It is fitting that I begin with the end in mind. This is a shot from hike number 65 of 2017. I’ve never hiked this much in my life…or, taken as many pictures. This shot was taken at the high point of the Folger Ranch Loop Trail in the newly opened La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve in the mountains of San Mateo County.
My longest hike: La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve – I hiked the Harrington Creek/Folger Ranch Loop for a total of 9.1 miles!
This shot is taken from the top of the long climb up the Harrington Creek Trail to the upper pond. I waited at the top for about 12 hikers who were behind me. One of them slowly passed me at the top and, after stopping to suck in some air, coughed out, “that’s a grinder!” So, there you go, my new name for this section of the trail is, “The Grinder.”
Greatest total elevation gain: Deer Springs Trail to Suicide Rock in the San Bernardino National Forest = 1,928 Feet!
The view from Suicide Rock looking south west.
Here I am dangling my feet over the edge….I’m surprised that the picture isn’t blurry! LOL!
Hiking amongst giants! Muir Woods National Monument
Best spot to stop and watch hawks soaring above a valley: Sierra Vista Trail, Sierra Vista Open Space
I nailed my personal challenges this year:
- I completed Santa Clara County Parks “Magnificent Seven Challenge” at the John Nicholas Trail, Sanborn County Park, Santa Clara County Parks (above).
2) I also completed the 52 Hike Challenge on the spectacular Mt. Umunhum trail, which is part of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
Finally, I became a member of the Volunteer Trail Patrol for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve. I really enjoy meeting and helping hikers, bikers, and equestrians while I’m on the trail. I plan on keeping up this “calling” in 2018!
Phew! 2017 was quite a year for me on the trail.
I completed 65 hikes that totaled 261.6 miles. The total elevation gain for all 65 hikes was 32,997 feet. My average hike was just over 4 miles.
So, what’s in store for 2018? I would definitely like to improve my iPhone and SLR photography. So, look out for more pictures to be posted this year.
I also plan on going after the 52 Hike Challenge and Magnificent Seven hike challenges again. What are the challenges you are going to take on this year? Any suggestions for me?
I’ve also signed up to run my first Spartan Race this upcoming March! This will be my first OCR race! I haven’t done a pull up in 20+ years…so, training for this race should be….interesting!
As always, if you’re looking for me, I’m over the hill.
