Bike Ride: Zayante

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Posted: December 13, 2025

The ride for Saturday was set to journey out to Zayante. We started at Lexington Dam, where it was still a bit chilly. However, the temperature starting rising as we climbed up to Summit Road. It was really quite nice up on the ridge, and that continued even down to the Laurel Glen climb. We stopped in Scotts Valley for the usual lunch, and then over to Felton to start our journey up Zayante. I decided to go for the “KOM” points, and took off when the steep section started. I back tracked to the rest of the group and got some extra miles and climbing. All in all, it was an excellent day for a ride.

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Friday Hike: Coal Mine Ridge

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Posted: December 12, 2025

I did a shortish hike this morning, and it was pleasant, as the fog had dissipated, but still cool on the trail. The trail was reasonably close to my house, so it made for an easy day out, as compared to the epic hike I did on Monday. Some folks with the holiday spirit had even put ornaments on a couple of trees along the trail. I also found a fun swing to play on.

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Monday Hike: Long Ridge & Table Mountain

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Posted: December 8, 2025

It was foggy down low this morning, so I decided to head up to Skyline, where it was likely to be sunny and warmer.

The starting point was the Hickory Oaks trailhead at the southern edge of Long Ridge Preserve. The trail was sparsely wooded so I warmed up quickly and was able to take off my outer layers and enjoy the sun.

I crossed Skyline at Grizzly Flat. I saw no grizzlies. The trail had much more shade, and I had to carefully pick my way along some slippery rocks to cross Stevens Creek, twice actually. I didn’t get wet, so yay me.

I took the trail to Table Mountain, which was flattish like a table at the top. However, it did not any good views. I did see a red-tailed hawk circling around, so that was cool.

The trail back to my van was narrow and well shaded, so I had to mind the poison oak. I think I did okay with that. When I finished, I saw that the hike was longer than I had expected, but I felt pretty good and it was a very enjoyable and fun day out.

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High Tide Walk

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Posted: December 5, 2025

I went out for a morning walk down by the Palo Alto Baylands. It was close to high tide so the water was very close to the trail, and actually had flooded it in places. A very nice day for a walk.

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Monday Hike: Los Trancos & Montebello

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Posted: December 1, 2025

A Very Black Friday Ride

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Posted: November 28, 2025

The return ride home after spending the night in Santa Cruz. We went along the ocean for a bit, although there was a slight detour due to constructions. A stop at Gayle’s in Capitola, where Lyresa got coffee, and I acquired some tasty Ginger bread.

We climbed up Soquel San Jose and hung out at the Summit Store for more snacks. After, we split up, where Lyresa and Tom continued along Skyline, and I descended Old San Jose, where I crossed paths with Nathan, my cycling friend from my spring trip to Italy. We caught up, and then I was back on my way down to Los Gatos.

I meandered my way through Vasona Park to see the Christmas displays, and then took a long route across the valley to get home. It was a fun two days on the bike, but it was good to be home with Arun.

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Journey to Santa Cruz

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Posted: November 27, 2025

A couple of friends and I did a ride to Santa Cruz for Thanksgiving. This has been a semi-annual tradition for my friends for a while, and one that I have recently been able to share.

The day started cold, but we got a treat as we climbed up to Skyline, where it was pleasantly warm and sunny.

We stopped in Felton for lunch and then did the bonus climb up Felton-Empire Grade.

After enjoying some of my pumpkin pie, we descended to Santa Cruz, managing to avoid the deer on the side of the road.

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Back to Hiking

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Posted: November 24, 2025

After my unfortunate encounter with poison oak last month, I haven’t been out on the trails while I recovered. I decided to head out this morning to Foothills Park via the Alexis Drive entrance, the appeal being that I didn’t have to pay to enter the park.

The day started out with low clouds that burned off during my walk, and I finished under a bright blue sky.

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November Cat Dump

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Posted: November 18, 2025

More Fall Colors

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Posted: November 17, 2025