Mount Diablo 2005 #1

Trip map

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:44 -0800

Trip profile

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:45 -0800

Pre-hike Group Photo. From left: Daniella, Bonnie, Frank. Our loop began and ended at the Juniper Campground Trailhead. Bree also joined us this day, but opted to stay out of the picture.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:49 -0800

Frank Farmer
Pre-hike Group Photo. From left: Daniella, Bonnie, Frank. Our loop began and ended at the Juniper Campground Trailhead. Bree also joined us this day, but opted to stay out of the picture.

New hiking boots -- I got a pair of new Asolo 535s with my REI 20% coupon, in anticipation of snowpacked sierra backpacking this summer. Here they are, all nice and clean. Would they get all ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:48 -0800

Frank Farmer
New hiking boots -- I got a pair of new Asolo 535s with my REI 20% coupon, in anticipation of snowpacked sierra backpacking this summer. Here they are, all nice and clean. Would they get all ...

We started out by taking the Summit Trail up to the top. I guess you could say we'll have dessert first. Nahhh, the entire hike is A-OK.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:52 -0800

Frank Farmer
We started out by taking the Summit Trail up to the top. I guess you could say we'll have dessert first. Nahhh, the entire hike is A-OK.

Northerly view from the Summit Trail. Sonoma and Napa Valleys are out there somewhere, on the other side of San Pablo Bay.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:50 -0800

Frank Farmer
Northerly view from the Summit Trail. Sonoma and Napa Valleys are out there somewhere, on the other side of San Pablo Bay.

Summit panorama

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:35 -0800

Frank Farmer
Summit panorama

Hiker and Pine Tree on the Summit Trail

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:54 -0800

Frank Farmer
Hiker and Pine Tree on the Summit Trail

Pine Tree with a southerly view

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:55 -0800

Frank Farmer
Pine Tree with a southerly view

Looking down on a cyclist climbing the Summit Road

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:56 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking down on a cyclist climbing the Summit Road

At the Summit parking lot. I headed up to the summit alone, thinking my companions would join me there.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:58 -0800

Frank Farmer
At the Summit parking lot. I headed up to the summit alone, thinking my companions would join me there.

The Summit has a nice stone observatory, along with a visitors center. Where were my buddies?

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:06:59 -0800

Frank Farmer
The Summit has a nice stone observatory, along with a visitors center. Where were my buddies?

North Peak

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:01 -0800

Frank Farmer
North Peak

The Sierra Nevada, on the distant horizon

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:02 -0800

Frank Farmer
The Sierra Nevada, on the distant horizon

North Peak, and the Prospector's Gap Trail at the left. We planned to hike down to that junction, on our loop around Mount Diablo. Bur first we need to get back together.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:04 -0800

Frank Farmer
North Peak, and the Prospector's Gap Trail at the left. We planned to hike down to that junction, on our loop around Mount Diablo. Bur first we need to get back together.

Eastern Panorama from Mount Diablo -- Looking out at the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the Central Valley, and the Sierra Nevada beyond.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:37 -0800

Frank Farmer
Eastern Panorama from Mount Diablo -- Looking out at the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the Central Valley, and the Sierra Nevada beyond.

Northern Panorama from Mount Diablo, Eagle Peak, Bald Ridge, Mount Olympia, Clayton

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:39 -0800

Frank Farmer
Northern Panorama from Mount Diablo, Eagle Peak, Bald Ridge, Mount Olympia, Clayton

Summit parking lot. A bunch of bicyclists had ridden up. I was jealous of their aerobic conditioning! Lots of cars, but not too crowded on this sunny Saturday. But where were my hiking buddi ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:05 -0800

Frank Farmer
Summit parking lot. A bunch of bicyclists had ridden up. I was jealous of their aerobic conditioning! Lots of cars, but not too crowded on this sunny Saturday. But where were my hiking buddi ...

Devil's Pulpit -- The mystery was over. I hiked down the trail and was soon reunited with my friends. They had taken the Interpretive Fire Trail around the summit. Somehow, we joined back up ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:06 -0800

Frank Farmer
Devil's Pulpit -- The mystery was over. I hiked down the trail and was soon reunited with my friends. They had taken the Interpretive Fire Trail around the summit. Somehow, we joined back up ...

Climbers atop Devil's Pulpit

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:08 -0800

Frank Farmer
Climbers atop Devil's Pulpit

Bonnie checking out the kiosk where the Prospector's Gap Trail leaves the Summit Trail

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:09 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bonnie checking out the kiosk where the Prospector's Gap Trail leaves the Summit Trail

View down a gully on the Prospector's Gap Trail

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:11 -0800

Frank Farmer
View down a gully on the Prospector's Gap Trail

Bonnie shooting a picture. She took some great pictures on this hike. Check out Bonnie's May 2005 Mount Diablo Pictures.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:13 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bonnie shooting a picture. She took some great pictures on this hike. Check out Bonnie's May 2005 Mount Diablo Pictures.

Trail along the slope

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:15 -0800

Frank Farmer
Trail along the slope

View to the southeast

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:07:16 -0800

Frank Farmer
View to the southeast

California Poppies

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:23 -0800

Frank Farmer
California Poppies

Pausing at the Big Switchback. A group of very polite mountainbikers passed us along here. They were very considerate.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:25 -0800

Frank Farmer
Pausing at the Big Switchback. A group of very polite mountainbikers passed us along here. They were very considerate.

The Summit Building, from the south

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:27 -0800

Frank Farmer
The Summit Building, from the south

Closeup of the Summit Building

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:30 -0800

Frank Farmer
Closeup of the Summit Building

Bonnie and Daniella, descending the Prospector's Gap road. The entire route for the remainder of the day would be on a fire-trail.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:32 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bonnie and Daniella, descending the Prospector's Gap road. The entire route for the remainder of the day would be on a fire-trail.

Steep descent. We were glad that we decided to take this route in a counter-clockwise direction. I remembered the tough climb from 2004, when we went in the other direction.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:35 -0800

Frank Farmer
Steep descent. We were glad that we decided to take this route in a counter-clockwise direction. I remembered the tough climb from 2004, when we went in the other direction.

Poppies along the trail. The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is in the golden hills in the distance.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:37 -0800

Frank Farmer
Poppies along the trail. The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is in the golden hills in the distance.

Poppy cluster

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:39 -0800

Frank Farmer
Poppy cluster

Looking out on Clayton. We are above the Donner Canyon area, where I hiked with other friends the previous November.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:42 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking out on Clayton. We are above the Donner Canyon area, where I hiked with other friends the previous November.

Looking north, our trail stretches ahead. Flat-topped Eagle Peak is nearby.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:44 -0800

Frank Farmer
Looking north, our trail stretches ahead. Flat-topped Eagle Peak is nearby.

Zoomed in on Eagle Peak and the Bald Ridge Trail.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:47 -0800

Frank Farmer
Zoomed in on Eagle Peak and the Bald Ridge Trail.

Summit building, seen from the east

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:48 -0800

Frank Farmer
Summit building, seen from the east

A wider view of the Summit building, showing the gulley leading up to it.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:51 -0800

Frank Farmer
A wider view of the Summit building, showing the gulley leading up to it.

Gaping old mercury pit mine, near Clayton. A relic from the past. Suisun Bay and Solano County are in the distance.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:56 -0800

Frank Farmer
Gaping old mercury pit mine, near Clayton. A relic from the past. Suisun Bay and Solano County are in the distance.

Mount Olympia. I climbed that peak in November 2004, with Karen, Lisa, and Paul. Another great hike!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:53 -0800

Frank Farmer
Mount Olympia. I climbed that peak in November 2004, with Karen, Lisa, and Paul. Another great hike!

Closeup of Mount Olympia

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:43:58 -0800

Frank Farmer
Closeup of Mount Olympia

Another view of Mount Olympia

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:00 -0800

Frank Farmer
Another view of Mount Olympia

Pastoral trail scene. This portion of the trail had some cooler shaded areas, which was a welcome change.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:02 -0800

Frank Farmer
Pastoral trail scene. This portion of the trail had some cooler shaded areas, which was a welcome change.

Nonpotable water. What is this for? The ranger's jeep?

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:07 -0800

Frank Farmer
Nonpotable water. What is this for? The ranger's jeep?

Winding trail

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:10 -0800

Frank Farmer
Winding trail

Eagle Peak panorama, from the east

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:40 -0800

Frank Farmer
Eagle Peak panorama, from the east

Summit view from the northeast. We're making our way around the mountain!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:15 -0800

Frank Farmer
Summit view from the northeast. We're making our way around the mountain!

Bald Ridge on Mount Diablo

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:18 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bald Ridge on Mount Diablo

Mount Diablo, Bald Ridge Panorama

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:42 -0800

Frank Farmer
Mount Diablo, Bald Ridge Panorama

Pine tree

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:23 -0800

Frank Farmer
Pine tree

Colorful wildflowers

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:25 -0800

Frank Farmer
Colorful wildflowers

Colorful wildflowers

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:44:31 -0800

Frank Farmer
Colorful wildflowers

California Poppies -- I know what these are! I may come back later and ID the others.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:47 -0800

Frank Farmer
California Poppies -- I know what these are! I may come back later and ID the others.

Deer Flat Creek crossing

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:49 -0800

Frank Farmer
Deer Flat Creek crossing

Deer Flat Creek crossing

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:51 -0800

Frank Farmer
Deer Flat Creek crossing

Colorful flowers -- A strap got into the picture, but I really wanted to included these beauties

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:52 -0800

Frank Farmer
Colorful flowers -- A strap got into the picture, but I really wanted to included these beauties

Western view of Bald Ridge -- I guess this is the bald part. There is a ridge trail up there, running north-south. We should try it sometime, but in the winter when it's cooler.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:54 -0800

Frank Farmer
Western view of Bald Ridge -- I guess this is the bald part. There is a ridge trail up there, running north-south. We should try it sometime, but in the winter when it's cooler.

Eagle Peak

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:55 -0800

Frank Farmer
Eagle Peak

Eagle Peak, Bald Ridge Panorama -- View from the west.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:44 -0800

Frank Farmer
Eagle Peak, Bald Ridge Panorama -- View from the west.

North Peak, beyond Bald Ridge

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:57 -0800

Frank Farmer
North Peak, beyond Bald Ridge

Eagle Peak Panorama -- Note the interesting rock chutes. Were these natural, or did they result from mining-related blasting in the 1900's?

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:47 -0800

Frank Farmer
Eagle Peak Panorama -- Note the interesting rock chutes. Were these natural, or did they result from mining-related blasting in the 1900's?

Open pit mine, beyond Eagle Peak. Happily, this thing closed a long time ago. Lots of serpentine around here ... dangerous dust!!!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:58 -0800

Frank Farmer
Open pit mine, beyond Eagle Peak. Happily, this thing closed a long time ago. Lots of serpentine around here ... dangerous dust!!!

Eagle Peak closeup. We'll hike that peak, too, one of these days.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:00 -0800

Frank Farmer
Eagle Peak closeup. We'll hike that peak, too, one of these days.

Mount Diablo summit, from the north. Just look for the telcom towers!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:02 -0800

Frank Farmer
Mount Diablo summit, from the north. Just look for the telcom towers!

Trail view, winding around

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:04 -0800

Frank Farmer
Trail view, winding around

Another view of the pit mine. The town of Clayton and the Black Diamond hills are in the distance.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:06 -0800

Frank Farmer
Another view of the pit mine. The town of Clayton and the Black Diamond hills are in the distance.

Bonnie ascending the last big climb, as we are getting near the end.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:09 -0800

Frank Farmer
Bonnie ascending the last big climb, as we are getting near the end.

Stage Trail Panorama -- The Stage Trail takes off from our Loop Trail, a bit further ahead.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:49 -0800

Frank Farmer
Stage Trail Panorama -- The Stage Trail takes off from our Loop Trail, a bit further ahead.

Diablo Loop Panorama

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:51 -0800

Frank Farmer
Diablo Loop Panorama

Northern Panorama from the Diablo Loop Trail

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:54 -0800

Frank Farmer
Northern Panorama from the Diablo Loop Trail

Northern View

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:11 -0800

Frank Farmer
Northern View

The last pass, before ending our hike. Bonnie is nearing the top.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:13 -0800

Frank Farmer
The last pass, before ending our hike. Bonnie is nearing the top.

Stage Trail, Eagle Peak Panorama

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:57 -0800

Frank Farmer
Stage Trail, Eagle Peak Panorama

Hardy plant. This would be a weed in our yard, but it looks great here!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:15 -0800

Frank Farmer
Hardy plant. This would be a weed in our yard, but it looks great here!

Hardy plant, growing right out the rock

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:18 -0800

Frank Farmer
Hardy plant, growing right out the rock

Tough California poppies.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:20 -0800

Frank Farmer
Tough California poppies.

More tough poppies

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:22 -0800

Frank Farmer
More tough poppies

Hang glider touching down -- I was a little slow getting this shot off.

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:24 -0800

Frank Farmer
Hang glider touching down -- I was a little slow getting this shot off.

Rock Wall

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:31 -0800

Frank Farmer
Rock Wall

Closeup of rock wall

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:26 -0800

Frank Farmer
Closeup of rock wall

Park engineering -- A new road cut and barrier, with drainage system

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:29 -0800

Frank Farmer
Park engineering -- A new road cut and barrier, with drainage system

Park engineering

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:18:30 -0800

Frank Farmer
Park engineering

Post Hike Picture -- From left: Bonnie, Frank, Daniella. Bree, thanks for taking this picture, but you should be in it with us! Bonnie, thanks for organizing a great hike! A second "hurry up ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 23:17:46 -0800

Frank Farmer
Post Hike Picture -- From left: Bonnie, Frank, Daniella. Bree, thanks for taking this picture, but you should be in it with us! Bonnie, thanks for organizing a great hike! A second "hurry up ...

The new boots did just fine ... no blisters!

nobody@smugmug.com (Frank Farmer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 04:01:33 -0800

Frank Farmer
The new boots did just fine ... no blisters!