Please be in good enough shape to move along at a moderate (+/-2.5 mph) steady pace and comfortable with elevation changes.
Distance: +/- 7.8 miles round trip; out and back
The hike: We'll hike the Estero and Sunset Beach trails to our turn around point. This trail through grassland and cattle pastures offers outstanding views of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour, and the opportunity to see the diverse wildlife that call these ecosystems home.
Where to meet: Estero Trailhead
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Drakes+Estero+Trailhead/@38.0818337,-122.9166303,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8085d00e42f7135d:0xbcebd32f56666a3e!8m2!3d38.0818295!4d-122.9140554!16s%2Fg%2F11bxc61t29?entry=ttu
The Estero Trailhead parking lot is approximately 20 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. There is a small dirt parking lot with space for ~30 vehicles on the west side of Home Ranch Road one mile (1.6 km) from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The Home Ranch Road is only one lane wide and does not have many good places to pull off. Drive slowly and cautiously. Tip: There are road signs at all major intersections along the way indicating which way to turn to get to the Lighthouse. Follow the signs for "Lighthouse" until you see a sign for the Estero trailhead.
Please be on time. We’ll start promptly at the start time listed. Give yourself a little extra time to arrive and get situated so that you’re part of the opening circle as this is an essential part of our time together.
Parking: Free
Restroom: At the trailhead
What to bring: Snack, water, hat, good hiking shoes, a joyful spirit and laughter. Please dress appropriately for the weather that day. Layers of clothing are always advisable.
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Reminders:
Mindful hikes are intended to be a way to connect more fully with ourselves, each other and with the land. There will be two periods of silent walking throughout the hike to allow the senses to be fully alive and felt. There will also be time during the hike to visit and connect with each other. These times of talking and connecting are an invitation to bring mindfulness to the present moment. It's a time to put away the cell phone and cameras to disengage from technology to be fully present with each other, our senses and the land we are inhabiting.
If you're on the waitlist for the hike and want to attend please message Vickie a few days before the scheduled hike. Most hikes have people drop off at the last minute and it's possible there is an opening.
Dāna
In the spirit of the Buddhist tradition mindful hikes are offered as a dāna based event. Rick Hansen says “generosity is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of ‘self’ and ripples out into the world to touch many people.” The dāna practice is heart centered and in the spirit of generosity. Venmo or cash is graciously accepted. Venmo account is: @vickieix8; last four digits 4714 of my phone # if asked.
No-Show Policy: Please cancel at least 24 hours before the start of the hike. Be mindful that there may be a waitlist. If your plans change and you're not coming, opening up a spot 4-5 days before the hike it's more likely someone will be able to attend than if you cancel at the last minute. You're considered a no-show if you cancel at the last minute. Members with 2 no-shows will be removed from the group.
