Recap of First Hike

Recap of Nov. 17th Hike

Although there was heavy fog on the flat lands and while driving up Mt. Tamalpais, when we arrived at Rock Springs it was sunny and clear. The Fall light made for marvelous hiking. We left the parking lot around 10:30 am, a small but enthusiastic group, and headed toward Laurel Dell. The ground was moist and covered by a splendid carpet of yellow and brown Western Maple leaves. Small brooks and rivulets made happy chatter and we saw many varieities of mushrooms along the way.

We took a break at Laurel Dell, then hiked further along the Cataract Trail to where it begins its steep descent down the Cataract Gorge. This is where our last hike on January 12th will emerge after climbing up the gorge. We then doubled back through Laurel Dell and took the MIckey O'Brian Trail along the drainage of a small creek to Barth's Retreat. Continuing on we followed the fire road to Portrero Meadows and broke for lunch.

We the followed the switchbacks of the Benstein Trail up to a ridge, corssed over and descended to the meadows below and returned to Rock Springs, where we were greeted by a splendid, adult Red Tail Hawk who landed on a bush across the meadow from us. The entire hike was amid peaceful. beautiful surroundings, exquisite light and subtle colors.

We returned to the parking lot at about 2:30 pm after a delightful and leisurely four hour hike.

Join us for our next hike at Annadel State Park in southeast Santa Rosa on Saturday, December 1st, starting at 10 am. All are welcome; call 707-939-8402 to reserve a place.

Rich