Saturday I went on a hike with a group of women from a Sacramento area fitness club. It is affectionately known as The Chick Hike. We met at 6:30 in the morning and rode a charter bus to Stinson Beach, which took about 2 and a half hours. Then, we slathered on sun screen, dawned our hiking boots, packs and water bottles and headed up the Dipsea Trail to the “pantoll,” which is 1600 feet elevation. The trail was windy, and wet and slippery at times. Beneath the trees, it was cool, damp and tranquil. The ferns were a deep green and fFallen trees and mud blocked the path in some places. There is even a 10-foot ladder that we climbed in order to continue on the trail. (Climbing a ladder with hiking boots and a pack is harder than you think.) After resting at the top, we ventured down the Matt Davis Trail, and on the way back there were spectacular views to the north coast and south to the Golden Gate. It was a great day and a fantastic hike.
The loop took us about 3.5 hours and is approximately 7.5 miles round trip. That included stops to take in the gorgeous views, snap photos and stay hydrated. I made the hike with my Keen boots and 40 liter REI pack loaded with about 10 pounds. Half way up the trail I realized how much extra energy is required of your body when you have 10 extra pounds to lug around.
When I finally arrived home at 8:30 in the evening, all I wanted to do was sit and put my feet up. My calves and hip flexors are tight and probably going to be sore. I had the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to make it up the mountain and back down without blisters, and keeping up with some women who are 10-15 years younger than me. Sunday’s plan is to hike another 3 hours around Yolo County!
Woo Hoo!
