Lake Merritt Camino Walk
Saturday, February 6, 2016
10:30 AM
This is an informal gathering that takes place on the first Saturday of the month, rain or shine. The group meets at the Lake Merritt Pergola on the east side of Oakland’s Lake Merritt at 10:30 AM and starts walking at 10:45 AM in a clockwise direction around the lake.
More details
Super Hike on Wildcat Ridge
Sunday, February 7, 2016
9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Inspiration Point
Wildcat Canyon Rd at Nimitz Wy, Berkeley, CA
A 7-8 mile hike and yoga practice in Tilden-Wildcat Canyon Park, organized by the East Bay Hiking & Yoga Club. We will meet at the Inspiration Point at 9:30 am and hike down Nimitz Way towards Wildcat Canyon Park. We will have a yoga practice on the ridge and then return back to Inspiration Point. You’ll be back in time for the Super Bowl kickoff @ 3:30 pm!
RSVP on Meetup.com required to get last minute updates.
Mt Tamalpais Presidents’ Day Hike
Monday, February 15, 10:30 AM
With Dick Duker and his ski/ bike clubs – pilgrims welcome!
Enjoy all the shades of green during the winter on a hike around Mt Tam while enjoying fantastic views from every direction. The distance will be 8 to 9 miles with a leisurely pace. After the hike there will be an optional beverage stop at the Marin Brewing Company in Larkspur.
Backpacking Basics @ REI Berkeley
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Berkeley REI
REI will take the mystery out of Backpacking with an overview of planning, preparation and gear. Learn how to choose a pack, select proper clothing and footwear. Plus, we’ll give you important notes on trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. Let REI help you understand what you need to reach your destination.
Register online.
Berkeley Hills Hike + Yoga
International House 2299 Piedmont Ave. Berkeley CA 94720
I would love to show you my favorite trails in the Berkeley hills. Meet at the front steps of International House, which has a great cafe to recharge before or after the walk.
I also plan to lead a yoga session after the walk, and anyone is welcome to join. Due to the winter season it will be standing yoga, which you can do on the Camino, no mat needed!
See photos from this hike.
Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain
Presentations at REI by Nancy Reynolds of The Camino Experience. Learn more about how to get started on the Camino Francés! Nancy will be giving some classes on ‘Walking the Camino de Santiago’ at Bay Area REI stores. Registration is now open for the following classes:
- REI Corte Madera: Wednesday, February 24
- REI Santa Rosa: Tuesday, March 22
- REI Mountain View: Tuesday, April 5
I attended Nancy’s presentation in Berkeley and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Camino. She shares interesting stats, great tips, fun photos and practical advice—expertly delivered with enthusiasm. Q & A at the end so newbies can tap her knowledge. If the website shows that it’s booked, get on the wait list.
TRAILHEAD is a documentary film project of OaklandTrails.org
Upcoming Local Screenings:
The Octopus Literary Salon
Thursday, February 25, 7:00pm
2101 Webster Street (@22nd Street), Oakland
FREE screening + producer Q&A
Oakland Museum of CA
Friday, February 26 (joining “Friday Nights @ OMCA”)
Two Screenings + Q&A at 6:30pm, 8:00pm
1000 Oak Street, Oakland
FREE event hosted by the East Bay Regional Park District
Berkeley Hills Walk
International House 2299 Piedmont Ave. Berkeley CA 94720
I would love to show you my favorite trails in the Berkeley hills. Meet at the front steps of International House, which has a great cafe to recharge before or after the walk.
I also plan to lead a yoga session after the walk, and anyone is welcome to join. Due to the winter season it will be standing yoga, which you can do on the Camino, no mat needed!
RSVP to get last minute updates.

International House Berkeley is located at 2299 Piedmont Ave. at the top of Bancroft
Yoga for Outdoor Enthusiasts @ REI Berkeley
Monday, February 29, 2016
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Berkeley REI
Practicing yoga is an excellent way to develop strength, balance, and flexibility. Join REI’s professional yoga instructor for an in-store class tailored to help enhance your pursuit of season specific outdoor activities. Whether you are cross country skiing and snowshoeing through the winter, or paddling and climbing through the summer, the benefits of yoga will improve your overall experience. We have designed this class to target key body areas that are commonly tight or easily injured. This is an all level class with the intent to make you feel at ease with beginning yoga to be able to create an at home practice.
Registration required: Sign up for Feb. 29
Love is in the air
For the month of February, I’ll feature Camino love stories on TheCaminoProvides.com. I certainly respect the premise of what happens on the Camino stays on the Camino. However, love is a splendid thing that should be celebrated! Has the Camino provided you with more than just a long walk? If you have a Camino love story to share, email me to write a guest post. Share the Camino love! ♥
Save the Dates for Events in March:
NorCal Pilgrim Blessing Ceremony and Potluck
March 12, Newman Hall, Berkeley
Spanish for the Camino lessons (APOC Members only)
Dates TBD
Annie O’Neil is happy to announce she is coming back to screen the rough cut of Phil’s Camino once again!
RSVP Required:
- Tuesday March 22, 7pm: San Francisco REI
- Wednesday March 23, 7pm: Corte Madera REI
- Thursday March 24, 7pm: Berkeley REI
If you know of any Camino related events for the SF Bay Area that should be included in the monthly roundup, please use the comment form below, or email me.
For those that live elsewhere, there are Camino hotspots nationwide and the American Pilgrims on the Camino (APOC) website has a listing of local chapters where you can find pilgrim events. There are also many active Facebook groups to learn about events in your region.
See you on the trail!
Laurie