Redwood Park Hike

The rain was coming. I could sense it. I could hear the wind. The clouds in the sky, but I wasn't feeling it. It was time for a hike/photo opp. Started out from one of my favorite trailheads - Skyline gate in the Oakland Hills. The lot was half full w/ people coming & going. I threw on the backpack(peanut butter & jelly on board) & set off out West ridge. After a half mile I was about to head down French Trail when I saw this older couple I had ran into a few weeks back. Some people are curious as to where I'm going, wearing a backpack. I answer by telling them I'm a backpacking guide and just out getting some exercise. Back to the couple - we say Hi! & the lady asks if I have those business cards yet. Like an excited school kid I answer; Yes! & reach into my pocket & produce one. She said they were hoping they would see me to get more information. I thought great. Hopefully some future customers.

So down the French I went. This is one of the coolest trails in the East Bay. Monterey Pines to start, then Manzanita further down and finally my favorites; Redwood trees. Something about these amazing trees - I just can't explain - their awesome! Further down the trail there are Live Oak & Bay Laurel covered in moss(super green). Then I start to hear a familiar sound, which occurs in winter. The creek is really flowing from the recent rains. Such a beautiful sight. There are numerous small creeks from all the rain we have been receiving. After taking a few random shots of the trees and creeks, I start the climb up French out of the valley. Its a challenging steep climb to the junction of Redwood Peak trail. I take that trail up even further to West ridge. Up here the wind is really blowing and the Eucalytus trees are swaying and making lots of creaking noises. I decide to walk really fast to get away from these weeds & head down West ridge. I head down Fern enroute to Stream. This trail drops about 600' in 3/4 of a mile. Yeap it goes down quick. I hit Stream & start heading back up to the trialhead. Along the way the stream is flowing rapidly as I walk up the trail. Its really cool sound as one is hiking. With maybe a mile or so to go the first drops start to fall. Funny its just not a few drops. It just starts to pour literally within about 30 seconds. WTF - I jump under my favorite tree & pull out my Gore-tex jacket & start marching up the final hill in the pouring rain( w/ a smile on my face).

Back at the trailhead there are very few cars. The rain is pounding the ground like in the movies(its so loud - almost exaggerated like a movie). The crazy thing is this young lady gets out of her car w/ her dog & starts out east ridge. But shes wearing cotton sweats - WTF? I guess she has a limited time to walk the dog?

This park is so nice, I sometimes don't even want to tell anyone, but its not in my nature(no pone intended).