Category: North America

  • Berkeley Hills stairs

    The hills of Berkeley (near the University of California–Berkeley) are steep and wooded.

    The winding streets have rustic paths and stairways connecting them, and you can have a lovely hike up the hill on them. On April 24th, while staying with friends there, I took a walk that I will share here.

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    Looking out toward San Francisco.

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    The walk, 1.3 miles. Starting at Keith Avenue, heading up El Mirador Path.

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    El Mirador Path begins. The paths are varied, some concrete steps, some wooden, some dirt or gravel paths.

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    Getting more rustic.

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    After a walk up Cragmont Avenue, past Bret Harte Road, Sterling Path beckons.

     

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    And soon becomes even more rustic.

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    Big old trees, lush vegetation.

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    Houses sometimes form one side of the path.

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    Keeler Path starts out as a simple dirt track.

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    Now approaching Remillard Park.

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    Pinnacle Rock, a popular local rock climbing spot in Remillard Park.

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    Climbing club member Soo Hom starts up a deceptively difficult route.

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    Hmm. Not much to hold on to!

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    This kind of climbing requires a lot of strength, and Soo Hom has it.

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    Strong, experienced climber.

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    Next, 11 year old Luke starts up. He’s a natural, and climbs well. By having an upper belay, anyone can try difficult routes without fear of injury if they fall.

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    Heading down now on Betty Olds Path.

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    Houses are suspended out on the steep hillside amidst dense growth of trees and shrubs.

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    Now, down Covert Path. Who makes up these names??

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    Past a rustic cottage.

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    Down, down…

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    Back to the the Marcellini artists studio.

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    Where ‘Godzilla’ the squirrel tries with exceeding cuteness to get a bite to eat, and succeeds.

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    Part of Judith White Marcellini’s studio with 3D Cambrian era critters in the making.

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    End of a lovely sojourn in the hills of Berkeley…

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