About This Blog

A simple blog to facilitate the meeting of Havens' parents for local hiking/walking excursions. Most hikes are 3 - 4 miles. Hikes and walks are canceled in the event of heavy rain or dangerous conditions. If in doubt, call or text (510) 427-5493.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Week of October 4

During the month of October, I am challenging myself to hike or walk every other day and do some sort of alternate exercise on the non-walking days. So far, so good.

Tuesday, October 6, 8:45 AM*
Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland

This 3.5 mile loop hike is easy, with about 500 feet in elevation change. Park elevation ranges from about 800 feet to 1500 feet. The featured hike starts at about 1090 feet, climbs to 1350 feet, and descends to 930 feet before climbing back to the trailhead. There are some steep (but short) trails, and a few seriously eroded paths can make descents tough. 

Directions: from Highway 13, take the Joaquin Miller exit and head east (uphill). Continue on until the second Sanborn drive and park near the Woodminster Amphitheater sign on the street in front of the park's main gate.


Thursday, October 8, 8:30 AM*
Turkey Trot Loop, Piedmont

Start in front of Havens and get ready for stunning architecture and some gentle hills as we walk around Piedmont 3.1 miles on the original Turkey Trot course.  

*Starting times are approximate and relate to the start of school plus whatever time is needed to get to the staging area.  

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Week of September 28

Monday, September 28, 12:30 PM
Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
Crab Cove Visitor Center to USS Hornet: SF Bay Trail
Length: 4.12-mile round trip 

Bring the kids' bikes or scooters for this flat, paved walk along the Alameda coastline. We'll walk until the kiddos tire out, but hopefully will make it far enough along for a view of the USS Hornet.


Driving Directions: In Alameda, follow Webster Street across town. Turn right on Central Ave., go one block, and turn left onto McKay Ave. (at Fosters Freeze). Crab Cove is toward the end of McKay on the left.


Wednesday, September 30, 8:45 AM
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Jackson Grade/Cascade/Columbine/Bass Cove/Goldenrod Trails
Length: 3.8-mile loop
Location: Clyde Woolridge Staging Area, Oakland


This is a moderate 3.8-mile loop with a steep descent at the beginning of this trail with a long ascent followed by small hills on the return to the staging area. 
 
Driving Directions: To reach Clyde Woolridge Staging Area, take I-580 E to
the Keller Ave. exit towards Mountain Blvd. Turn left on Keller Ave., then right on Skyline Blvd. The staging area is on the left near the intersection of Skyline Blvd. and Grass Valley Road.

 

Friday, October 2, 8:45 AM
Bridgeview Trail
Location: My house (call or text for address if you don't already have it)

A easy 2.5-mile walk through local neighborhoods to one of the trails running along Sausal Creek in Oakland. 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Week of September 20th

Now that the kiddos are back in school, let's find some time to take in nature and get a little exercise at the same time. RSVP betty@winnacker.com and I will keep a lookout for you.

Update: Depending on the weather forecast for Friday, I may cancel the hike at Anthony Chabot and choose something at a cooler location.

Monday, September 21, 12:30 PM: Don Castro, Castro Valley
Walk an easy, 1.28 mile loop around Lake Don Castro. This is a fun, easy adventure for those of us with AM kindergarten students looking for a way to burn off that post-school energy. Meet at the lawn near the parking lot.

Driving directions: From 580E, take the Grove Way exit in Castro Valley. Turn right onto Grove Way; left on Center Street; left on Kelly; and left on Woodroe to the park entrance. Meet at the lawn near the parking lot. $2 dog fee. $5 parking fee, weekends only perhaps.


Wednesday, September 23, 9:30 AM: Coyote Hills, Fremont
Join me for a moderate 3.89 mile loop around Coyote Hills Regional Park. Be ready for quick climbs up and down hills and great views of the salt marshes of San Francisco Bay. Meet at the Quarry Staging area.

Driving directions: From 880 South, take 84 West, and exit at Paseo Padre Parkway. Turn right and drive north about 1 mile. Turn left on Patterson Ranch Road. The Quarry Staging area is 1.08 miles in, on the left. $5 parking fee. $2 dog fee.


Friday, September 25, 9:00 AM: Anthony Chabot, Castro Valley
This is a challenging 3.92-mile loop with a 1,556 ft elevation gain. Bring water and a snack. No facilities. Meet at the Marciel Gate Staging area (parking nearby). Dogs okay on leash.

Driving directions: From Hwy 13, take the Redwood Road exit and follow Redwood Road up into the hills for 3.7 miles. At Pinehurst, stay right on Redwood Road and proceed for 4 miles. Turn right at Marciel Gate.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Piedmont Walk

Let's walk around Piedmont, following the 3-mile Turkey Trot course. Since this is all paved, strollers work well. Meet at Mulberry's and well walk at approximately 9:15.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Lake Chabot

I'm going to try out East Bay Regional Parks' Wednesday Walks this week. Details below if anyone wants to join me.

2/25/15 9:30 AM

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lake+Chabot&hl=en

LAKE CHABOT - Hike 4 miles along the shore of this beautiful reservoir.

Explore new trails and make new friends as you get in some healthy outdoor activity with our friendly walking group. Hikers of all ages and abilities are welcome on hikes ranging from easy to challenging. Wear sturdy footwear, bring water and dress for the weather.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Ski Week

No hike this week, unless you happen to be in Bear Valley and want to join up with me for some easy cross country skiing.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Mountain View Cemetery

Friday, February 6, 9:30 AM

A Panoramic 3 mile hilly walk around the lovely Mountain View Cemetery. Dogs are okay. Strollers are okay. Meet at the fountain at the front.