Berkeley Hike

During the winter months, the Sacramento County Hikers led by Rich Blackmarr, head to the Bay Area for some urban hiking just in case the weather turns foul.  We can always duck into a coffeehouse or restaurant should it begin raining.

But here it is . . . it's almost Thanksgiving and we're still enjoying an extended Indian Summer.  The day started out cool and windy but by the end of the day, the winds calmed down and the temps were toasty.  A perfect day for a hike.

Rich planned another excellent urban hike tackling the steep stairs and meandering streets of North Berkeley and Kensington neighborhoods.

The approximately 7 mile hike started out near the Solano Boulevard commercial district and meandered via many flights of steps and steep streets over the ridge into Tilden Park where we stopped for lunch.

We climbed back over the ridge on the Memory Trail and down to the starting point stopping at several wonderful neighborhood parks -  Dorothy Bolte, John Hinkel, Indian Rock and Contra Costa Rock Parks.

These urban hikes are very popular and about 30 hikers participated in today's hike

To view complete album, click on "Berkeley Hike" below photo:

From Berkeley Hike

Remembering Mike 1949 - 2013

Mike Broderick led an amazing and improbable life - world traveler, mountain climber, hiker, and most of all, a world-class cycling fanatic.  There aren't many places on this planet he hasn't left his mark.

He had a beautiful home in East Sacramento and a loving and supportive spouse in Barbara who allowed Mike to follow his passion and travel to far away places with his buddies.  He was one very lucky dude.

Our two worlds came together about 4 years ago after he retired from a long and successful career in state government.  Having very similar interests, it didn't take long for us to bond and establish a strong and meaningful friendship.

I am grateful to say that we went on some incredible journeys together both state-side and over-seas before he sadly succumbed to pancreatic cancer on November 6, 2013.

Mike would always ask me, "is this blog worthy?" when taking a photo of him on one of our many ventures and outings.  Having somewhat high standards for the photos I include in my blogs, I would coyly answer, "I'll have to see how it turns out on my computer."

To honor the memory of Mike, I went through my blog archives and selected some of my favorite photos and created this special tribute to Mike.

So Mike, I want to finally answer your quires.

Yes, my friend, you are definitely blog worthy.

Here's a look back at the good times I shared with Mike.

Please click on "Remembering Mike 1949 - 2013" below photo to view album:

From Remembering Mike 1949 - 2013