The Loma Prietan
February 2002
Activities Calendar
Backpacking
Explore the California wilderness. For one
year of newsletter send $12 check to Backpack Section, Ginny Fleming, 887 Roble Avenue
#3, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Complimentary newsletter sent upon request. Meetings are held second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Steve Stearns chair, 650/941-8676.
Day Hiking
All hikes by the Day Hiking Section are open to the general public—Sierra Club membership is not required. All participants are required
to sign a standard liability waiver. The hike schedule is available at www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/dayhiking/. Hikers new to the group are required to call the hike leader
in advance. The hike rating system is as follows:
Distance:
2 = 5-10 miles
3 = 10-15 miles
4 = 15-20 miles
5 = 20-25 miles |
Elevation:
B = 1000-2000 feet
C = 2000-3000 feet
D = 3000-4000 feet
E = 4000-5000 feet |
Feb. 2 Montara Mountain and Beyond Sat. 4C/D. We will hike from the ocean to the top of Montara Mtn., then proceed to San Pedro Park for lunch. After lunch and a loop through the park, we will hike back to the beach. Heavy rain cancels. No host carpool 8 a.m. Edgewood & I-280 P&R or meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Montara beach parking lot on Hwy. 1. Please call if you have not hiked with this group in the past. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Dot Reilly 415/585-1380.
Feb. 9 Ridge Winery Sat. 4D. Hike to the Ridge Winery starting at Rancho San Antonio via the Power Line Trail, Deer Trail, and Montebello Road. Lunch at the winery. Return via the Windmill Pasture. No-host carpool at 8 a.m., Page Mill and I-280 P&R or meet at 8:30 at the horse trailer parking lot at Rancho San Antonio (not at the parking area near the bathrooms). Leaders: Dee and Rick Booth rdbooth@att.net or rwbooth@attbi.com.
Feb. 10 Almaden Quicksilver Sun. 3B. Meet
1 p.m. at bus stop near McDonalds, Almaden Expressway & McAbee, ready to hike, rain or shine. Afternoon to evening hike. No-host carpool 12:30 p.m. at Page Mill & I-280. Please see details at http://www.oakapple.net/dhs/future/quicksilver.html. Leader: David Hough 408/997-7763.
Feb. 16 Pacheco State Park Sat. 3C. New State Park on Hwy 152 at Dinosaur Point between Gilroy and Los Banos. No water at the park. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Cottle Rd, & Hwy 85 P&R. Leader: Ted Raczek
408/532-7732.
Feb. 23 Sacramento City Sat. 3C. The hike will be about 16 miles with no vertical gain (a.k.a. a level hike). We make a loop, with about half of the hike following a path along the American River, and the other half along city streets. Lunch stop at a restaraunt in Old Town along the Sacramento River. Suggested carpool at Edgewood & I-280 P&R at 6:45 a.m., or call leader for meeting location in
Sacramento. Leaders: George Sinclair 916/
791-4810; Roger Pantos 408/735-7821.
Feb. 23 Portola State Park to Peter’s Creek Sat. 4C. Hike Peter’s Creek loop, past Slate Creek Trail Camp from Portola State Park Headquarters. Some deep creek crossings (optional) and a surprise hill on the way back (non-optional). Rain cancels. Suggested carpool 7:30 a.m. at Page Mill & I-280 P&R. Leaders: Tom Driscoll 408/749-0344; Patty Van Natta 650/365-6580.
Mar. 2 SF to Mill Valley Sat. 4C. Across Golden Gate to Marin Headlands then Coastal Trail: Rodeo Beach, Tennessee Valley, Muir Beach and inland to Mill Valley for bus return. Carpool 7:45 a.m. Edgewood P&R, or meet at GG Bridge view area near restrooms by 8:20 a.m. Leader: Betty Sills 650/345-5880.
Mar. 2 "4 Summits of Mt. Diablo" Sat. 5F. Join the leaders as we climb Eagle Peak, North Peak, Mt. Diablo and Mt. Olympia. Fast and strenuous (6000 ft of elevation gain). Suggested carpool 7 a.m. at Mission Blvd. & I-680 P&R (across from McDonald’s) or 8 a.m. at Rock City trailhead. Leaders: John Wilkinson 408/947-0858 or jwilkinsonca@earthlink.net, Nancy Fitzsimmons 408/957-9683 or
pkclimber@aol.com.
Family Outings
Family Outings sponsors some weekend activities that are not listed in this section.
If you are interested in adding your e-mail address to a distribution list to receive messages regarding late-breaking weekend outings, please send your e-mail address to Jo Ann Cobb at
jscobb@flash.net.
Babes on Backs Wed. 1A. On Wednesdays, a 2- to 4- mile hike at a local park with children walking, in front or back packs, or in a jogging stroller. Leader: Sonya Bradski, 650/856-9366.
More Babes on Backs Mon. 1A. On Mondays, a 2-5 mile hike at local parks with children in a back/front pack or jogging stroller. Please
note that there will be no hike on the second Monday of every month. Leader: Alison Hlady 408/481-9468, alisonhlady@yahoo.com.
Exploring Walkers Fri. 1A. For 2-1/2 to 5 year olds with a parent. On Fridays, a 1- to 2- mile hike at a local park with our youngest hikers taking to the trail! For more info, call leader:
Jo Ann Cobb 650/631-9303.
Inner City Outings
ICO works with community agencies to provide outdoor activities to youth whose opportunities to participate is otherwise limited. Volunteers of all levels of commitment needed. Programs are with agencies throughout the Loma Prieta region. Mostly weekend trips include day hikes, backpacking, river rafting, and cross country skiing. Phone 408/236-3794.
Gay and Lesbian Sierrans
Visit the GLS Website at:
www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/gls/index.html.
Peak Climbing
The Peak Climbing Section (PCS) is a group of mountain climbers who rally around the shared enjoyment of being in the mountains and the thrill of climbing. Climbs are usually in the Sierra and don’t require technical rock climbing. The PCS meets on the second Tuesday of each month. We have a newsletter, Scree, that contains reports of past trips, announcements of future trips, and articles of interest. For a one-year subscription to Scree, send your name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, and Sierra Club membership number to the PCS treasurer: Scott Kreider, 1007 South Wolfe Road #5, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Include a check made out to "PCS" for either $10 or $12 (the $12 includes an optional $2 donation to the PCS). To receive the PCS newsletter online, or to participate in discussions about climbing, send an e-mail to listserv@lists.sierraclub.org with the following text in the message body: "SUBSCRIBE lomap-pcs-announce yourfirstname yourlastname." Newsletters and other useful information about the PCS can be found on the web at lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/pcs.
Rock Climbing
Due to insurance changes, the RCS no longer has Sierra Club trips. Private trips are listed quarterly (or thereabouts) via e-mail. To get on the distribution list, please contact the current chair Hal Tompkins at 650/364-8603 or email tompkins@slac.stanford.edu.
San Mateo Hiking Section
New Hikers Welcome! The San Mateo Hiking Section offers moderate hikes three times a week. Hikes start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise specified. Starred (**) hikes are more than eight miles in length and/or strenuous. Please call the leader in advance for all Saturday hikes.Write for our six-month, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday hike schedule. Send a SASE and a $3.50 check, payable to the San Mateo Hiking Section, Sierra Club, to: HIKES, P.O. Box 651, San Carlos, CA 94070. Info: Jocelyn Orr, Hikes Coordinator, 650/964-9028.
Feb. 9 Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to Half Moon Bay on Bluff Top Trail. Carpool 9 a.m. at Edgewood P&R and I-280. Meet at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve parking lot at 9:45 a.m. for car shuttle. Leader: Julia Bott 650/343-8950.
Feb. 16 Butano State Park. Carpool 9 a.m. at Edgewood P&R. Meet at Park HQ near restrooms. Leader: Bob Pease 415/ 334-2072. Must call leader to reserve by 8 p.m. Feb. 15.
Feb. 23 Coal Mine Ridge. No carpool. Meet Alpine Road and Willowbrook Dr. in Portola Valley. Leader: Pat Saffir 650/326-2429. Must call leader to reserve by 8 p.m. Feb. 22.
Singleaires
Singleaires are friendly, active, single people
40 and up who enjoy outdooor activities and conservation. Hikes are offered each Sun (1A
to 3C) followed by a potluck. For a one-time free schedule send a business sized SASE (57¢ postage) to Singleaires, 5260 Cribari Heights, San Jose, CA 95135. For a one year subscription send $12, a business sized SASE (57¢ postage), and proof of membership (Sierra Club newsletter or magazine label, or copy of membership card) to the above address. Make checks payable to Sierra Singleaires. For info, call 650/366-4511.
Carpools:
- Los Gatos: Municipal Parking Lot. From Hwy 17 S take Los Gatos Saratoga (Hwy 9) exit.
- Palo Alto: Park & Ride Lot. I-280 & Page Mill Road.
- Woodside: Park & Ride Lot. I-280 at Hwy 84.
- San Mateo: Park & Ride Lot. I-280 at Hwy 92.
Feb. 1 Newcomer’s Meeting 7 p.m. at the home of Steve Smith, 4003 Kingridge Dr, San Mateo 650/345-4595. Meet current members and newcomers. Learn about our group and the activities that we enjoy. Please bring a snack or a beverage to share. Please RSVP by Monday, Jan 28. Directions: Hwy 92 to Alameda de las Pulgas, S on Alameda, R on 36th St, to Kingridge to 4003.Contacts: Marie France 650/572-7330, Edward Pease 408/259-1725.
Feb. 2 Newcomer’s Hike: Eagle Rock Loop
in Alum Rock Park, San Jose 1A 9 a.m. A relatively easy, one-hour, two-mile hike among the streams, trees and foothills. Hike has a 300-foot elevation gain and should have a good view of the Santa Clara valley. Heavy rain cancels. Signing up for the trip is not required but is appreciated. Meet at the Penitencia Creek Road Park entrance parking lot. Thomas Brothers map location page 814 J5. Leader: Edward Pease 408/259-1725.
Feb. 3 Newcomer’s Hike: Sam McDonald County Park, Sun. 1B, 11 a.m. Meet in Sam McDonald’s parking lot. Easy hike up to the hut where we will have lunch. Directions:
From I-280 N, exit Woodside then take 84 West, cross Skyline Blvd, take la Honda until Pescadero Rd on the left. At the fork, go right and pass over the bridge. Park entrance is on your right. Parking fee. Carpooling recommended: Woodside: 10:20, Leader: Marie France 650/572-7330, Coleader: Ed Pease 408/259-1725.
Feb. 3 San Francisco to Sausalito, Sun. 2A, 9:30 a.m. 10 miles. Meet at Green’s Restaurant at Ft. Mason in SF. Walk through newly landscaped Crissy Field, over GG Bridge, through Ft. Baker to Sausalito for late lunch. Ferry back to Ferry Bldg for walk back to Ft. Mason. Bring lunch, water, boots (or good walking shoes), money for ferry. Directions: Hwy 101 N, exit Van Ness Ave. Take Van Ness to L on Bay St to Ft. Mason. Carpools: Los Gatos 8:00, Palo Alto 8:30, San Mateo 8:45. Leader: Jan Yelland, 650/328-1137.
Feb. 9 Butano Trail Work, Sat. Join our trail building crew in this quiet state park near Pescadero. Give something back to parks we hike. No experience necessary. Sat. dinner in the park. Overnight camping optional; no charge. Reservations one week in advance, please, to Herb Lee 650/355-2725 or Hunter Owens 408/247-3517.
Feb. 10 Butano State Park, Sun. 1B, 11:30 a.m. Bring a smile, water and lunch to eat at the campground. Directions: Take Hwy 92 to Half Moon Bay then left on Hwy 1. About 14 mi to Pescadero turnoff on the left. Or take Hwy 84 (Woodside) and left on Hwy 1 and left at Pescadero turnoff. Go past Pescadero about 2 mi and turn right on Cloverdale. Continue for about 4 mi to the entrance road on the left. Park by the entrance or picnic area. Parking is limited, so carpool. Entrance fee. Carpools: San Mateo/Woodside 10:15, Palo Alto 10:00, Los Gatos 10:00. Leader:Bob Segalla 650/962-1316
segalla@yahoo.com, Coleader: TBD
Feb. 17 Farm to Farm, Sun, barely a 3C,
10 a.m. Ten miles with 2,000 ft elev gain. Hike from Hidden Villa farm to San Antonio farm. Strenuous, fast-paced hike with some very steep climbs. Good boots a must. Heavy rain cancels, light rain okay. Directions: From I-280 exit west at El Monte (becomes Moody Rd). Hidden Villa is on Moody Rd 2.2 mi beyond stoplight at Foothill College. Watch for a small sign on left just past a horse pasture on left. Park in the second parking lot. Parking fee is requested. Carpools: Los Gatos 9:30, Palo Alto/Woodside 9:30. Leaders: Ann Rogers 415/
345-0367 and Judy Pugh 408/264-5493.
Feb. 24 Stevens Creek County Park REI Trail, Sun, 2B 11 a.m. Ascend slowly from Stevens Creek Park to reservoir for lunch; then up REI trail to upper reservoir and linkage trail. Nice vistas and very steep hills. It can be very cold. Bring water, good hiking boots, and lunch. From I-280 take Foothill Expwy exit to S on Foothill Blvd (becomes Stevens Canyon Rd). Proceed about 2 mi to L into park before reservoir. Meet at parking lot. Carpools: Woodside/Palo Alto 10:00, Los Gatos 10:15, Leader: Friederika Meil, 408/257-2593, Coleader: Pauline Bybee 408/943-0944.
Sierra Singles
Sierra Singles are energetic, single adults, with typical ages from the 20’s to 40’s who enjoy hiking, biking, volleyball, backpacking, skiing, dancing, movies, rafting, potluck dinners, conversation, and much more. Our schedule lists 50-75 events each month. To receive a one year subscription, send $20 (along with proof of membership in the Sierra Club) to Sierra Singles, P.O. Box 391775, Mountain View, CA 94039. Nonmembers are welcome at our events on a trial basis. For a partial schedule visit us on the Web at www.lomaprieta. sierraclub.org/lpss or contact our hotline at 408/795-3237.
Feb. 10 Newcomer Arastradero Preserve Hike Sun. 2 p.m. Come join us for this popular hike where we welcome new and potential members to our group. Current members are also welcome. Hike four miles at a casual pace with 800 feet elevation gain before adjourning to the Alpine Inn for optional beer and burger-type fare. Dress in layers; bring liquids and sun protection. Heavy rain cancels. Directions: From the south, exit I-280 at Page Mill west and go 0.3 miles, turn right onto Arastradero Rd. and go a couple of miles to the Inn (left turn) just before the first stop sign at the intersection with Alpine Road. From the north, exit I-280 at Alpine Road and continue right 2.2 miles toward Portola Valley to left turn at Arastradero Rd. Immediate right into Alpine Inn Parking lot. Meet at left side of parking lot. Don’t park in front of the restaurant. Leader: Gary Zellweger, zell_man@yahoo.com.
Feb. 10 Pinnacles NM. Five-mile tour of grand vistas. Bring layered clothing, water, lunch, something to sit on, study footwear, money for carpool and park entrance. Carpool 9:25 a.m. at Santa Clara County Lot, corner of 1st and Hedding. Optional dinner stop ($11-17) in San Juan Bautista on return ride home. Do not expect to arrive home before 7 p.m. Rain (or definite threat of rain) cancels. Leader: Tom Morse 650/593-5123 or TripBTom@aol.com
Mar. 1 San Carlos/Redwood City non-exercise flat walk Fri. 6:30 p.m. This hike starts, stays, and ends on the flat lands. About four miles on city streets. Dress in layers and bring flashlights. Heavy rain cancels; light rain does not. Meet at Edgewood & I-280 P&R at 6:30 p.m. Or meet at my home at 6:45 p.m.; directions given out by e-mail. Leader: Tom Morse 650/593-5123 or TripBTom@aol.com.
Attention Photographers: The Sierra Singles has an active photography section that meets once a month. We have photo shoots locally and every few months we do a weekend trip. About two weeks after our shoots we have a potluck to share our photos and learn and exchange techniques. Our photo sharing website is: www.photoisland.com Login: "sierraphotogroup". Password: "photos". Please sign the guest book. For more info, e-mail Barbara Muir: barbara_muir@yahoo.com.
Ski Touring
The Ski Touring Section (STS) organizes cross-country ski trips to the Sierra and elsewhere. Meetings are the first Monday of each month, November through May. Membership at $5 per year entitles you to electronic distribution of our newsletter Track; $15 per year brings you
a hard copy. Send check payable to STS c/o Treasurer Jim Gibson, 826 Lana Ct., Campbell, CA 95008-6009.
Nordic Voice, the STS conservation committee, promotes the interests of back-country skiers through involvement in public access issues. For more information, see our website lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/sts or contact Dave Erskine, STS chair, 408/556-1090 or zeaphod@juno.com.
Feb. 4 Section Meeting 7 p.m. at Mountain View Library.
Mar. 4 Section Meeting 7 p.m. at Peninsula Conservation Center.
Loma Prieta Paddlers
Loma Prieta Paddlers share paddling interests (mostly whitewater kayaking), trips, practice, conservation. Meetings at 7:30 p.m., 2nd Wednesday of each month (except December) at Western Mountaineering, El Camino at San Tomas, Santa Clara. Steve Avery, Chair 650/966-8784. Trip schedule is posted to our website and List Server.
Roll practice: Tuesdays, 8:00-9:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. All kayakers welcome; $5 per boat. Contact Tom Musolf for further info at TMusolf@LeapFrog.com.
Black Mountain Group
Black Mountain Group serves Sierra Club members in northern Santa Clara County and southern San Mateo County. Copies of our schedule are distributed at our activities or electronically. For e-mail distribution, contact bmg-request@cometric.com, or visit our website at www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/bmg.
The Black Mountain Group invites you to hike with us. If you want to lead a hike or other activity please contact our activities coordinator, Paul Worden, 650/857-1623. To automatically receive our schedule by e-mail send a request to bmg-request@cometric.com.
Our schedule is at http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/bmg/. Always bring water and lunch, unless stated otherwise. Dress for the weather and be prepared for changes.
Feb. 2 Rancho San Antonio Sat. 3C (14 mi., 2900 ft.). From the bathrooms we will pass through a small farm on our way to the top
of Black Mountain to enjoy lunch with views
of the Bay Area. Our route back is via the Windmill Pasture and former horse corral. Rain will cancel this hike. Meet 9 a.m. at the park or 8:40 a.m. at no-host carpool at Page Mill & I-280 P&R; limited parking at park. Leader: Cindy Lockhart 650/324-0384.
Feb. 10 Mission Peak Sun. 2C (7 mi., 2100 ft.). This hike is intended to initiate newcomers to the peak via the friendlier, less-travelled route, and to offer old-timer fans something different. We’ll take the Spring Valley Trail up from Ohlone College. Meet 9 a.m. at Ohlone College, parking lot H. No-host carpool 8:15 a.m. at Page Mill P&R, Palo Alto. Bring money
for optional lunch afterward. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Thoi Pham 408/227-7600.
Feb. 16 Henry Coe Park Sat. 2C (10 mi., 2500 ft). Meet at Page Mill & I-280 at 8:30 a.m. or Hunting Hollow entrance to Coe Park at 9:30 a.m. A 10-mile loop with at least 2500 ft. of elevation gain. Bring lunch, snacks, and liquids. No water at trailhead. Boots required. Rain cancels. Libby Vincent, 650/424-8731.
Feb. 17 Foothills Park Sat. 3B (10 mi., 1200 ft.) See Dirca in bloom! Carpool 8 a.m. at Page Mill and I-280 P&R. Please contact leader to ensure we have sufficent Palo Alto residents to accompany non-residents. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Carol Drummond 650/494-2509.
Feb. 20 New Member Meeting Wed. 7:30 p.m. at the Peninsula Conservation Center, 3921 Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, for an inspirational slide show describing the Sierra Club’s activities and brief presentations by representatives of the chapter. Refreshments provided. Contact: Thoi Pham 408/227-7600.
Feb. 23 Huddart County Park Sat. 2B (6.5 mi., 1000 ft). A moderate hike thru Huddart Park and Phleger Estate. Meet Page Mill P&R 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. at the trailhead. Bring lunch and liquid; be prepared for weather. Boots recommended. Leader: Shawn Britton 408/551-0722 or 408/227-7600.
Mar. 2 New Member Hike, Montebello Ridge Sat. 2B (7 mi. 1000 ft.). Open to anyone interested...new members and old. Scenic figure-eight through two local parks in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Carpool 10 a.m. at Page Mill & I-280 P&R. Bring lunch, liquidsand boots. Rain cancels. Leader: Paul Worden 650/857-1623.
Guadalupe Regional Group
Guadalupe Regional Group includes mid- and south Santa Clara County and all of San Benito County, but all Sierra Club members are welcome. For a free copy of the monthly newsletter, The Guadalupan, ($5/year subscription) or info, call Group office, 408/554-0442 and leave name and address, or write Sierra Club/Guadalupe Group, P.O. Box 549, Santa Clara, CA 95052-0549. Group meets monthly on 3rd Thursday for slide program and refreshments 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Harker School in San Jose. Members and guests welcome at any meeting or hike. For meetings, BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) and help reduce waste!
Rain may cancel hikes; call leader if questionable. For dog hikes, dogs must be well behaved—friendly, come on call, voice or leash control. Dogs are allowed off-leash on trails; on-leash in picnic areas, parking lots. Meeting and trip schedule below. For added trips, see
The Guadalupan, published first week each month, or call Marj Ottenberg 408/867-4576.
Feb. 4 Guadalupe Ex-Com Mon. 7:30 p.m. For site and agenda, call Marj 408/867-4576.
Feb. 16 Pinnacles NM Sat. Easy-to-moderate hike. Bring lunch, liquid, layered clothes, and meet at 9 a.m. at campground store at the Monument. For more info, call leader: Linda Barbosa 408/778-7122.
Feb. 17 Picchetti Ranch Sun. Moderate hike on base of Montebello Ridge. Bring lunch, liquid, layered clothes. For details of meeting time, location, call leader: Teresa Nemeth, 408/296-5821 after 9 pm.
Feb. 21 "Invasive Exotics Threatening Edgewood Park" Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Guadalupe Group meeting at Harker School (NE corner, Saratoga Ave at I-280; turn in at stoplight, pass kiosk, follow arrows). Ken Himes of Calif. Native Plant Society will present a slide show on threats to California native plants, including several endangered or threatened species, in the Santa Cruz Mountains bioregion. Refreshments—BYOC!
Feb. 23 Off-leash Dog Hike Sat. East Bay Regional Park, specifics to be announced. Call leader: Bob Wallace 408/867-4576.
San Carlos/Belmont Regional Group
The San Carlos/Belmont Regional Group meets monthly (except July and August) usually on the 3rd Sunday. We emphasize rather easy hikes close to home and programs relevant to our two cities (with a few exceptions for variety). We have a web site, home.att.net/~sierra.club/ or you may call and leave a message for Bob at 650/592-2166.
Pot Luck Meetings: Call the host to make your reservation and for the meeting location. Please bring your own table service and food (main dish, salad, or dessert) to serve about six. We customarily contribute $1 per drink serving at the social time to defray costs. Usually social time starts after 5:30, dinner at 6:00, business meeting and program from 7:00 until 9:00. Hikes: Call leader for meeting time & location.
Feb. 17 Hidden Villa Sun. Wim (650/369-8416) will guide us on a hike that includes two new environmentally friendly buildings. Potluck at the home of Dorothy and Bob Young (650/592-3673). Speaker will be our own David Bomberger, who will inform us of what is being planned in San Mateo County.