Las Trampas Regional Park on Rocky Ridge, Sycamore, Devil hole and Elderberry Trails 7.23 miles, 4 hrs, 2000 ft elevation, 9.9% gradient 1642 kcal

Route:  Rocky Ridge, Sycamore, Devil hole and Elderberry Trails 
Time: 4 hr 
Difficulty: 6.5/10

Hidden Valley Ridge Trail 5.1 Miles, 980 K cal, 1100 ft Elevation, 1 Hr 50 min

Route: Hidden Valley Ridge Trail
Time: 2.10 hr 
Difficulty: 4/10

Martin Canyon Trail, 5 miles, 1040 Kcal, 2 hr 20 min, Elevation 1062 Ft

The weather forecast was very hot in upper 90's. This is insane weather to expect in the first week of October. So we had to look for trail that would provide shade. The chances of hiking 200 miles this year look bleak.  We had good turnout of hikers for today's hike and we were back on track. More importantly we got the goodies which we missed last week. After we reached the summit one side there is beautiful rocks formation. There was a narrow path leading to it so we ventured to go there and look at the view. The others hiked in different direction and crossed few more hills. As usual, this time the ladies posed at the summit.

Route: Martin Canyon Trail
Time: 2.20 hr 
Difficulty: 4/10

Elderburry , Cuesta Trail, 5.2 Miles, 2hr 30 min, 1023 KCal, 1920FT Elevation

This week with fewer turnout we were less enthusiastic of hiking. It's been a while since we did Bollinger Canyon Trail. It looks like I guess our new hiking members knew that it was  going to be a hard hike and skipped in the last minute :). While we were struggling to hike up the slope some of the folks were running all the way long. It looked so simple watching them but I can imagine the amount of hard work they put in to be that fit. Well, I feel happy at least now we started this activity and continuing so far. After we reached the summit on our way back decided to take a shorter route and took Cuesta Trail. Unfortunately it was a round about one that we picked and paid for choosing the short cut route. Since it was pleasant weather and breezy we were able to make it.

Route: Elderburry , Cuesta Trail
Time: 2.30 hr  
Difficulty: 4.5/10
Total Elevation:1920 Ft

The path to nowhere?

Our shadows guess who is who?

Offering prayers

Time to enjoy the beauty & pose for camera :)

Finlay Road Oyster Point Trail, 5.2 Miles, 1hr 50 min, 833 Cal, 1390FT Elevation

We had maximum turnout today. It's encouraging that new members continue to come with us for hikes. Today some of us has prior appointments so we had to cut short our hike to around 5 miles. The weather was cloudy with early morning fog but was not chilly. We tried new snacks from Google from our hiking partner and also gave her list as what to bring next week :)

Route:Oyster Point Trail
Time: 1.50 hr  
Difficulty: 4.5/10
Total Elevation:1390 Ft

Redwood Park, French Trail,Steam, Mill Trail, 5.5 Miles, 2 hrs 30 min, 1230 Cal. 1353 Ft Elevation

Today it was expected reach 100 degrees so decided to hike in a shaded park and headed to Redwood Park in Oakland. We had done one hike in this park in early May and it was spectacular around that time. With no rains and severe temperatures. I did not have much hope on the beauty of the surroundings but it was still worth it. This time we combined  a few trails, including the Stream trail which is along the creek but there wasn't even a drop of water to look at. May be it's time for Californians to sing a rain song as done in the Hindi move Lagaan. :). Much of the sections of the trail are shady but wherever it's not we felt it hard due to the heat. One good thing about this hike is it's constant up and downs so it gives a good, solid workout.

Route: French, Stream, Mill Trail and Prince Trail
Time: 2.30 hr  
Difficulty: 6.0/10
Total Elevation:1353 Ft

Almost end of the hike still smiling :)

Pleasanton Ridge Trail, 5.0 Miles, 2 hrs, 925 K cal, 1322 Ft Elevation

Last week we did not go hiking since majority of folks went camping. The folks from Europe trip felt it was a good reason to rest and settle down. We all managed to get up for an early morning hike but the dry weather, dusty trails and bone dry vegetation made for a not so pretty sight. Next we need to find a trail that is more pleasant.
Route: Pleasanton Ridge Trail
Time: 2 hr  
Difficulty: 5/10
Total Elevation:1322 Ft

coming up a short cut route

Everyone watching him climb

Trying to take another short cut :)

Morgan Territory Regional Park, 6.25 Miles, 2:30 hrs, 1100 K cal, 1700 Ft Elevation

After a 3 week European vacation , we got back to the dry, hot California weather. After the long break we found the hike to be pretty tough. We intended to do around 5 miles, but our troop leader tricked us into doing a 6.25 mi loop which thoroughly exhausted us. The last part of the trail was very narrow and overrun with tall dry grass. But the views were awesome.

Route: Black HillTrail
Time: 2.30 hr  
Difficulty: 6.5/10
Total Elevation:1700 Ft

Troupe posing for a photo

Golden grass on one side and greenery
 on other side

New Hikers excited to hike :)

Lake District National Park, UK, 4 Miles, 500 KCal, 700 FT Elevation, 2 Hrs

Our last stop before heading to home was UK. We went to Manchester and from there all of us drove to Lake District. The Lake was very beautiful surrounded by stone homes and lush green trees. Along with Uncle,we all did a 2 mile uphill hike to have a glimpse of water falls. It was very shady, wet and muddy but overall an excellent hike with gorgeous scenery throughout. In addition, we did a 2 mile loop  near Uncle's home and picked some delicious wild blackberries along the way.



Time: 2 hr  
Difficulty: 4/10
Total Elevation:700 Ft