Since Tony and I have been training for our long hike across England in July, we try to do a longer hike together on Saturday. We have been breaking in our hiking boots,  trying out our new hiking poles, and carrying our daypacks so that we will be prepared for our trek. This Sunday, however, was quite hot which is something we should not have to contend with in northern England….hopefully.

We started our hike on Lagunitas Street just a block up from St. John’s Church in Ross. Parking anywhere near Natalie Coffin Greene Park on a Saturday is a long wait. The dogs were at home because it was going to be too long and too hot for them to come along. I would take them for a short spin in our neighborhood later.

Hot day at PHoenix Lake

Once past Phoenix Lake we headed up Edridrige Grade to Lake view Road.

View from Eldridge Grade all the way to the East Bay. We did some climbing!

We went left at Lake Lagunitas and walked along the more shady side.

Lake Lagunitas and very blue skies

We stayed on the fire road instead of heading down the path to Lagunitas Dam. This road takes you to the beginning of the trail around the shady side of Bon Tempe. We were drinking lots of water as it was even hot in the shade.

Trail along the shady side of Bon Tempe

We crossed over the Bon Tempe Dam and headed down the hill to a small gravel parking area. There we took a left and saw a lovely view of hills and Alpine Lake. We took the next right which is a fire road that turns into a path. It skirts along the edge of the Meadow Club.

View below Bon Tempe Dam

Our trail ended at Sky Oaks Road near the Ranger’s Headquarters. We walked past the buildings and stopped to refill our water bottles at the spigot by the fence. Then we headed down the Taylor Trail. From the Taylor Trail we made a right on Concrete Pipe which took us to Five Corners.

Taylor Trail

It was a hot , but easy walk down Shaver Grade back to Phoenix Lake and down the road to our car. It was about 13.3 miles with 1, 460 foot climb for me and a bit longer for Tony as he strides ahead and then comes back.

Tony trying out his new poles on the shady part of Shaver Grade.