"All good things are wild and free." --Henry David Thoreau

Monday, September 21, 2015

Upcoming Group Hike at the Kids Festival in McLaren Park--10/10/15

I've taken a long hiatus from Hill Babies with a move to the East Bay, the start of kindergarten for one kid, and twins turning two, but I'm up and running. In the month of October, I have the honor of leading one of two hour-long family hikes that sandwich the start and end of the free Kids Festival: a day of music, art, nature and science

October 10, 2015
10 a.m. Family Nature Walk 
(arrive at 9:45)
from the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
McLaren Park

This isn't just a hike, but a fun day in the Saturday in the Park series, with a great lineup for kids:

Stage Schedule
10 AM -- Family Nature Walk
12 PM -- Magic Dan
3 PM -- Family Nature Walk


Directions
Hike starts outside the bathrooms Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
40 John F. Shelley Drive
Free parking, or better yet, ride a bike or take # 29 Sunset 


The Hike at 10 AM
This is to be determined based on the strollers. If you bring one, I'll make the walk stroller friendly. If nobody has a stroller, we'll walk on dirt trails. McLaren Park is hilly, and we will be going up and downhill, so wear appropriate shoes.

There is so much to explore in McLaren Park, an hour doesn't give it justice, but it's perfect for walking with kids. I like pools and ponds, so there's a good chance we will circle McNab Lake or the Upper Reservoir. We will look for coots, ducks, egrets, and turtles. Everyone likes views, so chances are, we might end up at the Blue Water Tower, with it's 270 degree view, or the McLaren Park Observation Tower, both places that are great for finding raptors soaring overhead. Everywhere we will find coyote brush, sticky monkey flower, and Monterey Pines. What I won't do, please note, which is to hang out at any of the playgrounds, as that would zap our time. You're totally welcome to hang out, come and go as you please.  We'll stop for 1-2 snack breaks along the trail.

Please arrive by 9:45 so we can begin the walk at 10. An hour will pass quickly, considering most kids will need a short break or two (so please pack water and lots of snacks for your family).

Hope to see you and yours on October 10th!

Cheers,
Jessica
Old McLaren Park from the 1920s
Some Links
McLaren Park Collaborative: http://mclarenparksf.org
Saturday in the Park Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Saturday-in-the-Park-McLaren-546735475383735/timeline/
Magic Dan's website: http://www.magicdan.com
Alphabet Rockers: http://alphabetrockers.com
Charity and the JAMBand: http://www.jamjamjam.com
McLaren Park on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saturday-in-the-Park-McLaren-546735475383735/timeline/
Hill Babies: The Labyrinth: http://hillbabiessf.blogspot.com/2011/01/labyrinth-of-mclaren-park.html
Hill Babies: A Day on the Southern Trails of McLaren Park: http://hillbabiessf.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-day-on-southern-trails-of-mclaren-park.html