Tilden Park: Jewel Lake

Tilden Park is practically in our backyard. Seriously - it's only about 5 minutes away to the closest trail. Jewel Lake is in one of the most popular areas of the park containing the Little Farm (bring your celery to feed the cows!) and the Nature Center. This is also one of the first hikes I took when I was first trying to get into some kind of healthy shape. First time out I had to stop to catch my breath a few times - there's a small hill and some decent stairs coming back around the lake. Yesterday, I was a little out of breath but I only stopped to take pictures. Yay!

This lake is lovely no matter what the time of year. There are always birds and usually turtles. The trail from the Nature Center down to the dam is paved so you can go to the lake any time of year. The trail around the back is dirt and gets really muddy and slippery after it rains. It's short (only about a mile and a quarter) but it's really pretty.

Park Information here.

Complete photo set here.

Shimada Friendship Park

After a serious and long asthma episode last year (thanks Napa/Sonoma fires!) I'm working on getting back to serious hiking. The Paradise Fire slowed me down a bit but I'm back at it.

Shimada Friendship Park is a lovely place! There's a trail that goes along the edge of the water that is used by joggers and kids learning how to use their new bikes and lots of  people walking their dogs. There are frequently wind surfers which is fun to watch. There's a playground and big lawn areas and picnic tables. And squirrels! Our dog loves to try to hunt them but since this is an on-leash park she's never successful.

This trail is part of the SF Bay Trail and you can go any distance you choose, short or long. It's flat so it's been a good place for me to get back my hiking mojo.

Information about the park is here.

Complete photo set is here: