SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013

DIFFICULTY:  Moderately Easy.

ELEVATION GAIN: Not significant.

HIKE DISTANCE: 6 miles total, out and back, not a loop hike, plus twelve blocks in Downtown Benicia

DESCRIPTION: The trail starts out paved and soon branches off to two unpaved nature trails which pass through marsh lands. If the marshes are flooded due to high tides, we will stay on the paved trail. If not, we will walk the nature trails and return to the paved trail, which continues along Dillon Point Road in the Benicia State Recreation Area. At the end of Dillon Point Road, we will take the unpaved Bay Area Ridge Trail to a promontory overlooking the Carquinez Straits. There is a power tower supporting a very long high voltage line across the straits, which won a Civil Engineering achievement award in the early 1900’s. We will also see a Native Plants Botanical Garden. You can also see the Benicia and Carquinez Bridges and maybe some boats or ships. There should be some shorebirds along the waterfront and marshes.

HIKE ROUTE: San Francisco Bay Trail through Benicia State Recreation Area to the end of Dillon Point Road, then Bay Area Ridge Trail to the Carquinez Straits overlook. Return to parking lot by same route.

MORE INFO: http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/maps.html and  http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=476

LUNCH: After the hike, we will drive three miles east on West K Street, turn right on First Street, and drive to the shoreline parking lot at the lower end of First Street in Downtown Benicia. If the lot is full, we can park along First Street. You can bring lunch or eat in the restaurants along First Street, including Sailor Jack’s, Kinder’s, First Street Café, and many others. After lunch, at a time to be decided, we will walk to California’s First Capitol near the intersection of First Street and G Street to see the historic Capitol Building and the Fischer Hanlon House. We will then walk back to our cars at the bottom of First Street via some side streets and trails along the shoreline to see other historic buildings. The total walking distance in Benicia will be about twelve blocks. The excursion will then be over, but you could also visit the Benicia Armory buildings and historic Camel Barn dating from 1861 if all in your carpool want to.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  Approximately 90 minute drive and 90 miles. Return to Lincoln by 5:00 pm.  A donation of $15 is suggested for riders. Copies of these directions will be handed out to all drivers.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Leader Dan Cortinovis. Sweep Wilma Cortinovis

FACILITIES:  Portable toilet at parking lot for San Francisco Bay Trail. Rest rooms in Benicia State Recreation Area along hike route. Rest rooms at the bottom of First Street in Downtown Benicia.

PREPARATION FOR HIKE:  Sturdy boots and trekking poles are recommended but not required.   

Bring lunch or snack and plenty of water, or eat in Benicia. Dress in layers in case of cold weather

IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.

BRING THE FOLLOWING: Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.

ABOUT YOUR FOOTWEAR: Always bring two pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  Do not get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.

RISKS:  Watch for traffic along Benicia State Recreation Area roads and in Downtown Benicia.

RAIN CANCELS HIKE.

QUESTIONS:  Call Dan Cortinovis at 925-262-7345

MEETING TIME:  7:45 AM - LEAVING TIME:  8:00 AM, RETURN BY 5:00 pm.

DIRECTIONS: Hike starts at the West end of Military West in Benicia. Travel I-80 through Davis and Fairfield to Vallejo. In Vallejo, take Exit 30A to 1-780 South for Benicia and Martinez. Do not cross the Carquinez Bridge to Richmond. From I-780, take Exit 3B for Military West. Do not take Exit 3A to the main entrance for Benicia State Recreation Area. At bottom of ramp, turn right on West K Street and then make an immediate right turn onto a paved road leading to the parking lot for the San Francisco Bay Trail.