Threefold: Acalanes Ridge | Saint Mary's | Dinosaur Hill

February 14, 2016
Lafayette | Moraga | Pleasant Hill
Hikes: Cathy, Laura
Combined Distance: 2.5 miles (Yes, your read that correctly.)
Combined Elevation: 736 Ft.


We set out to view the cement arrows atop Acalanes Ridge that were used in the 1920's as a visual guide for U.S. mail pilots on transcontinental night flights; sadly the trail itself was only one and a half miles round trip - so we decided to hit Saint Mary's College to make the popular hike up to the cross on the hill behind the school; only to find this walk to be less than a mile long . . .  Off we went to another popular local spot, Dinosaur Hill, for the fun of it - which we knew was not a walk at all, it being only like three tenths of a mile. Still it was a fun morning - something different.


Acalanes Ridge







Notice the observation tower and parking lot of the Lafayette Reservoir behind the windmill.











Mt. Diablo in all her glory.







Click here for more information on these landmarks.












It was obvious this is a popular party spot.


 
 
















Saint Mary's College of California


 
 


Observation pad. The pedestals are for attaching telescopes.




"La Cruz de la Victoria," the Cross of Victory.




Cows on the ridge.




Meteorology tower.



Not very big.





During World War ll, Saint Mary's had their own Power Plant. The sign on the wall today reads "Power Plant" - which is now the weightlifting room.


We were hoping to find the sundial from the 1920's (?) which our great grandfather had a hand in the project. All we found was this meridian plinth.




Dinosaur Hill Park 



Mt. Diablo looking so beautiful cloaked in green.



Just one of many - another popular party spot.




Oops! Strava was not turned off. We started and stopped at the green dot.


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