Fall is a fantastic time to go hiking. Parks that are packed during the summer are now easily accessed. Areas such as the Pinnacles, Almaden Quicksilver, or Henry Co Park often get a bad rap for being too hot an unbearable during the summer are ideal to visit during this time of year. However, there [...]
Bean Hollow and Pebble Beach are located off Highway 1 about 16 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Both of these beaches are small pocket sized with limited parking. Connecting the two is a mile long nature trail. The trail does have a few steps to climb and few bridges to cross, but overall it’s [...]
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One of the great things about living in the Pacific Northwest is exploring the rugged coast and tide pools. However, every year we hear a sad story of a family or a child swept out to sea by a rouge wave. The ocean can be unpredictable so constant vigilance is always necessary. This becomes more [...]
I recently had an opportunity to explore Rancho Canada from its main entrance off of Casa Lomo Road. Last year I hiked through the back side of the park from Calero County Park. This is a relatively new park so it really does not draw the big crowds. The wildflower displays are spectacular. The photo [...]
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If you’re looking for something special to do with your mom for Mother’s Day be at Santa Teresa County Park this Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 12-3pm. This is a “Healty Trails” outing, hosted by Docent Mike Boulland in conjunction with the Friends of Santa Teresa Park. On the trail, you’ll have the chance to [...]
The weather at Pinnacles is ideal for sport climbing RIGHT NOW! This picture was taken on our first climb of the day, Thrill Hammer 5.8+. Thrill Hammer is a super mellow vertical stroll that is a gentle start to a long day of climbing
Almaden Quicksilver Park is located in S. San Jose. The park encompasses over 3,977 acres and has five different entrances. Quicksilver is usually known as one of those parks that you earn your miles, so hiking with young children can be a challenge. Recently we discovered an entrance off of McAbee Road. There is street [...]
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On Saturday February 7, 2009, nine brave soles joined myself and guide Lisa Meyers of Let’s Go Birding on our annual birding workshop fieldtrip. This year we decided to bird the Palo Alto Baylands. If you have ever been on one of our trips then you know we learn a lot, but we also have [...]
I wanted to share some information about a fabulous neighborhood park that my wife discovered. Guadalupe Oak Grove Park in South San Jose is a true gem. This park is pretty easy to get to. Just take Almaden Expressway south and make a right on Macabee, across from the new Sonoma Chicken Coop. A few [...]
I was flipping through the San Jose Mercury News on October 23rd and came across an article written by Lisa M Freiger about our local tarantulas. If you have never ran into one of these hairy guys, it’s quite a site. They are non-aggressive and virtually harmless. One has never bitten me, but I’m [...]