Happy February! It is the month of LOVE, and I certainly felt the love on my birthday yesterday.  An outpouring of love from family, friends, workmates, and Camino connections filled my heart with joy. I will bask in the glow and radiate love all month, starting at Hospitalero training this weekend and by sharing Camino love stories on this blog. 
If you have a Camino couple or love story to contribute, let me know and I’ll add it to the Camino Love page.  Free Love, Camino Style stickers with each submission!

There are always opportunities to train for or learn about the Camino. Below is the roundup of Camino related and hiking events in the SF Bay Area for the month of February 2017.

Monthly Lake Merritt Walk
Saturday, February 4, 10:30 am

A walk around Lake Merritt in Oakland is held every first Saturday of the month, at 10:30 am starting at the Pergola. Afterwards, there is an optional brunch in the area. Details and RSVP on NorCal Facebook Group.

The next Lake Merritt walk will be on Saturday, March 4, 2017. If you are in the Bay Area, join the Peregrinos Northern California Facebook Group to get details on this and other events.

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Hiking Spain’s Camino de Santiago
Thursday, February 09, 2017, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Lafayette Library and Learning Center

Want to travel one of the most celebrated walking routes in the world? Veteran hikers and local residents Pam Fletcher & Dan Klapprott will provide the practical information you need to explore the cultural, physical, and spiritual opportunities in store along this ancient road.

Library: Lafayette Library and Learning Center
Location: Arts & Science Discovery Center
Registration Ends: 2/9/2017 at 6:30 PM
Presenter: Pam Fletcher & Dan Klapprott
Register: http://www.lafayettelib.org/program/hiking-spains-camino-de-santiago/

Please Note: Pamela informed me that this event is full, but there is a waiting list. To be added, email Chris Gray  or call 925-385-2288.

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Mt. Tam Hike
Sunday, February 19 at 10:15 AM

CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN

Regrettably, we have decided to cancel this event due to the rain forecast. We hope to reschedule later this year. Thanks for getting the word out to anyone you know who had planned to attend.

Enjoy all the different shades of green seen this time of year as we hike around Mt. Tamalpais, plus wonderful views of the ocean. The distance is 9 miles with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. Expect the pace to be at a moderate speed. Hiking poles may be useful on the uphill stretches. Possible post-hike stop at the Marin Brewing Company in Larkspur.

Meet at 10:15 AM for sign-in and briefing at the Rock Spring Trailhead on Mt. Tamalpais (https://goo.gl/maps/TRLLJaBMVm82). Led by chapter steering committee member, Dick Duker. Cancelled by rain. If lost getting to the hike, call Dick’s cell phone at (510) 705-2447. Open to all (members and non-members). No RSVP required (just show up). NorCal Facebook group members can check details and carpooling at: https://www.facebook.com/events/385120135182535/

GETTING THERE: By Car: From San Francisco and the south, take Hwy 101 North and from the north and east, take Hwy 101 South to Mill Valley (from the East Bay, cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge). Take the Hwy 1 exit and continue on Hwy 1. Turn right onto Panoramic Highway, drive around the mountain and turn right onto Pantoll Road. Drive 1.2 miles to the Rock Spring Trailhead parking lot (free parking, restrooms available, https://goo.gl/maps/TRLLJaBMVm82). For more/other directions, use Google Maps.

Carpooling: If you want a ride or can give one, post a comment below. Suggested meetings points are the Park & Ride lot at the Hwy1/Hwy 101 intersection in Mill Valley by 9:40 AM (https://goo.gl/maps/KvYQdBqYbp52) and the Orinda BART station parking lot by 9:15 AM (https://goo.gl/maps/FjVCgC1XzrC2).

WHAT TO BRING: Water and a lunch, sturdy walking shoes, hiking poles (optional), plastic bag to sit on. Also, some cash for the post-hike stop or to help out your carpool driver.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2B (6 to less than 10 miles, less than 2,000 ft elevation gain)

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FREE Hiking Tour on Presidents’ Day
Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland
Monday, February 20, 9 am

Join us on a holiday hike from Oakland’s Dimond District up to Joaquin Miller Park, where we’ll catch AC Transit 339 for a ten-minute bus ride back down to Dimond. This beautiful hike will go through Oakland’s Dimond Canyon Park, the redwoods of Joaquin Miller Park, and will finish with a spectacular view of San Francisco Bay. Hikers may choose to catch earlier busses at miles 4 and 5, though the hiking tour leaders will complete the 6.5 mile hike.

When: Monday, February 20 at 9:00am (the group will leave promptly at 9:10am)
Where: Meet at La Farine Bakery: 3411 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94602 – free parking in back
Details: Steady, 6.5-mile hike in Oakland’s largest wildland trail system, with some steep uphills and downhills, and narrow trails through the canyons. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and bus fare ($2.10).
Extreme wet weather will cancel.

For all the details and to register, please click HERE.

“From right here in the heart of urban Oakland, we’re connected to a trail system that spans the entire East Bay. You could hike for days and days.”..—Stan Dodson, Tour Leader

I went on the hike in January and LOVED it! So did my dog. It makes for great Camino training. Here’s a little highlight video I made.

 

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Free Entrance Day in the National Parks
February 20: Presidents’ Day

Woo-hoo! The National Park Service  is offering free entrance to celebrate the start of their second century in 2017. During ten days of the year, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.
Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2017:

• February 20: Presidents’ Day
• April 15-16 and 22-23: Weekends of National Park Week
• August 25: National Park Service Birthday
• September 30: National Public Lands Day
• November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend