Fall MTB ride and Fire Control in the Oakland Hills (it's Goats!)

These four legged creatures were doing their thing today on the trails where I do lots of mountain biking. It is at the southern end of Skyline in Chabot park.



That is at the far south end of the Oakland hills, the opposite end of where the big fire was.



They spend a few days there munching away, and leave behind their calling card(s) but really do a good job cutting down on the dry fuel in the hills. Once somebody shot some :( , since they spend the night in the hills they are kind of at risk, but there are people and dogs that watch over them all the time.

Crazy ass Oakland.

But still BIG THANKS to Goats R Us from this Oakland resident!

(yes really Goats R Us, check the link!)

Today the dog and I rode about 5 miles in the hills, the iPod was rockin another pretty weird mix, The Samurai Champloo soundtrack, and "I'm Your Biggest Fan" by Dallas Wayne.

Works for me!

again a hike

Late Monday in the East Bay on nice uncrowded trails that's just about the best.

I parked at the Chabot Equestrian Center and walked down Horseshoe to Brandon to the Bort Meadow/Big Trees campground. That is such a cool place. I mean you can find a spot in the redwoods and just sit. The longer you sit the more you hear and see. Yes you can camp there, and many do.

After a little break I headed up narrow and steep Buckeye, crossing some bridges and climbing the steps to Goldenrod.

From there it was left and back to the trail head at the horse stables.

About 2 miles and around 1 hour.

iPod:

Roseanne Cash Interiors

Strung Out Live In A Dive

A good quiet relaxing hike and a whacked out mix of music, as usual!

I love my Cabelas boots. By now they are really broken in. You can pay way too much and buy "hiking" boots at REI etc, but I'd say get some "upland hunting boots." They are perfect for the trails around here. And then when you go hunting you and your boots are in shape. Oh you don't hunt? Well you'll still have great boots.

check em out

Mine are actually these hunting boots. They have over 100 reviews by users and a 4.6 out of 5 average review.

Bird season starts soon. I'll be ready.