Tennessee Valley hike this Saturday

Post date: Dec 18, 2013 10:06:48 PM

Hi pack -- I know many families are busy this weekend with holiday activities, but if you're free (or your spouse would like to get the kids out of the house for a few hours!) come join us for a hike.

This Saturday we’ll explore Tennessee Valley, about 20 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands.

It's an easy 1.8 mile hike to the beach on a wide mostly-flat trail that is suitable for baby strollers. We will eat lunch on the beach and then you have a choice: those who wish to be done by 2pm can return the way they came, while those who want to keep going can conquer a hill with me, which will add a couple of miles and a couple of hours to the day. If you plan to do the longer hike, please bring a flashlight just in case it gets dark.

I will meet people at the trailhead at Tennessee Valley at 10:45, and we’ll start walking at 11:00. Note that the road can get crowded on weekends. Please leave yourselves plenty of time to deal with city traffic and then the parking when you arrive. Aim for a 10:30 arrival. If you get there early, there are some horses to visit while you wait for the rest of us.

Please pack a lunch. If you need to buy something along the way, Davy Jones Deli is a good place to stop. It's in the bait shop just off the highway at the Sausalito exit (1 Gate 6 Road, Sausalito). Leave yourself an extra 30 minutes to do that, because the place gets crowded. I'm an avowed meat eater but I love their Vegan Wrap.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Cross the GG Bridge heading north on 101. Take the “Mill Valley/Stinson Beach/Highway 1” exit. Often on weekends there is a long line of cars, which are people heading to Muir Woods or Stinson Beach. Go underneath the freeway to the second traffic light. You will see a sign that says “Tennessee Valley Road.” Turn left at the light and go to the end of the road to the parking lot, about 2 miles. On weekends, the parking lot is often full so you might have to park a little way up the road and walk back. We will meet near the picnic tables in the parking lot.

See you at 10:45am (or earlier!), walking at 11:00am.

QUICK FACTS

Date: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013

Time: 11am -- 2pm or 4pm depending on length

Location: Tennessee Valley trailhead, Mill Valley

Cost: Free

Parking: Free but lot can get crowded -- please leave yourself plenty of time to find parking

Attire: Class B uniform (pack T-shirts) or Class A if you do not have a T-shirt yet, comfortable walking shoes that you can get muddy, layered clothing for hot and cold weather

Bring: backpack, lots of water, pack lunch, sunscreen, hat, flashlight, first-aid supplies for your family

Optional: journal and pencil, binoculars, magnifying glass, compass, small bag/bowl for collecting, Swiss Army knife for older Cubs

Award: hiking miles added to Cubs total

Contact on day of hike: Mike Conte, cell 415-316-3100