2015 Hike #7: El Corte de Madera Preserve

It was back along Highway 35 for a trail along the Santa Cruz Mountains. This weekend, I ventured El Corte de Madera Preserve. Just prior to my excursion, I learned that there was fatal plane crash in the mountains. There is a memorial marker before the trail that leads to the debris field. I found it quite spooky to be venturing into what is potentially a graveyard, but I do love hiking trails with historical significance. 

Before getting to the preserve, I had to stop and snap a panorama of Half Moon Bay to the East Bay. There is one section along Skyline where you can get a view of both ocean and bay; usually it's one or the other.

The preserve was about 10 miles from highway 92 through the middle of the mountain range. Once I got to Skeggs parking area, I unloaded my gear and went on my way to the trails. 

It was a meandering trail up and down the mountain with endless enclaves of sequoias. Many trees looked like they were straight out of a horror story. The birds hidden within make it creepy as well. But once you reach the peak, it is a gorgeous view of the ocean beyond.

The trail then splits into two different directions. I chose the one leading to Resolution Trail; site of a 1953 plane crash. You can see the damage the accident caused to the mountain. Many trees had been sheered. Some were completely burned. One sequoia tree had been burned at the base, yet it continued to grow to the immense height it is today. As you look closely, you'll find debris spread out. I don't know if all pieces of the plane remain; if they do, they're hidden among the brush. But I did find a few pieces. As I continued along the trail, I felt a bit of a chill and even the most minute sounds spooked me out. I thought I was in a Washington Irving story, especially since I've been teaching his stories this term (we're studying early American ghost stories this quarter). I stopped for a moment of silence and said a prayer to those who perished. 

I continued out of the mountain without taking any additional photos. At that point, I became rather pensive about life in general especially after seeing the accident site. It really makes you appreciate the time you have on earth.

This was by far the longest trail I've hiked. It was 7 miles (and I didn't even hike every trail on the mountain) and took me nearly 3 hours to complete. By the end of the hike, I was spent. 

Next week, Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

2015 Hike #6: Windy Hill Preserve

Oh my! This is only my sixth hike of the year? I've been a little lax when it comes to my outdoor excursions. I've spent most weekends staying indoors. Plus, I've hiked most of the Peninsula which means having to venture out further. However, since driving along Skyline in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I've found a few county parks off the highway. 

I've passed Windy Hill Preserve several times on my drives between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero (my two favorite places). On a whim, I decided to go today. The area certainly lives up to its name.

It was super windy! While hiking, I utilized my earbuds and listened to Mozart off my iPhone. Classical music is the only way to go when hiking. The trail offers great views of the Peninsula and East Bay. It was relatively easy with minimal inclines. Perfect the first hike after a long absence.

On my way up to the summit, the wind was stronger to a point where I had to struggle to maintain balance. In a strange way, I felt as though I were flying especially when at the peak of the summit. Strange, though, I didn't see any birds gliding above. Just lizards scurrying about. I tried to get one full panorama shot, but I had to break it up in two. 

 As I headed home, I noticed another preserve along Skyline, and I said to myself, "next weekend." I really need to get back in the groove of hiking.

2015 Hike #5: Sam McDonald Park

My mom has been feeling a bit stressed lately, so I told her to come on up to my home and relax during her spring break from work. I asked her if she'd like to accompany me on a hike. She was game. So this week's hike takes us back to the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. After meandering highway 84 to Loma Mar (on very little gas), my mom and I made it to Sam McDonald Park. As we were hiking, she kept thinking about how much the woods remind her so much of Puerto Rico, where she was born and raised. She loved listening to the creeks and cracks of the woods and the birds chirping. She felt at peace throughout the hike. Now she understands why I take these weekly hikes. It's more than just exercise. It's also a bit of a mental cleansing.

As I was hiking along, I kept thinking about graduate school. I want to return to school for my Ph.D. in Literature, but I'm still unsure about which campus I'd like to study. Stanford, Santa Cruz or Berkeley; in that order. I really REALLY do not want Berkeley. Stanford seems like a long shot. I keep thinking, should I strongly consider Santa Cruz? Then I heard my mom gasp loudly. "What is THAT?" I looked toward where she was pointing. "Oh! It's just a banana slug," I said as I was smiling. Then I thought, hmm...maybe I should consider UC Santa Cruz. It's along my hikes when I have my moments of clarity. 

Anyhow, my photo documentation was quite limited as all you see are trees, trees, and more trees. There isn't much variety, but I think I came away with some nice shots.

2015 Hike #4: San Pedro Park

This weekend's hike brought me back to Pacifica. This time to San Pedro Park. There are several hiking trails available, and I chose the Valley View Trail. It was a windy loop trail up a hill from which you can view the ocean. There was various wildlife such as deer, hare, different bird species, and lizards. Supposedly there were mountain lions, but I didn't encounter any. It was quite serene particularly when listening to the trickling waters along the trail.

Picture bottom right is a view of Devil's Slide.

Glorious view of the hills 

A family of deer snacking on the grassy knoll.

Bursts of color along the trail

Always remember to look up at the trees.

2015 Hike #3: Sugarloaf Open Space

This hike is a little closer to home. I ventured Laurelwood Park in San Mateo. The trail traversed a hill that stopped at a summit overlooking the bay. The view from top was absolutely gorgeous.

Overlooking the bay from Marin to Fremont

2015 Hike #2: Baltimore Canyon

I went back to Marin County for my Friday hike. This time I went to Larkspur's Baltimore Canyon; a forest in a suburban community. What I love most about this hike is the sounds of nature; the trickling water along the creek, the trees swaying with the wind, birds chirping. There were no urban sounds. 

Along the hike are several bridges. For some reason, I really love the sight of rustic bridges. They really are a great feature in a woodsy area. As I cross, I just stop and take in the entire scenery; towering trees, bright green leaves, the water flowing below. It's all just breathtaking. 

2015 Hike #1: Sawyer Camp Trail

Gadzooks! It has been four months since my last hike! Darn that knee injury. But I'm back at it; just as I am back to dancing again.

Today was such a beautiful day for a hike with mild temperatures and a clear blue sky. This time I ventured to the Sawyer Camp Trail. It's a relatively easy trail with mostly flat surface and a small incline at some points. I didn't want to jump immediately into a difficult trail after a long absence. The path is along the Crystal Springs Reservoir providing breath taking views. I don't think my pictures do it much justice.

I told you it was a lovely day.

Ugh! That fence just ruins the scenery.

Such a lovely pop of color.

I just love the sound of a waterfall. It's very soothing.

2014 Hike #17: Arastradero Preserve

My Bay Area hiking consisted of trails in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties; I even hiked around Santa Cruz. But I had yet to venture into Santa Clara County's great outdoors. So I set out on a trail along Arastradero  Preserve. I should've waited until December to go there. It was hotter than Hades reaching above 90 degree temps.

There were a few different trails, and I chose the hottest one (unbeknownst to me). The trail is 99% exposed with very little shade relief.  Poor Daisy was panting throughout the hike that I had to stop every 10 minutes for her to drink up. Eventually I soaked her with my water bottle to keep her cool. Pobrecita. 

Still the landscape had nice views of a golden grassland, oak trees and the bay. There was also a lake that looked to be receding; a consequence of the drought. The preserve also has its charm with wooden fences, birdhouses, bridges and even grazing horses.

I'll definitely come back to view the other trail, but I'll wait until it gets cooler.

Ms. Daisy trying to take a cool breather on a slab of concrete. And a very beat Daisy after climbing aboard the truck. Silly dog.

2014 Hike #16: Old St. Hilary's

It was back to Marin County, but I didn't do the trail I wanted to hike. Originally I was planning to hike Cataract Falls, but with the recent rains and the potential for slippage, I opted for Old St. Hilary's. Plus, I didn't want to risk injury when I had a performance with my dance troupe that very evening.

This was a rather simple hike on the Tiburon peninsula. The locale offers spectacular views of Angel Island, the San Francisco skyline, The Golden Gate Bridge and Richmond Bridge. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. There was overcast and fog.

The open space is an expansive grassland with one main trail that branches out to several smaller trails. Each of those trails provided different sites.

My favorite area was along a dilapidated fence. It just looked so rustic.

Though the weather wasn't too great for breathtaking views, there was a nice one of Angel Island.

And Richardson Bay.

This time I remembered to take a snapshot of Daisy who loved exploring this trail.

Next week for sure will be Cataract Falls

2014 Hike #15: Thornewood

I'm on a roll! Two weeks straight!  I really want to get back on my weekly hiking habit. I was planning on a hike in Marin, but I decided to stay on the Peninsula and save the Marin hike for my birthday weekend. 

I was researching some dog-friendly trails (I felt bad leaving Daisy at home last weekend) and came upon Thornewood Open Space Preserve. It was a little further down highway 84 just past Huddart Park and just beyond where Woodside becomes La Honda. I nearly missed the entrance; it looked like one of those private gated driveways.

Oh, but before I continue on this reflection, I first need to mention that on my way to Thornewood, I saw this beautiful vintage car.

The driveway actually leads up to a private residence, though it's currently uninhabitable. From what I researched, it's an old 1920s estate that is currently in restoration. Once completed, it will be open to the public. I'm definitely going to need to return to this trail for two reasons. One, to see the opulence of the 1920s. Two, to hike the path toward Schilling Lake. There were a couple trails that splintered off the Bridle trail. Schilling trail was blocked off before reaching Schilling Lake; some county workers were there to cut down some trees. 

Along Schilling, the trail is lined with maple trees and black oak. The leaves are just now starting to change colors for the coming Autumnal Equinox (my birthday!) The pops of color contributes to the picturesque setting. There is also a great view of the Portolá valley and beyond to the East Bay. 

The setting changes abruptly once you turn onto the Bridle trail. It's a redwood forest with towering Douglas Fir trees all around you. In a way, I sort of felt like Red Riding Hood walking through the woods. Oh and the smell. It was like Christmas. 

Deep into the woods, I came upon the realization that this trail is an "out and back" type of trail. It ended abruptly at Old La Honda Road. And it was back UP the trail. It was definitely a cardio workout.

I really want to see Schilling Lake and from what I've read on the MidPeninsula Preserve website, there a waterfall. Although, with this drought, there probably isn't much flowing water. But, I can imagine the colors once we get deeper into autumn. Until next time...

2014 Hike #14: Huddart Park

Life gets busy and exhausting to a point where you just can't make time for hikes. I've only been on short walks around the peninsula, but nothing like my previous excursions. After a long absence from nature, I am finally back on the trails. 

This weekend's hike brought me to the little town of Woodside just off 280 and 84. The town lives up to its name: Redwood trees everywhere. After meandering about 2 miles through the winding road lined with arched eucalyptus trees, I arrived at Huddart Park. 

There were several trails throughout the park, and I opted for the Dean/Crystal Springs loop trail. I should've gone with the shorter trails but I jumped right into a 4-mile loop. My feet are extremely sore. (Of course I had to get a pedicure soon after.)

The trail was absolutely breathtaking with its tall redwoods, chaparral, and wildlife. Although the only wildlife I encountered was squirrels and birds. It's a good thing I left Daisy home (no dogs allowed) because she would've gone wild chasing those squirrels.

The trail sort of reminded me of my hike through Muir Woods in Marin County. Then I came upon this bridge:

It immediately took me back to an amusing memory. I hiked Muir Woods with Demian. He had to go to the restroom so badly, and I mean he had to really go. We stopped at a bridge similar to the one above. He ran up the hill, and I waited. And waited. And waited to the point that I was worried that he could've encountered a mountain lion. Then he came running down. That look of relief got me laughing. He said he felt bad for the tree to which I said, "I hope you apologized to it." I'll never forget that. Happy times.

What I like most about hiking is the sound of nature. The crackling of the trees. The leaves rustling in the breeze. Birds fluttering and twittering above. Small animals scurrying unseen. It's absolutely peaceful. 

Unfortunately along the trail, my phone died, and I couldn't take anymore pictures. But I managed to capture this cool shot of tunnel through a stump.

And the burst of color as depicted below.

I'm so glad to be back on my nature hikes. Next week it's back to Marin County. Stay tuned.