I just got back from a wonderful supported hike and camping trip with the Bay Area Ridge Trail and Way to Go Amigos outdoor adventure group. We met at Joseph D Grant County Park in San Jose where we dropped off our overnight gear. After some fun getting to know you games and stretches, the 40 or so hikers headed out for a 7.5 mile hike to Blue Oak Ranch Reserve, an ecological reserve run by UC Berkeley. We had overcast but dry weather and gorgeous views. I met lots of wonderful folks from all over the Bay Area who also love camping and hiking.
We made it to our camping spot at about noon and sat down to eat our well earned lunch. After that, Julie and I got settled into our cabin, then joined about half the group for a 5 mile loop hike around the property. We definitely got our workout in as it was over 2600 feet in elevation gain that day! When we returned we rested our tired feet by the campfire while dinner preparations were underway indoors. The rain stayed away until dinner, a delicious meal of Jamaican food, perfect after a busy day of hiking. Julie and I were pretty wiped out and by 7pm we were snug in our sleeping bags chatting about the day while listening to the rain come down. It felt so luxurious sleeping in a cabin on a rainy night, having our gear transported and meals made for us!
By Sunday morning the rain had let up and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon. The rain turned to drizzle as we headed off for the nine mile hike back to the parking lot. Clouds hung among the trees as we climbed to the summit. By the time we headed downhill the rain had stopped and blue sky began showing through the clouds. It was a fantastic end to a great weekend!
