Three Short Walks

by Toni Locke

### You are more likely to have one of those "nice days" people offer if you get out and take a walk. Here are three of my favorite, easy, half-hour hikes right in the middle of our Metro area.

### Sausal Creek: Drive to upper Fruitvale Avenue, past the Dimond Branch Library and the Safeway. Park in the next block near the main entrance to Dimond Park. Climb the steps and head into the park, past Lions' Pool and the Rec Center, right through the middle of the Tot Lot, and on to pick up the new trail built by the Friends of Sausal Creek together with the City of Oakland. Follow the trail as it winds along the rushing creek, its banks luxurious with native plants and flowers. Watch and listen for birds. I turn back at the falls where a boulder requires clambering, and retrace my steps, stopping at the park entrance at the drinking fountain dedicated to a Monterey Pine planted by Hugh Dimond in 1893.

### Mills College: Drive in at the main gate at 5000 MacArthur Boulevard. Wave to the guard house attendant, and turn sharp right into the parking lot. Lock your car, note the Pine Top trail sign, and head south along the gravel road beside a grassy area. Dip down into a dramatic Eucalyptus grove. Follow the trail left across Leona Creek and out into an open meadow. Climb up to the old Mills cemetery, where you can visit the grave of the founders, or move on, bearing left past the new Department of Education Lab School. Follow sidewalks to Richards Road in the center of the campus. Enjoy the pond and fountain, the architectural elegance, and serenity, as you make your way back to the main gate.

### Joaquin Miller Park: Drive up Lincoln Avenue past the Greek Orthodox Church and the Mormon Temple. Cross Highway 13, and head up the hill to the entrance for Woodminster Amphitheater on your left. Turn in by the Ranger Station into the parking area for the Joaquin Miller Rec Center. Or park along the road. Walk around the yellow barrier to vehicular traffic, and follow the asphalt road going north. Make a loop, either going left down past the Native Plant Nursery first, or right up to the Robins Nest and then down, circling back to your car. The sun, the views of the Bay, the time of day, or your energy level can guide your choice. Once a year you can enjoy the herd of goats, guarded by big white watchdogs, doing their part to keep vegetation in check. Redwood, fir, eucalyptus, bay, and other trees tower above you. You can often get a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The smells of the forest lift the spirit.

### After a walk, stretch your mind as well as your muscles. Open Henry D. Thoreau's Walden and read the chapter on walking.