Shoreline:
Report courtesy of Randy:
Well, the geese are back, in force! As it says in the Bible (Matt 12.44, 45 -- highly paraphrased and misquoted!), "Then they said, We will return to our park from whence we were driven out; and when they came, they found it empty, swept, and all the goose poop cleaned up. Then they went and each goose found seven others, and they all came back and dwelt there: and the last state of the park is worse than the first..." Well, the people come back too, every Saturday, to walk and talk for exercise and fellowship. Yours truly will not be writing these Hike Reports regularly anymore. As of July 1, I will be resigning as Age of Aquinas Coordinator to have more time to prepare for my wedding in August. Some events may be posted on the Age of Aquinas Yahoo Group website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/age-of-aquinas. Thanx for all you've done to help make the Age of Aquinas ministry successful for almost 7 years! God bless you all.
--Randy
Shoreline:
It was a little chilly at the staging area waiting for people to arrive so we could get walking, but once we were moving we warmed up. We went along the lake then turned right past the gate, came through the length of the hilly area along the central path, then weaved our way circuitously back to the café. There many more joined us and we celebrated Ron's birthday with cake, courtesy of Linda, and a harmonious rendition of "Happy Birthday". Sunday is Father's Day, so we also want to extend best wishes to all parents, men and women, who have fulfilled the Father role. It may have seemed thankless at times, but your kids, and God above, love you for it.
Shoreline:
Report courtesy of Carrie:
Since it was crystal clear, we hiked up to the top of the little hill overlooking Shoreline Amphitheater. Didn't see any snakes this time, though. We went back by going around the lake. Several people joined afterward as usual. Celia brought a large, 5-layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting from Nob Hill. Everyone had a bite, very rich and creamy. Whoo! And Carol brought some plastic multi-colored Hawaiian accessories: a lei, 2 bracelets, a headband, etc, to which she had attached 2 large white hibiscus flowers. Serves me right for having a birthday on a Saturday!
Star Party:
Report courtesy of Carrie:
Five of us went to the star party that night. A good time was had by all! I saw Albireo, the blue and gold double star, gorgeous as always, and Epsilon Lyrae, which is 2 double stars, the double star on top having 2 stars in a horizontal line and the double star on bottom having 2 stars in a vertical line.
Time: Meet in front of Jamba Juice in the Oaks Shopping Center near Mary and Stevens Creek Blvd at 2:00 pm.
Directions to the Oaks Shopping Center:
From US-101: Take the 237 exit west then the 85 exit south. Take the Stevens Creek exit and turn left.
From I-280: Take the 85 exit south then take the Stevens Creek exit and turn left.
Once on Stevens Creek, the shopping center will be on your left (turn left at Mary.)
PARKING NOTE!! There's a lot of free parking on Mary Ave along the north side of the shopping center. Do not park in the Oaks Shopping Center! You will get towed! (Horror stories about tow trucks available upon request.)
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result.php?q1=21265+stevens+creek+blvd+cupertino+ca+95014.
More Information: Contact Ron, 408.772.0852 (cell).
Time: 7:30 gathering at the Park'n'Ride till about 10:30 pm. Please note, admittance policy: The Park entrance will close at 8:00 pm, so don't be late or you won't get in!
Admission: FREE!!
Location: Meet at the Park'n'Ride at I-280 and Page Mill Rd west of Palo Alto. From there we'll carpool to Foothill Park. Any car with a telescope or a Palo Alto resident aboard gets in free. Or you can just tell them at the gate that you are an amateur astronomer participating in the public star party. We will be joining the Peninsula Astronomical Society for this month's summer star party.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=i-280+at+page+mill+rd+los+altos+ca+94022
More Information: Contact Randy, 408.739.2881, or Carrie.
Shoreline: Five of us set out this morning for Vista Slope, the hill behind the Shoreline Amphitheater. On the first leg of this trek, a sixth "hitch-hiker" joined us. We went around the lake past the power line tower where a hawk's nest can be seen near the top of the structure. No hawks though. Near the top of the hill we were treated to an unusual sight. Two of our party, making a shortcut to the summit along a grassy path heard a rustling. They stopped and watched a long narrow shape slither away through the dry grass. A long, narrow shape with diamond designs on its back. It was a rattlesnake! We decided not to try to follow it!
Edgewood:
Report courtesy of Josephine:
There were three on the hike today for a 2.5 mile walk. We saw many birds, and a 5 foot long rattlesnake! Our resident naturalist told us the names of lots of beautiful flowers along the way including Butterfly Lilies and a fragrant, blooming Chestnut tree.
A blooming Chestnut tree with Butterfly lilies below. |
Time: Doors open 7:30 pm. Performance at 8:00 pm.
Admission: At the door: Adults $15.00, seniors (65+) and students $12.00. Buy tickets in advance online for $13.00, or from a Danse Libre member for $12.00.
Location: Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result.php?q1=4000+middlefield+rd+palo+alto+ca+94303
More Information: Contact Carrie, ckarnos@yahoo.com.
Shoreline:
There weren't many here to hike this beautiful morning. But it is a holiday weekend and that could explain the light turnout. Many folks are traveling to be with loved ones on this time of memorial for those who have gone on before us. Friends and family... loved ones. We take a moment to remember Age of Aquinasers who have passed over: Frances Krall, Jim Chinn, Ron Gutmann. May they rest in peace.
Shoreline:
Report courtesy of MJ:
Nine braved the North wind and a couple joined on the return. And a couple more arrived for coffee. It looks like the Canada Geese are gradually moving back into the park. And the goslings are growing fast.
Time: Dinner 5:45 pm, carpool 6:30 pm, lecture 7:00 pm.
Cost: Whatever you spend for dinner, plus your share of the $2 parking fee. The Lecture is FREE!
Location: Dinner & Carpool: The Pasta Market, 4546 El Camino Real Suite A7 Los Altos, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=4546+el+camino+real+los+altos +ca+94022
Location: Lecture: Foothill College, Smithwick Theater, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=12345+el+monte+rd+los+altos+hills+ca+94022
More Information: Contact Carrie, ckarnos@yahoo.com, or Randy, 408.739.2881, age-of aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org.
Time: 3:00 pm. Come early to assure a good seat.
Admission: Adults $15.00. Seniors, students, children $10.00.
Location: Sunnyvale Performing Arts Center, 550 E Remington Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94087.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result.php?q1=550+e+remington+dr+sunnyvale+ca+94087
More Information: Contact Randy, age-of-aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org, 408.739.2881.
Time: 7:30 gathering at the Park'n'Ride till about 10:30 pm. Please note, admittance policy: The Park entrance will close at 8:00 pm, so don't be late or you won't get in!
Admission: FREE!!
Location: Meet at the Park'n'Ride at I-280 and Page Mill Rd west of Palo Alto. From there we'll carpool to Foothill Park. Any car with a telescope or a Palo Alto resident aboard gets in free. Or you can just tell them at the gate that you are an amateur astronomer participating in the public star party. We will be joining the Peninsula Astronomical Society for this month's summer star party.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=i-280+at+page+mill+rd+los+altos+ca+94022
More Information: Contact Randy, 408.739.2881, or Carrie.
Shoreline: The Canada Geese are gradually moving back into the neighborhood. We saw several families with goslings from toddlers to teenagers. Not like it was a month ago though. We also spotted a pair of Red-tailed Hawks sitting atop a tree along the path by the lake. But the real treat of the day was a nesting Killdeer between the trail and the lakeshore. Don't know if that's a real great location, but there were eggs in the nest! Out along the path to the "benchmark" the swarming bugs were annoying. But as long as you didn't breath through your mouth, they weren't a huge problem. Back at the café we met up with some more and had coffee, tea, or breakfast, and a great deal of fellowship.
Edgewood:
Report courtesy of Josephine:
Starting a little late today there were lots of butterflies and colorful flowers!
Some colorful flowers |
More colorful flowers |
Time: Meet in front of the museum at 2:00 pm.
Admission: FREE!!
Directions to the museum:
From US-101: Take the Embarcadero Exit west, cross El Camino, stay left. Turn right on Campus Dr, left on Palm Dr, right on Museum Way.
From I-280: Take the Alpine Rd Exit east, turn right on Junipero Serra then left on Campus Dr. Turn right on Palm Dr, right on Museum Way.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result.php?q1=328+lomita+dr+palo+alto+ca+94305
More Information: Contact Ron, 408.772.0852 (cell).
Shoreline:
Report courtesy of Carrie:
Since it was a gorgeous clear day, I suggested that we go up to the hill overlooking Shoreline Amphitheater, like we did twice before. Everyone agreed, so off we went. Beautiful view! And since it only took 15 minutes to get there, we went around the lake to go back, instead of through the golf course by Michael's Restaurant. We saw a hawk on top of the high-tension tower, where the harriers nested. I left the bird cheat sheet at home, so we couldn't verify that it was the harrier who returned. No chicks or other hawks around. It was a good group of hikers and there were the usual latecomers. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the Canada Geese have not returned. Anyway, we all had a great time, per usual.
Shoreline:
Where have all the goslings gone? Where have all the coots gone? For that matter where have almost all the shore birds gone who normally crowd Shoreline Park, the lake, and the sloughs??? On the way to our "benchmark" turn-around place, we had some theories. The first one on everybody's lips was... earthquake? Is there an earthquake coming? Then we thought maybe they were all rounded up and hauled off somewhere. It was a mystery. We didn't learn the real truth until we got back to the café. The café manager said that the City had brought in dogs and the geese and goslings, and 99% of all the other birds were scared off to other, remoter parts of the Baylands. We breathed a sigh of relief. There was no impending earthquake and the birds had not been hunted or poisoned or trapped and carted off somewhere. No doubt many will be back next week. We hope so.... although we could all prob'ly do without the ubiquitous goose poop for awhile!
Shoreline:
Newton's Third Law of Motion states (minus the math) that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Well, this concept extends well beyond physics. For example, you've heard "Haste makes waste", right? But you've also heard "One who hesitates is lost". So for every maxim, there also appears to be an equal and opposite re-maxim! Well then, should we hurry up and be in the lead pack? Or should we hang back and bring up the rear. Each has its rewards... and penalties. Last week only those bringing up the rear saw a beautiful Ring Necked Pheasant. This week the leaders escaped being accompanied along the path by clouds of bugs. So whether you lead or follow, there's always something to tell about afterward at coffee. See you next Saturday?
Time: Dinner 5:45 pm, carpool 6:30 pm, lecture 7:00 pm.
Cost: Whatever you spend for dinner, plus your share of the $2 parking fee. The Lecture is FREE!
Location: Dinner & Carpool: The Pasta Market, 4546 El Camino Real Suite A7 Los Altos, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=4546+el+camino+real+los+altos +ca+94022
Location: Lecture: Foothill College, Smithwick Theater, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=12345+el+monte+rd+los+altos+hills+ca+94022
More Information: Contact Carrie, ckarnos@yahoo.com, or Randy, 408.739.2881, age-of aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org.
Time: The festivities begin at 6:15 pm.
Cost: $35.00 for all-you-can-eat crab and dancing afterward. Contact Ron for tickets.
Location: St. Albert the Great - SES School Auditorium, 1095 Channing Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=1095+channing+ave+palo+alto+ca+94301
More information: Email Ron wipf7585@juno.com, or call 408.772.0852 (cell).
Shoreline:
Report courtesy of Carrie:
The hike was okay! There were several hundred people there running for Mermaid.com, which has runs and gives the money to various organizations. The people didn't seem to know which organization they were running for, which I thought was rather odd. But other than that, nothing unusual occurred, and a good time was had by all.
Shoreline: There was a group of us who took off from the staging area in front of Lakeside Café at about 9 o'clock. Several more joined us at various points along the way to the "benchmark". One of those remarked that she was "late". There is no "late". There may be "missed the previews". There may be "joined the regularly scheduled program already in progress". But even if you don't get there until the credits are rolling, it's worth it. So come!
Stevens Creek:
Report courtesy of Ron:
No Walk for Sunday. It was raining heavily at 2:00 pm, but I waited anyway under an umbrella for 15 minutes for any "diehards" that might show. With no one else arriving, I headed to the Grain D'or café and had a Mocha coffee and a creme brulee. I will not lead a walk on May's second Sunday, the 9th (Mother's Day). Instead, I would like to lead a tour of the Cantor Museum at Stanford University at 2:00 pm as an alternate activity. Meet at the Cantor Museum @ 2:00 pm if interested. More details will follow.
Shoreline: The gaiety on the paths this morning provided a happy counterpoint to the "graiety" of the skies above Shoreline Park. A nice group of friendly people walked the 1 and a half miles (or so) to the turn-around point and back again. Then gathered at the café for coffee and more conversation. Tomorrow is Easter. Here's hoping this holiest of Christian holy days brings you love, joy, peace, and hope... no matter what your faith or beliefs. May the God of the Universe bless you so richly it embarrasses you!
Edgewood:
Report courtesy of Josephine:
A small group of hikers enjoyed a glorious walk today. We saw bunnies and lots of spring flowers.
Can you spot the bunny? |
California poppies |
A pretty purple flower |
Shoreline: I'm told that before this valley of ours was called "Silicon Valley", the native Americans referred to it as the Valley of Mists. Well it certainly lived up to that name this morning. The entire horizon was shrouded in a blue-grey, translucent haze. It didn't look (or smell) like smog. It looked like a mist. A moderately-sized group started out, and grew along the way to our "benchmark" as a number of "hitch-hikers" caught up with us. And, as usual, there were more waiting for us back at the café. The mists were softening the day, but we were brightening it with our laughter and conversation. Join us next time... 9 am for the walk, about 10 for coffee, or anytime in between. You'll be glad you did.
Shoreline: Well, it's the first day of Spring. We've already "sprung forward" last Sunday, so we're pretty much readjusted to Daylight Savings Time. Of course, those amateur astronomers among us call it "Darkness Squandering Time" because now we have to stay up an hour later to see the stars! But, we can sleep later and still see the Morning Star, so I guess it evens out. The sky was very hazy this morning, but the sun was bright, so the entire sky glowed. It was hard to see the hills on the horizons, though, because the haze. Still the walk to the "benchmark" and back was pleasant and filled with conversation and camaraderie, as was coffee time back at the café. If you haven't enjoyed this time, you really should try to join us!
Shoreline: It couldn't have been a more beautiful day. In other words... it was average for this part of the country! About a dozen walkers started out together at a little after 9, to be joined along the way by a few more before the end of the round trip back at the café. And as usual, even more joined us for coffee and tea and hot chocolate and breakfast there.
Stevens Creek:
Report courtesy of Ron:
Just two of us, but the afternoon was beautiful and the trees along the creek trail were blossoming. Bridges on the trail allowed passage over architectural barriers such as railroad tracks and freeways and provided a special link to the different neighborhoods of Mountain View. Near the finish, we stopped by the Gran D'or café on the El Camino Real for coffee. The café is charming and on this afternoon, we had it to ourselves.
Paved Stevens Creek Trail |
Tree-lined creek |
Bridge over a thoroughfare |
Time: Dinner 5:45 pm, carpool 6:30 pm, lecture 7:00 pm.
Cost: Whatever you spend for dinner, plus your share of the $2 parking fee. The Lecture is FREE!
Location: Dinner & Carpool: The Pasta Market, 4546 El Camino Real Suite A7 Los Altos, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=4546+el+camino+real+los+altos +ca+94022
Location: Lecture: Foothill College, Smithwick Theater, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=12345+el+monte+rd+los+altos+hills+ca+94022
More Information: Contact Carrie, ckarnos@yahoo.com, or Randy, 408.739.2881, age-of aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org.
Shoreline: The sky was creamy this morning, and across the bay, the hills appeared to be floating on a creamy marine layer. The sun was a bright spot in the thin overcast and the temperature was mild enough for light clothing. A baker's dozen of hikers set out for the "benchmark" by about 9:03. Our number had doubled by the time we gathered at the café and even though it was very mild outside, we pushed tables together inside and shared in coffee, tea, toast, and talk.
Shoreline: Anywhere else and the morning would have been described as dreary, but among the Shoreline hikers, there is no such description possible. The sky was overcast, but the clouds were textured with fluffiness. The birds were mostly sticking to the ground and the water, but there were more than the usual number of different species. And the Great Egrets that were wading in the shallows of the lake did not fly away as we walked by slowly. The hikers were happy and talkative, both on the trail out to our "benchmark", and back at the café. Today was somewhat special in that yours truly was honored for making it to yet another birthday. I was also treated to a visit by a very delightful young lady, my daughter! It was a Saturday to treasure.
Shoreline: Last week I think I claimed the hiking weather was "back to normal" because the sun was shining. I'm beginning to believe "normal" is grey, overcast, and raining! In spite of the dismality of the weather, though, it was warm and cheery among the handful of hikers who gathered. We had umbrellas along, just in case, but we didn't get rained on, except before and after the hike itself. Wildlife sightings included a Red-tailed Hawk who looked to be having a bad feathers day in the rain, a pair of American Coots who were practicing their kick-boxing skills, and a frightened Ring-Necked Pheasant who flushed suddenly within a few feet of the trail. We turned around at our "benchmark" and made it back to the café, where several more joined us, before the rain resumed.
Shoreline: After several weeks of overcast and rainy Saturdays, it was finally back to normal this morning! The sun was bright and cheery, the sky was blue with a few fluffy clouds, and the air was warm and sweet. Well, sort of sweet. The tide was out, so there was some richness to the fragrance of the air, but all-in-all we sure can't complain about our weather in the Bay Area. There were a bout a dozen of us who walked, each at our own pace, out to the benchmark, and another three or four who caught up with us back at the café. There has been some response to the request for successors to Age of Aquinas leadership. If you're interested in finding out more about helping in this important ministry, email Randy at age-of-aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org or call: 408.739.2881.
Shoreline: We have always said we go walking rain or shine. Well, this morning we proved it! A half-dozen umbrella-shrouded walkers set out in a light rain at 9:05. But we weren't the only die-hards. There were a few other runners and walkers, with and without rain gear. Along the shore of the lake, we notice a new pond that a mallard couple had found. By about 3/4 of the way to our "benchmark" the rain had stopped and the umbrellas were being folded away. As your lame-duck leader, I'm still looking for volunteers to take on the leadership of Age of Aquinas. I'm getting married this summer and won't have a lot of time to devote to the group. But if 2 or 3, or more! of you pitch in, it can be a very rewarding experience to: organize events, maintain web pages, moderate the Age-of-Aquinas Yahoo group, make flyers, send out bulletin announcements, etc, etc, etc... If you're interested in finding out more about this important ministry, email Randy at age-of-aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org or call: 408.739.2881. Thank you!
Becareful diving off that boulder! |
A quiet getaway for a Mallard couple |
Time: Dinner 5:45 pm, carpool 6:30 pm, lecture 7:00 pm.
Cost: Whatever you spend for dinner, plus your share of the $2 parking fee. The Lecture is FREE!
Location: Dinner & Carpool: The Pasta Market, 4546 El Camino Real Suite A7 Los Altos, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=4546+el+camino+real+los+altos +ca+94022
Location: Lecture: Foothill College, Smithwick Theater, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022.
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=12345+el+monte+rd+los+altos+hills+ca+94022
More Information: Contact Carrie, ckarnos@yahoo.com, or Randy, 408.739.2881, age-of aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org.
Shoreline: Birdwatchers didn't need binoculars during the first part of the hike today. The fog hid anything farther away than about 20 feet. But by the time we reached our "benchmark", the sun, which looked like a bright full moon, was beginning to evaporate the ground level clouds. Before we got back to the café the lake had an opposite shore again. But there were still no mountains visible. We had a first-timer and a first-time-in-a-long-timer in addition to several regulars and semi-regulars for coffee and conversation at the café. It was noted that today marked the 7th Anniversary of the Age of Aquinas singles group. We're seeking volunteers to take over leadership, since yours truly is resigning. Seven years is a long time. If you're interested in finding out more about this important ministry, email Randy at age-of-aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org or call: 408.739.2881. Thank you!
Shoreline: It was a damp and foggy morning, and Mountain View was totally without a view of any mountains. But a small klatch of happy hikers was making pleasant noises in the still soft air. The clammy air worked hard at chilling our noses and ears, but it couldn't dampen our spirits. We walked out to our usual benchmark, where we turned around and gathered a few "hitch-hikers" on the way back to the café. The hike next Saturday will mark the 7th Anniversary of the Age of Aquinas singles group. Your long-time hike reporter is looking to pass the baton. Not only because 7 years is a long time, but also because he's getting married, and will be resigning as coordinator of the Age of Aquinas singles group. So we're seeking a volunteer, or two, or three, to take over. We need someone who can find their way around HTML to update the webpage, someone who has a little experience with Yahoo Groups to moderate the Age of Aquinas group, and someone who is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, or another parish in the area, to coordinate meeting places and facilities. If you're interested in finding out more about this important ministry, email Randy at age-of-aquinas@paloaltocatholic.org or call: 408.739.2881. Thank you!
For events of 2009 please go to Age of Aquinas Events of 2009.
For events of 2008 please go to Age of Aquinas Events of 2008.
For events of 2007 please go to Age of Aquinas Events of 2007.
For events of 2006 please go to Age of Aquinas Events of 2006.