbvtu/s320/diablo+-+view+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117918751822011730" border="0" /></a>We followed the Summit Trail until it finally came back up to the road.<span style=""> </span>We debated following the road – we knew that would eventually get us to the parking lot!<span style=""> </span>But we saw a sign on the trail up ahead so we went that way.<span style=""> </span>More uphill.<span style=""> </span>The building getting closer and then more distant.<span style=""> </span>Josephine and Graciela hurting even more.<span style=""> </span>I kept running up ahead to see what I could see.<span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I thought it would be the parking lot – but we were back on the road.<span style=""> </span>It said ½ mile to the summit – but we decided to follow the road instead because the grade was less steep.<span style=""> </span>Again, I asked Graciela if she wanted to wait.<span style=""> </span>Amazingly her ankle wasn’t bothering her, but her legs were really tired. We followed the road for a mile and eventually saw a trail crossing the road.<span style=""> </span>The Juniper Trail!!!!!<span style=""> </span>This was where we were supposed to be.<span style=""> </span>It was another .20 to the parking lot – still uphill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>My mistake had added an extra three miles and an hour and a half to our hike!<span style=""> </span>We didn’t get back to the car until 6:00 p.m.<span style=""> </span>I thought we would be back in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city> by 6:00 p.m.<span style=""> </span>But we had done it.<span style=""> </span>This was definitely a challenge – not a moderate hike.<span style=""> </span>We just hoped we wouldn’t run out of gas on the way down the hill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>The drive down was easier – mainly because there were only a few bikers.<span style=""> </span>Driving down we appreciated just how large the park is – there are many campgrounds and picnic areas...<span style=""> </span>The sun was going down as we came around the curves, sometimes a bit blindingly.<span style=""> </span>When we got to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Danville</st1:place></st1:city> there was a gas station right before we got on the freeway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We were all tired and hungry after the long day.<span style=""> </span>We still had hiking food, but we all wanted something with more protein.<span style=""> </span>We decided to wait until we made it back to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city>. <span style=""> </span>I didn’t mention to Jo or Graciela just how bad my night vision is.<span style=""> </span>We started hitting traffic outside of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Jose</st1:place></st1:city>, but coming over Highway 17 wasn’t too bad.</p><o:p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2nvyJuqjf3UXX_VD_pjv_ZdzpBzSLYSnuTPIm6RGxPBQDfochxoqAXQ_GWO7h7Tq_sQ8TADykQkLtouj7sO7gxM9JPM_CwbYcphgEJWl3kJGweMWgmsHXzLfewryMv6GHfZGdijiRPMw/s1600-h/diablo+-+three.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2nvyJuqjf3UXX_VD_pjv_ZdzpBzSLYSnuTPIm6RGxPBQDfochxoqAXQ_GWO7h7Tq_sQ8TADykQkLtouj7sO7gxM9JPM_CwbYcphgEJWl3kJGweMWgmsHXzLfewryMv6GHfZGdijiRPMw/s320/diablo+-+three.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117919198498610530" border="0" /></a></o:p>We decided to go straight to Malones in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Scotts</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Valley</st1:placename></st1:place> for a drink and some appetizers.<span style=""> </span>Poor Josephine and Graciela could barely walk after sitting in the car for an hour and a half! The food at Malones was actually quite good.<span style=""> </span>We all got different appetizers: chicken wings, portabella quesadilla and friend calamari with pesto and tomato parmesan sauce.<span style=""> </span>Yum!<span style=""> </span>We enjoyed them all.<span style=""> </span>Turns out it was Karaoke night and the locals were singing away.<span style=""> </span>We were happy to sit and listen and reflect on the hike.<span style=""> </span>There is always a feeling of accomplishment when a challenge is well met.<span style=""> </span>We can laugh about it now – right girls?<span style=""> </span>:-)<span style=""> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Diablo</st1:placename></st1:place> was impressive.<span style=""> </span>It was nice to be surrounded by those expansive views.<span style=""> </span>I would definitely go back – but I’d follow the hiking directions very closely.<span style=""> </span>It’s not a good place to get lost.<span style=""> </span>On the one hand we always had landmarks to know where we wanted to get to, but this was often even more frustrating knowing how far we had yet to go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got back to the park and ride at 9:00 p.m.<span style=""> </span>Twelve hours later than our rendezvous in the morning.<span style=""> </span>Another adventuresome hike! We knew we would sleep well that night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><i style="">Many Lessons Learned:<span style=""> </span>Fill up on gas before the trailhead.<span style=""> </span>Some hikes do need hiking boots.<span style=""> </span>Bring a stick when hiking steep trails.<span style=""> </span>Moderate can be a relative term. <span style=""> </span>Follow directions and maps rather than signs.<span style=""> </span>You’re not lost if you can see your destination, you just have to figure out how to get there.<span style=""> </span>Unanticipated challenges show how strong you truly are.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></span>Julie's Ju Juhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230823593019704817noreply@blogger.com0