Saturday July 17, 2010 Hike Leaders:    Jan Askin       (925) 457-0886    Brian Waters  (925) 285-4432 Refreshments:    Laura Wittenberg  (925) 254-6768

Sunday July 25, 2010 Hike Leaders:    Don Acamo  (925) 899-5030    Rick Dodge  (925) 451-0850 Refreshments:    Aurelia Palciauskas  (925) 947-5506

7.5 mile hike - 1300' of elevation gain

Hike Description: Our 7.5 mile loop hike will begin at Tennessee Valley and traverse over rolling hills with spectacular views of the coastline as we make our way to Muir Beach by way of the Coastal Trail. Along the way is a secluded beach with stunning views of the craggy coast all the way to Pacifica-and you'll spot the stretch of sand that's your destination. Pirate's Cove's privacy made it a great staging area for bootleggers in the 1920s. These days there's no hooch, but there's plenty of booty in the form of salty air and solitude. Kick off your boots, dip your toes in the waves, and soak in the sun and seclusion. We can add another 1/2 mile to our distance with a snack stop here. Upward and onward to Muir Beach where a nice stretch of sand awaits us.

After lunch at Muir Beach we will begin our hike up the Coastal Trail to the Coyote Ridge Trail and intersect the Miwok Trail where spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge will appear over the horizon. We will continue on the Miwok Trail back to the parking lot.

Bathrooms are available at Tennessee Valley trailhead and Muir Beach. There is no water available along the route, so bring enough for the entire day, along with a lunch. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring hiking sticks if you normally use them.

Meet: At the Old Orinda Library parking lot at 8:15 for setting up carpools and an on-time departure at 8:30. Carpools at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge now require 3 or more per vehicle and payment of $2.50 by FasTrak, otherwise full fare is required in a non-FasTrak lane.

Those wishing to meet us at the trailhead, please arrive by 9:15.

Driving Instructions to the trailhead:

• From Orinda take Highway 24 west, to Highway 580 west
• Cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
• Soon after crossing the bridge, exit onto Sir Francis Drake on the right
• After about 4.5 miles, merge onto 101 south via ramp on left
• Take 101 south to the CA-1 N exit toward Stinson Beach
• Turn left at CA-1 North, then slight left at Tennessee Valley road
• This turn comes up quickly. Look for a produce stand at the turn
• Follow Tennessee Valley Road about two miles to the trailhead