wild women walking

December 8, 2013
Brentwood, CA
Hikers: Cathy, Laura, Noreen
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation gain: 1388 ft.

As I was packing for this hike, the temp was 27°. Halfway or so through our hike, it warmed up to be a balmy 37° - it was a chilly day to say the least.

We saw this building structure on the drive in.

Icy spot on the footbridge.

Notice the exposed roots of the trees.

Ice crystals.

These are the same cows from above - you are unable to see the baby nursing in the photo.

Looks like a laying wild boar.

Critter print (or is it dog?). There are no dogs allowed..

Critter print!!!

Look what is peeking over the ridge - our beloved Mt. Diablo. :)

Yes, I actually posted this pic. Laura, when you say "hey", it would be nice if we had time to smile before you took the shot.

Los Vequeros Reservoir and the Altamont Pass windmills.

The fence prevents us from reaching the reservoir. :(

Close up of said reservoir and windmills.

Looks like a petrified waterfall to me. (A stretch, I know..)

We are thinking this may be the Fox Trail, that leads to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve.

Interesting.. there are deep slits cut into this rock.

Woodpecker!

Frozen creek.

There were plenty, and I mean plenty, of critter prints on the trails today. :)

Coyote!!! :)

(Always happy when they are at a distance. Haha.)

We were bundled up all day long. It was a cold one.

Trails:

Hardy Canyon, Miwok, plus two unnamed trails.

Round Valley Regional Preserve

December 1, 2013
Eastern Contra Costa County
Hikers: Cathy, Laura, Noreen
Distance: 8.78 miles
Elevation gain: 2,031ft.

Beautiful December morning!

View from the parking lot.

Lovin' our REI convertible hiking pants!

Ha! We wore the same pants, hat, and similar shirts. Can we be anymore alike?

The sign reads Roger Epperson Ridge

(This ridge is named after a park district supervisor, and a very close and dear friend of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who passed away in 2008.)

The camera just does not do this view justice. Sitting atop Roger Epperson Ridge, Mt. Diablo looms over the hills and it feels as if you can reach out and touch her with the tip of your finger. We were just in awe. I see why this was one of Roger's favorite spots.