April 2024

Dear Sirs (Hikers or Not),

Our hikes are getting more challenging and sometimes strange.  

First, there was only one parking space left so Gregg Walters and his wife Ursula in one car and Peter Catherwood in another, had no place to park.  They decided to drive to the top and do some hiking there.

Ron Gaumont, Mike Thomas and I hit the trail as planned and on our way up, the sharp eyes of retired police officer Sir Ron Gaumont spotted a junked VW among the trees and bushes down the side of our trail.  Yes, just like two other VWs we have seen on the John Nicholas trail over the years.  And again, the question is how in the world did it get there, about 30 feet below our 3 feet wide trail, among all those trees and bushes..  This one was light blue and looked in better shape than the other two, for now.  It may have been meticulously deposed on the ground by a helicopter. How else?

As for the challenge, it was more a weather issue.  Approaching the Mt. Umunhum summit, the fog and the wind intensified.  Regular Spring clothing was not enough to keep us warm.  We reached the main parking lot and decided to turn back.  The fog was dense and the wind was glacial — it didn’t make sense to go higher.  Surely it was going to be worse.  We turned around hoping to come across our other hikers.  No luck.   Hopefully, they made the best of it.

Marcel Tomassian

October 26 Bear Creek Redwood Preserve

It was rather cool, I could even say cold this morning when we started our hike this morning.  The three Musketeers, Peter Catherwood, Ron Gaumont and Kirk Stoddard (aka Athos, Porthos and Aramis) joined me (D’Artagnan) for a real hike at Bear Creek Redwood Preserve in Los Gatos.   Incidentally, you can see the sounding relation between my real name and my pseudo name. 

The first couple miles were challenging and it didn’t take too long for the coats to come off our backs. Soon, we were able to even converse as we hiked.  Both the Preserve map and the signs along the trail indicate that the total distance was 5.4 miles. On my hiking schedule, I have shown 4 miles and my cell phone says 4.8 miles.  Who is right? Who cares — we had a good time and a good exercise.  The only downside to this outing, we did not see the twin redwood trees.  Those were the trees that a major branch close to the ground grew as to be almost as big and tall as the mother tree and grew up parallel to it.  There were a couple of them; no more.  There was a big open space instead.  Perhaps, last winter storm had something to do with it.  I will surely try to find out.

Our next hike (a walk in the park) will be on November 10 at the Los Alamitos Trail at Lake Almaden Park in South San Jose.  We will meet at 10:00 A.M. at the Winfield Blvd entrance. It is a very pleasant walk, mostly flat and we will go 4 miles as planned on my schedule (or less if we want to). Park outside or else you have to pay a fee inside. 

I encourage all of you to join us for this one and bring someone with you.

Marcel Tomassian (408)206-0532

Rancho San Antonio September 15

Last Friday’s hike was supposed to be an easy one to cover only 3 miles but it turned out be a real hike with a 5.2 miles and not all flat.  But we all finished it and were “happy” about it.  We all agreed that Rancho San Antonio is a great place but it is also very complex with trails going in all directions.  And there are trails for bikes and horseback riders. In addition, my daughter joined us and being familiar with Rancho San Antonio I let her guide us, thus the extra miles.  The farm is still there and we saw some animals like sheep and goats but I was also expecting a large pink pig but we saw two large gray hairyboars.

On the 29th of September, we will be going back to the Quicksilver County Park.  This is a 5 mile long real hike whose trail head is located at the end of McAbee road right off Almaden Expressway in South San Jose.  For the last time this year, we will start at 9:00 A.M.,  In October, we will start at 10 00 A.M. until next Spring.

John Nicholas Trail September 1

We were nine, ready and eager to do the John Nicholas Trail.  We all know that the first 1.9 miles to the Ranch Lake is a walk-in-the-park and some of us also know that to reach the famous discarded VWs will be much harder.  I admit that I had some doubt whether there will be some willingness to do it.  But we did it.  Some of us did it, and it was rewarding.  We found out that the red VW was still there but someone sloppily repainted it blue, green and purple, and 2021 was also added on top of the roof.  As an encouragement to find the VW, I mentioned that there was a huge rock about half way up to the wreck that was worth seeing.  It seemed to me that rock was carved by early humans to be like a refuge against bad weather or wild animals.  It was further up than I remembered and, at times, I was wondering if it was a figment of my imagination.

The first picture of the whole group was taken at the lake by Ursula Walters.  Starting from left were Ron Gaumont, Larry Snapp, Atsu Fujyama, Peter Catherwood, me, Gregg Walters, Mike Thomas and his neighbor Gary.The second picture was taken at the famous rock by another hiker.  Ron, Atsu and I had the pleasure of viewing the latest issue of the VW wrecks on the John Nicholas Trail saga pictured on the third photo. 

Round trip to the VW from the trail head was 8.4 miles.  Since it was not part of the original plan, some members had commitments and time restrains that prevented them to do the added miles.

Marcel Tomassian

Heintz Open Space hills in Los Gatos August 18

Thanks to visiting Sir Francis Seidl and his wife Kathleen, former co-worker and avid hiker Rick Kananen, and my own daughter Michelle, we were nine hiking the Heintz Open Space hills in Los Gatos.  Gregg Walters and his wife Ursula (who is a bonafide Branch 54 hiker by now) and Joe Lowry also joined us.  It was a fairly short hike, about two miles with half of it going straight up and the rest going down.  As I always say, as an average it was all flat. Half of the group decided to add an extra mile to view some sort of Boy Scouts build memorial Rick knew about.  The rest of us stuck to the plan.

The weather cooperated and we started getting warm as we ended the hike.  We will surely go back to Heintz Open Space Preserve and the adjacent Belgatos Hills.

Picchetti Winery trail August 4

I didn’t really know if the Picchetti Winery trail qualified one way of the other, as a hike or as a walk.  Yes, there were some hills and some of us struggled a little at times. But I also noticed that no one was so out of breath that he could not hold a conversation.  In my opinion, that is the true definition of a real hike.

The weather again was very pleasant to start and we were almost over with our hike when some of us started to shed a layer of clothing.  That trail is apparently popular; we saw some groups one which was comprised of a couple dozens ladies young and old.  There were a few joggers, and they appeared to be old enough to be Sirs.  The most memorable sighting, however, was a good size rattler ahead of us attempting to cross the trail which was wider in that area.  Naturally, we gave it as much time it wanted. Five of us and one wife participated.

Couple regulars had other obligations and could not make it. 

Incidentally, the winery was open but we did not go in.  Perhaps, the Activities Team can organize a wine testing day at the Picchetti Winery in the future.

June 23 Hike – John Nicholas trail

It was hard to say whether this hike was a walk in the park or a real hike.  There were only five of us and that’s including Sue, Captain Kirk Stoddard’s better half.  Ron Gaumont and the newest hiker Atsu Fujiyama were the other two (and always reliable) members of the team.  It was pleasant except for looking at the past storms ravages. The county, however, did a pretty good job cleaning the trail itself but they were a lots of broken trees and branches on the sides.  We didn’t see hikers but they were many bicyclists and one fisherman.  We did not go beyond the lake picnic tables to see if that red discarded VW was still there.   We will do that some other time if I can gather couple volunteers to join me for that 11+ miles adventure.

June 9 Hike – Quicksilver County park

The beauty of living in our area is that you can plan a hike and chances are the weather is the last thing you should worry about. At the risk of repeating myself, once again the weather was just perfect.  And the attendance was also great with six Sirs joining me for the 5.2 miles hike up the hills of the Quicksilver County park.  It was not a walk in the park but at the end we all had a great feeling of accomplishment.  The usual hikers such as Peter Catherwood, Ron Gaumont, Jim Hicks, Kirk Stoddard and Atso Fujiyama were there along with Mike Thomas who was introduced to the Branch just yesterday. A real hike, over five miles, in such rugged terrain is certainly rewarding.  OK, we didn’t do the 6.2 miles I had promised but even I admit it was enough for one day.

May 12 Hike –Mt. Umunhum

Dear Hikers,

We went, we saw, we conquered — Mt. Umunhum that is.  We were supposed to be seven to ascend that 3489ft. peak overlooking South San Jose but we ended up being only four.  Which is fine for a real hike that could be a little too demanding for seniors like us. In fact, two that had said they would come but they had doctor’s appointments.   It was nice to see Jim Hicks (for the first time) joining Ron Gaumont, Joe Lowry and me climbing that iconic elevation.  As anticipated, the weather was perfect, the trail was well maintained and Ron had a very unexpected meeting on top with a retired Sheriff Dpt. officer he knew but had not seen for decades.  They had a very memorable discussion that was almost heavenly – what else could it be at that altitude.  My cell phone confirmed that we walked 7.2 miles.

April 14, 2023

Someone is watching over us old folks.  The weather is always cooperating and we have never been subjected to incidents that could ruin our hikes. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

This last hike on the south side of Quicksilver County Park was no exception.  It was sunny and mild, the trail had dried up from the torrential rains, and we had 8 hikers including Gregg Walters wife Ursula, who is becoming our photographer lately.  The views were magnificent especially Mt. Humunhum was facing us on the south side.  We could also see couple large reservoirs we were trying to identify.  We even saw a bobcat sharing our trail ahead of us.  We did about 3.5 miles but no one complained – we were too busy looking at nature and socializing.  But let’s talk about the next hike.

On April 28, we will go back to the Guadeloupe Creek Trail starting at the Winfield Blvd entrance of Lake Almaden in South San Jose.  We will meet at 10 A.M..  That hike is really a walk and, although my schedule says it is 4 miles long, be advised you can turn around anytime you had enough.  And if you need to, someone will walk back with you.  If you have never walked with us before, I encourage you to give it a try.  Most likely you will do it again. Next week, I will send a reminder and more details about the hike.  Meanwhile you are welcomed to email me or call for more information.  And bring someone with you if you like

Marcel Tomassian (408)206-0532

This last hike on March 31 was better than expected.  Naturally, since it was mostly in Vasona Park territory all the trails were well kept and flat.  Although we saw some enormous down trees, they were chopped and kept to the sides.  It was sunny, contrary to what my cell phone had indicated, and it was warm. We saw the usual birds, ducks, mallards and Canada geese enjoying life back to normal after all those storms they have been enduring.  Someone is watching over Branch 54 Hiking group.  We always enjoy great hikes; this one was 3.8 easy miles. Four Sirs and one wife joined me.

The next hike on April 14 will begin at the Wood Road entrance of the Quicksilver County Park.  It will be a real hike that will cover about 3.4 miles but those of you who like easier hikes can join us and turn back as soon as you have had enough.  Woods Road begins where Hicks Road and Mt Humunum Road meet.  There is parking right at the start of Mt. Humunum Road but there is another one 1/4 mile on Woods Road.  So, turn in into Woods Road  at the intersection.  Call me if you find my directions confusing or to let me know you are coming.  Hope to see many of you — I always say walking is the best medicine.

Marcel Tomassian (408)206-0532

March 10, 2023

After a tumultuous and sometime dangerous weather, we had a relatively wonderful and safe hike this past Friday.  Granted, the attendance was less than spectacular with only two hardy souls joining me, Sir Peter Catherwood, and a guest, my friend and former co-worker Rick Kananen.  At times, we had to either climb over trees or branches blocking the trail or stoop under which was easier for me considering my small stature.  Surprisingly, there were many other hikers and bicyclists too.  There were some slightly flooded areas we had to go around but in general, it was very manageable and safe.  Los Gatos Creek was full and running down from the Lexington Reservoir dam at high speed.  We were thinking how much fun it would be to be in a sturdy rubber raft and ride the creek down to Vasona Lake.  A fun way to commit suicide, I guess.  By the time the hike was over, it was almost balmy.

February 2023

Those of you who for some reasons did not or could not come to the Mocking Bird Hill hike missed a good opportunity.  The weather was perfect, cool to start with and warming up as we walked, the trails were in excellent condition except for occasional deep dried-up gullies right in the middle, and seeing other hikers having a great time.  We missed some of the most dedicated hikers such as Larry and Peter, but we had Miles (soon-to-be Sir Miles Godfrey) to make up for the gap.  Veterans hikers Ron and Gregg with his wife Ursula were also enjoying the “real” hike but, as we all know, the Quicksilver County Park is not like hiking the Sierras. No one lagged behind.  How far did we walk?  Depends whose cell phone you believe.  Mine said it was 2.7 miles which is close to the distance shown on the map.  And even though the hills seemed to be rather steep at times, we all managed very well.

August 26, 2022

A few words on the last hike that took us from downtown Los Gatos to Lexington Reservoir.  It was a real hike but a real pleasure to do it.  We had to slow down at times but we all finished the 4.1 miles unscathed.  The weather was just perfect that morning.  Granted coming down from the dam, being closer to noon and with no many trees by the trail, it was getting warmer.  But it was all down hill then.

The attached picture showing us at the top of our trail was taken by Ursula, Gegg Walter’s wife who is a real hiker.

It was not really a hike on July 29 but a real “walk-in-the-park”.  Granted it was 4.7 miles long but the weather was perfect, the scenery was very pleasant and the company was super friendly and interesting.  Joining me were Ron Gaumont, Joe Lowry and Gregg Walters.  We started at the Almaden Lake city park and followed the Los Alamitos Creek up to Leland High School.  We saw a couple young bucks (real ones-not humans kind) and a white egret among some ducks that was really asking to be photographed; so I obliged.

This last Friday, July 22, I and two other Sirs (Ron and Capt. Kirk) walked the Martial Cottle Park trail as a last minute decision after the July 15 hike was cancelled. We started earlier so it was nice and cool, and we walked about two miles.  We thought we saw a bold eagle but Ron determined it was a full grown and majestic looking Hawk.  We also saw a blue heron and of course a multitude of ground squirrels.

A nice hike up the McClellan Ranch trail by 6 members met the Sunnyvale branch as they were finishing their trek.  We parked at Blackberry Farms parking lot and hiked past Blackberry and Deep Cliff courses and through the farm area of the ranch. We turned around after circling Linda Vista Park to trek back downhill to our cars by Stevens Creek.

My sister, Carol, from Michigan played photographer for this hike.

Larry 

May 13, 2022 Once again the weather cooperated. It was mild and sunny but since most of the hike at the Redwood Preserve off Los Gatos Bear Creek road was shaded, it was just perfect.  Only Big Sir Larry showed up but since my two nephews from Fresno came along, we were four which a good for hiking the steep hills of the preserve.  
Naturally, we missed the regulars such as Archie, Peter, Ron, Joe, Gregg, Ernie, Kirk, and few others.  Hiking is great but at times we all have other obligations.

21st of January, 2022, are back to our regular schedule of hiking every other Friday.  We have done the Walk-in-the-Park (in fact two of them already this month) so this next one will be a real hike. It will be a 4.5 mile hike with all the expected ups and downs, but most of you can do it with ease I am certain. We will be doing the Quicksilver County Park trail that begins at McAbee Rd right off Almaden Express Way.  Traveling south on Almaden towards the hills, cross Blossom Hill Road and turn right on McAbee.  At the end, where McAbee makes a 90 deg. left turn, you will see the park entrance. 

Those of you who showed up at ten A.M. Friday after Thanksgiving know how much this hike was enjoyed.  We were 11 counting two spouses and while walking about 2 1/2 miles, we had plenty of time to socialize and get to know each other better.  As expected, the weather was absolutely gorgeous – a little cool starting and warming up as time went by; but never to the point of sweating.  Another reason we did not sweat was the whole hike was flat, as advertised, and we kept a leisurely speed. 

12 November was another glorious day hiking and we were all smiles doing it.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous, a little cool to start with and pleasantly warm when we finished the 4 plus miles along the Los Gatos Creek.  This time, we started at the Miles Avenue  trail and made the loop to the Lexington Reservoir dam.  Joining me there were Larry Snapp, Archie Belogolovsky, Peter Catherwood and Ernie Mendez.  It was Ernie’s first time hiking with us and considering he is even older than me and had some issues with his right knee, he did very well.  I am sure I would not fare as well as his first mate aboard his sailboat around the world.

I admit I expected more Sirs to join me for the 29 October Hike.  I thought that mentioning it was going to be led by none other than our Little Sir who selected the hike, would prompt more to join us.  Larry Snapp had specified that it was going to be an easy to moderate one but that didn’t help much either — only Peter Catherwood showed up.  Again the weather was just perfect and parking was not an issue — we had a sizeable area adjacent to a golf course.  And we would have done the planned hike in no time if it weren’t for going the wrong way a few times.  We even followed an old and abandoned BSA trail for a while.  It all turned out very well, hiking about five miles in good company that was just about what we needed.  Thanks Larry and Peter for joining me.

The Redwood Preserve and Bear Creek Rd off Lexington Reservoir was again enjoyed only by Peter Catherwood and me.  We really enjoyed it nevertheless especially after my daughter Michelle, who came along, suggested that we do the four-mile loop counterclockwise.  That made the ascent more gradual than the way we normally do it and definitely more pleasant. 
The weather was perfect, the trail well groomed and shaded,  and there were many magnificent redwood trees.  All that in our own backyard to enjoy.

The last two hikes were enjoyed by only two members of our group.  Granted, the weather had something to do with the low attendance but we survived the heat and enjoyed the hikes.  This time on the Los Alamitos Trail, we were seven and the only reason for this “great” attendance is the word spread that the Seidl’s will be there.  That was the only incentive I can think of.  Unfortunately, Francis and Kathleen are returning to the great state of Texas but I am hoping that our next hike on Sep 3, 2021 will be well attended. 

Our hike in San Antonio park in Los Altos on Friday.
There were two of us but we had a wonderful time and great exercise.
Cheers,
Archie

Friday’s hike at the John Nicholas trail was more than a regular hike.  It was a combination of an easy hike followed by a more arduous one;  and the more arduous one was also to prove that the abandoned VW reported to have been seen by our members during a previous hike in 2019 was not a figment of their imagination.  Participating members were Peter Catherwood, Gregg Walters and his wife Ursula, Ken Walling and yours truly. Was the issue resolved?  Not exactly.  Almost at the end of the 5.5 miles trail, in the approximate area where the rusted VW was spotted in 2019, there was a VW but it was red and in much better condition, although still a wrecked shell.  So now we have two mysteries — where is the VW we saw in 2019 and where this other one comes from. Hopefully someone can find an answer that makes sense.

We had another wonderful hike on April 30, this time at the Rancho San Antonio Preserve.  We were eight to start with but as it was stated in our plans, three hikers chose to turn back after reaching the farm. The farm had a new look which was a little disappointing.  I was completely renovated, loosing much of its old charm, and the famous and enormous pig was nowhere to be seen.  I tried not to guess what happened to it. 
The weather was perfect, sunny with a gentle breeze to keep us cool.  The place was not overly crowded which meant we all found parking spaces. Another disappointment, we followed a creek that was completely dry.We did have a chance to talk about the future of our hiking team post-pandemic.  First, we will hike every other Fridays -  that means a little more often than before which comes out to 26 times rather than 24. And never on a Thursday.

On April 16, 2021 Larry Snapp,Arkady Belogolovsky,Peter Catherwood, Marcel Tomassian and Charles Hecker have a great view from Mt. Umunhum.

On Friday 3/27/20.   This is a HIKE rather than a WALK, so expect some exercise.  Meet at 10am at the Anniversary Hill entrance to Windy Hill Preserve on Skyline Blvd.  This parking lot has picnic tables and a restroom, and is located 11.3 miles north of the junction of Highway 9 and Skyline Blvd (Highway 35).  See attached map and links below.  We will be hiking parallel to Skyline on the Lost Trail, about 6 miles round trip.  Expect a little up-and-down, but no severe inclines.  The trail is lush and beautiful due to the fog that frequently blankets the ridge, and the views are excellent (assuming no fog, of course)

Please join us Friday 3/13/20 at 10am at Rock Bottom Restaurant in the Pruneyard for our monthly "Walk-In-The-Park" along the Los Gatos Creek Trail.  It's a flat trail, out-and-back (not a loop), so you can turn back any time if you don't feel ready for the full 4-miles.  If you're only interested in lunch, feel free to join us at Rock Bottom at noon. 

See attached photos from our last hike (Friday 2/28/20) in Quicksilver Almaden Park.  It was a wonderful day and an invigorating climb, with some great views.  

Our next hike will be Friday 2/28/2020 at 10am.   This is a HIKE rather than a WALK, so expect some exercise.  Meet at 10am at the Woods Road trail entrance on Hicks Road.  From Hiway 85, go South on Camden Ave 1.7 miles, then turn Right on Hicks Road and follow about 6.4 miles to the intersection with Mt Umunhum Road.  The parking lot for the Woods Road Trail is on the left.  We'll hike up to the Mercury Rotary Furnace and try one of the various loops.   We are ready to go.  Are you?

Please join us tomorrow, Friday 2/14/20 at 10am at Rock Bottom Restaurant in the Pruneyard for our monthly "Walk-In-The-Park" along the Los Gatos Creek Trail.  It's a flat trail, out-and-back (not a loop), so you can turn back any time if you don't feel ready for the full 4-miles.  If you're only interested in lunch, feel free to join us at Rock Bottom at noon.   Attached are photos from one of our previous walks, and from the well-deserved refreshments afterwards.