Bear Creek Trail to Dam and Back | Briones Reservoir

July 27, 2014
Contra Costa County
Hikers: Cathy, Laura, Carol
Distance: 8.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,245 ft.



Still taking it easy after a 6 week hiatus.

Interesting cloud formation seen on our drive in. 

The reservoir is getting so low. The water used to come up to the grassy area. 

The "sticks" in the middle are water level gauges. Bone dry.

Here is a photo from July 2012. Not the same spot, but not too far from the others shown above.

 Kelley, if you are reading this, this is past the Bear Creek Trail. :)

  Trails:

Bear Creek Trail

 

Briones Reservoir - (for trail map - click on North Watershed Map)

(Permit required)

Briones and a Close Call

July 13, 2014
Martinez, CA
Hikers: Cathy, Laura
Distance: 4.67 miles
Eleveation gain: 1,227 ft.

 Laura trying to get a picture of a rattlesnake.

See him hiding out?

 (Holding my bandana up to block the glare from the sun)

Laura walked by first. Not sure I have ever heard such a loud rattle. She sprinted, to say the least. Our dilemma - we are separated by a snake. What to do? Walk by slowly? Run? WWND?

Me, the chicken shit, got up  the courage to sprint past it! And my sister, the one who is not afraid of anything - ever. Not even a pack of coyotes, said, uh - no. Not a good idea. Just walk through the grass (snake country!) on the other side.  Well, our friend did not like that either - it shook that tail like crazy.

Laura made me go back the way we came, and she went on, and we met at the pass.

So sad to see our ponds bone dry. (Notice Mickey Mouse at the top!)

Briones Regional Park