We had a wonderful hike at Las Trampas. We climbed Chamise and were surrounded by white, flowering buck brush. We hiked an hour out and a little less than a hour back. The skies were clear and Mt. Diablo was framed beautifully by the buck brush. We stopped a few times up to catch our breath and shed layers. Afterwards we hiked along the stream next to the start of Elderberry trail where we saw the mating newts in twos, threes, and maybe more-they were so entwined and going at it, it was hard to tell. We also observed them tending their egg sacks under the edge of the creek bank. It was along this creek bank that we also saw the beautiful red trillium blooming. We also saw a few other wildflowers blooming along our hike, such as fiddle neck, buttercups, and saxifrage along the ridge.

SRVNC Hiking activity is a fitness-hiking group for people of all levels of hiking skills. We do though highly recommend that if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, have any health problem/concern, or haven’t been exercising in awhile that you see your doctor before beginning this or any other exercise program. The group meets on Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at various regional parks no more than 30 minutes from San Ramon. Each Thursday evening directions will be emailed to those currently in the hiking group or new people who have called to express interest. We will hike 1 hour in and 1 hour out. Everyone will hike at their own pace for half of the allotted time along a marked trail and return along same trail. Some will be faster and some slower but everyone should be able to increase their fitness level over time. We will all end our hike at the same time. You will need to wear breathable clothing, bring a bottle (at least) of water in a fanny pack, and wear either hiking boots or hiking “sneakers” with a good tread. If you are interested please Email Sharon Kovar. Questions? Sharon @735-8960. If you are interested in taking hikes at a more leisurely pace, please let Sharon know as some hikes are more suitable than others

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