MT. DIABLO STATE PARK - HISTORICAL LOOP HIKE
Saturday, February 7, 2009

DIFFICULTY:  Moderately strenuous to strenuous. Note:  Sue Geisler has not prehiked this hike, but her brother Rich McDrew, who is leading this hike, has created this hike and has led it several times for people in the East Bay area.   It was well received by all who attended!

ELEVATION GAIN:  1500 feet; starting elevation - 1774 feet;  highest  elevation - 2600 feet

HIKE DISTANCE:  8 miles

GENERAL LOCATION:   In Mt. Diablo State Park, near city of Walnut Creek

DESCRIPTION:  Much can be said about Mt. Diablo State Park,  it is one place that has to be experienced  -- descriptive words don't do it justice!   So ---- if you are up for a great hike, come and enjoy the wonders this Park has to offer.  Rich McDrew,  President of the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association, will be our guide and leader, so our trek will be enhanced with knowledge about natural environment and in particular several fascinating historical sites:  hiking up the Summit Trail to 1870's hotel site, 1940's Green Ranch, two or three ponds, Curry Canyon, and remnants of Native Americans and recent cattle ranching.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  Approximately 2 1/4 hour drive and 115 miles. Return time to Lincoln --- approximately 5:30 pm.  (so you can have dinner at home).   There is a small possibility we will stop for dinner before reaching Lincoln, but that decision will be made based on hikers' interests.    Since we are traveling on a Saturday and do not have to deal with commute traffic, it is realistic to reach Lincoln at a  reasonable hour. A donation of $18 is suggested for riders.  Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers. Note:  There is a $7 parking fee --- for each car.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Leader:  Rich McDrew (Sue's brother) - Sweep: Sue Geisler

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES:  We will stop at a service station in Vacaville on the way to Mt. Diablo.  Once, starting our hike, there are flush 
toilets after about 1/2 mile.
PREPARATION FOR HIKE:  See #8 Standard Hiking Equipment and #9 Guidelines for Hiking information on the website.  Hiking books,trekking poles, layered clothing and light colored pants (to see ticks more easily.  You can't see ticks on dark colored pants!), lunch, water.     

RISKS:  Poison oak (but we will avoid that!), ticks (but there are very  few  in the winter season), some steep sections (but we will hike slowly!).

RAIN CANCELS HIKE.  Notice: The Mt. Diablo hike is definitely a "go" for Saturday, Feb. 7th. Be assured that the rain on Thursday and Friday will not affect the hike! If time and clear weather allow, those interested may drive an extra 3 to 4 miles. to Mt. Diablo Summit to see more spectacular views after  finishing the hike. The hike will ONLY be cancelled if there is rain on Saturday morning at LH.

QUESTIONS:  Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

MEETING TIME:  7:00 AM

LEAVING TIME:   7:15 AM