On Sunday, the official beginning of our recent heat-wave, my husband "treated" me and the kids to a surprise hike of Los Gatos Creek Trail where he used to do training runs (the shadeless and dusty stretch which starts near Forbes Mill, underneath the fancy shops on University and stretches beside Highway 17 to Lex. Reservoir). I had vaguely remembered the three hour "death march" we took at this particular trail when we were first dating, but I held my tongue in the hopes of being a good sport and a role model for the kids. However, with three of us girls soon counting spiderwebs to kill the time and whining,"are we there yet," above the din of the freeway, it re-freshened my memory of the first experience. Tricked again!
But I was happy to pick up a brochure about a new program called the Healthy Trails Challenge. Once you've registered, You and the family have 12 months to hike 5 of the 21 trails in the Santa Clara County Parks system and log your activities. With the second set of 5 trails you are promised a free gift (...new shoes...we could only dream!) So bring your hats and water bottles. The County Park's activity calendar is also available online.
You might want to try Coyote Creek trail. It's a lot shadier than many trails in this area. If you start your hike from the parking lot off Silver Creek Valley road just head north toward Hellyer Park. It's very enjoyable for both adults and kids especially when you arrive at the park. There is a lake that you can go fishing and watching a big herd of Goose roaming around in the area. There are not that many shady area if you head south. It could be too warm for your little ones during this time of the year. Also, watch out for bikers, they come and go sometimes a bit too fast.
ReplyDeleteGrasshopper