Archive for Hiking
Newly Opened Cowell-Purisima Trail Is a Hit!
The new Cowell-Purisima Trail — a broad, relatively flat 3-mile trail tucked between artichoke and brussel sprout fields and a rugged stretch of San Mateo coastline — has generated a lot of interest, and more than a few hikers, since it opened last month.
The opening was heralded in nearly every local media outlet, including the San Jose Mercury News, the Half Moon Bay Review, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bay Citizen, and Half Moon Bay’s Patch. It’s even found its way onto the national everything-but-the-kitchen-sink site About.com.
In many ways, the story of the trail — which is owned and managed by POST — is the story of the California Coastal Trail to which it adds three miles: It’s not easy to secure permanent public access to our coastline, but there’s a lot of pent-up demand for residents to get out there and appreciate California’s windswept western edge.
POST first acquired the land on which the coastal trail now sits 25 years ago. It’s taken that long to coordinate with all of the state agencies that help oversee the state’s shoreline (particularly during difficult economic times), to work with longtime farmers to ensure their operations aren’t disrupted and to secure enough funding to create a safe, visitor-friendly trail on the rugged terrain.
The million-dollar-per-mile price tag may sound like a lot, not least to the many generous POST donors who helped make this public trail possible, but it’s actually slightly under what the state budgeted on a per-mile basis to realize the dream of a public trail along the coast from Oregon to Mexico.
From the interest the trail has gotten, though, it seems that Californians believe the time and effort are well spent to appreciate the sweeping views — and seals! — the trail provides.
Check out POST’s photos of a recent walk-and-talk Paul Ringgold led on the trail, and don’t miss Patch’s virtual hike.
Photos by Kathryn Hargis
Mixed Use Trails – Safety and Etiquette in the Great Outdoors
by Laura Langford, Interim Communications Associate
Going for a weekend hike‚ we envision strolling along open meadows teeming with wildflowers and wildlife, or challenging our stamina on a steep trek through hills and redwoods. But enjoying the outdoors means sharing it with others. Hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, runners, small children, senior citizens, dog-walkers, photographers, people in wheelchairs, bird watchers, and other nature study groups are all out on the trails exploring open space. A little preparation for interactions on mixed-use trails ensures that everyone has a great time getting out on the land.
Right of Way
Most trail etiquette falls under the rules of common courtesy, but there are a few crucial details to consider. If you are on a mixed-use trail (hikers, cyclists, equestrians), the right of way is:
Cyclists yield to Hikers and Horses.
Hikers yield to Horses.
Cyclists generally move the fastest and can be potentially dangerous, so they must yield to slower traffic. Horses are large and can be easily frightened; therefore equestrians get precedence over other trail users.
Hikers and Runners
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photo courtesy MROSD
Hike quietly, and turn your cell phone down (or off).
- Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.
- Stay to the right on wider paths.
- When overtaking other trail users, let them know you are approaching and will be passing on the left. You may hear a cyclist or runner call out, “On your Left!” as s/he comes up from behind. That means you should stay to your right.
- When you stop for a view, a rest or to yield, move just off the trail so it is free for others.
- Hikers and runners going uphill are working hard and should be given the right of way over those coming downhill.
- Greet others on the trail, especially if you are coming up from behind. No one wants to get startled. A smile, nod or brief “hello” is sufficient.
- When hiking in a group, hike single file or take no more than half of a wide trail.
- Be in control of your children! This is a great opportunity to teach them about trail courtesy as well!
- If you packed it in, pack it out. You know what we mean…
- Meeting horses: move off the trail on the downhill side (horses generally bolt uphill if frightened) and make sure the horses and riders can see you. Greet the riders and ask if you are ok where you are. Stand quietly while the horses pass.
Hikers with dogs
photo courtesy MROSD
- If you hike with your dog, have your pet under control at all times. Not all dogs are used to outdoor activities (horses, bikes, children, large groups), so make sure you have introduced Spot to all possible encounters. Bring plenty of poop bags to pack out any droppings. No, the side of the trail is not an option.
- Hikers with dogs must follow county/local leash laws. Most parks require that your dog be on a leash of no more than 6 feet, so watch those retractable flexi-leashes! They can be dangerous if your dog bolts out in front of others!
Cyclists
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photo courtesy MROSD
Be a positive representative of your local cycling community! Yes, it’s fun to go fast, but please be respectful of others. Speeding cyclists can scare horses, dogs AND people, and it’s entirely possible you won’t know what wreck you’ve left in your wake.
- When approaching from behind, announce yourself well in advance and reduce your speed to pass safely.
- Approach blind curves with caution — assume someone is coming in the opposite direction.
- Pass horses as far to the left as possible to avoid unintentional contact, or stop if the rider asks. If you approach horse that is spooking or appears frightened, be considerate and stop. Wait for the rider to tell you that it is OK to pass. Most trail horses are used to cyclists, but you might be meeting one that is just learning about bikes and other trail expectations.
Equestrians
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photo courtesy MROSD
Be an ambassador for the equestrian world! Horses are intimidating to many of the people you’ll meet on trails, so it’s best to be friendly to all and have your beastie on his best behavior. Since horse reactions are the wild card in public settings, you are responsible for knowing your limitations and ensuring that everyone stays safe.
- Desensitize your horse to the many strange-and-scary things typically on a mixed-use trail before you go out. Have a friend ride a mountain bike next to your horse and occasionally stop to feed treats. Do the same routine with backpacks.
- Make sure that your horse is comfortable around leashed dogs and children. Dogs can lunge and children may run and shriek. It’s your responsibility to manage your horse’s reactions and take necessary precautions.
- If at all possible, stay off muddy trails! Horse hooves make a big mess out of a small one quickly. Wet trails are generally closed to horse traffic with good reason.
Common sense and courtesy should be the general rule. See you on the trail!
Spring Hike at Rancho Cañada del Oro
On April 10, POST held a Walk & Talk at our Rancho Cañada del Oro property in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Bailey Avenue and McKean Road in south Santa Clara County. Nature photographer and POST donor Judy Kramer (www.earthwitnessphoto.com) was on hand to offer wildflower photography tips as the group explored lush fields of Hound’s Tongue, Purple Owl’s Clover and Blue-Eyed Grass. And of course California’s iconic Poppy! Spring is a very special time to visit this POST-protected property, so click here for directions and more info!
You can also visit POST donor Renate Kempf’s blog to see her beautiful photographs and read her firsthand account of the outing! Thanks, Renate!
Buttercups © Renate Kempf
POST’s Walks & Talks are a benefit to our donors who give $500 or more annually. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Katie Morris at kmorris at openspacetrust.org.
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Jeff Powers
Paul Ringgold
Meghan Scanlon
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