Help Wanted: Meandering Blog Editor

Alas, alas, after the upcoming "Final Exam" hike in December, but before Christmas, updates to the Meandering blog will end as Dick Jordan begins packing up "stuff" for his move to Eugene, Oregon in January!

To prevent this "Bah, Humbug!" Scrooge moment from happening, a new blog editor will have to be found.

The main part of the editor's "job" is posting the preview for next week's hike. This typically involves copying and pasting the preview from the last time the hike was done, updating the weather forecast, and perhaps the links to Google Maps or other Websites. Understanding basic HTML editing would be helpful, but not essential.

The new editor would have to have a Google Account (which anyone who uses "gmail" already has).

So, if you've always hankered for a job as a journalist, now's your chance!

To apply for the job, just send an e-mail to Dick (rhjordan@earthlink.net). (No need to submit a resume, or your salary and benefit requirements since there are none for this position).

He'll contact you about how to do the basic tasks and be available via e-mail or phone to help you learn "the ropes" of being a blogger.

Railroading on Mount Tam

On some of our hikes on Mount Tamalpais we walk along sections of the old railway line that ran up and down the mountain.

Marin filmmaker, Gary Yost, who has produced several short movies about the mountain, has just released a new one that immortalizes the railroad in song.

"The Old Railroad Grade" by Dore Coller from Gary Yost on Vimeo.
You can learn more about those days of yore from this book available in Marin County libraries or from Amazon.com (which will pay Dick Jordan a few pennies if you buy it through this link).

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Bahia Open Space Hike (11/15) Preview

For our next hike we'll head north to the Novato area and do some birdwatching on a portion of the Marin County Open Space lands, usually beginning with a check of the hummingbird feeders at a home near the trailhead. (Click here for a recap of our 2009 hike. Click here for photos taken on past hikes in this area.)

Here's Wendy's description of the outing: "This is a wonderful birding area! I'll bring a spotting scope, but bring binoculars if you have them. (If you don't have any, I have extras I can loan you.) We usually see about ten species of ducks, as well as stilts, avocets, grebes, raptors and shorebirds.”

Directions to trailhead: Take Highway 101 and exit on Atherton Avenue in Novato. Go east, until Bugeia Lane splits left and Atherton goes right. Take Bugeia which becomes Bahia and park at the end of the street.

(Click here for a Google Maps map showing the trailhead location. Click on the teardrop icon to get driving directions and estimated driving time from your location).

Driving time from College of Marin: 35 minutes. No restrooms at trailhead, but Dick Jordan suggests using one at Starbuck's in the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center just south of downtown Novato where you can also pick up beverages and food items if you need them.

Carpoolers can meet at 9:20 a.m. at the Terra Linda Park & Ride lot on the east side of Highway 101 at the Smith Ranch Road exit. (Click here for a Google Maps map showing the Park & Ride location. Click on the teardrop icon to get, directions and estimated driving from your location.)
  
Weather forecast: As of Thursday, November 10th, the weather forecast for this hike was a slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. (Click here for an updated National Weather Service forecast).

More on this hike: Hiking in this particular areas isn't covered by any of the trail guides which Dick Jordan has, but you can click here for the Marin County Open Space District's description of the Rush Creek area.

This map shows the route we generally follow.

Here's the hike profile.

Bootjack Loop Hike (11/8) Preview

We return to Mount Tamalpais this week to repeat a hike was last did in January of this year.

The hike description is simple: "A mostly shady trail opens up to an incredible vista at a sunny (we hope!) lunch spot overlooking the ocean!

"We'll take Bootjack Trail to Van Wyk Meadow, TCC Trail to the Dipsea Trail, and the Old Mine Trail back."

Click here for photos taken on past hikes along these trails.

This map shows the route we'll follow.

Here's the hike's profile showing the elevation changes.

 (Click on the Map or Profile to View a Larger Image)

Directions to trailhead: Take the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit off Highway 101. Go west through Tam Valley and up onto the ridge. Turn right onto Panoramic Highway and follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais.

As you drive up the mountain, look for the Bootjack picnic area and parking lot ($8/car, if you don't have a state park pass) on your right.

Click here for a Google Maps map that shows the Bootjack parking lot. Click on the teardrop icon to get driving directions and times from your location.

If you get to Pantoll at the crest of Panoramic Highway, you've gone too far and need to turn around and drive back down the mountain. (Click here for a map of Mt. Tam that you can view and print out). 

50 minutes from the College of Marin. Restrooms at trailhead.

Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Parking & Ride lot at 9:00 a.m. (Click here for a Google Maps map showing the parking lot on Drakes Landing Road; click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location.)

Weather forecast: As of Wednesday, November 2nd, the National Weather Service forecast was a slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. (Click here for an updated forecast.)