Fernandez Ranch - April '24

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Around 1880, Bernardo & Carlotta Fernandez bought 7,000 acres of hilly farmland near Pinole, Ca., and started a successful small cattle operation, which survives into modern times.

In 2005 the John Muir Land Trust acquired 700 acres for eventual public usage. By 2008, $3.5M in donations had been raised and general habitat restoration took place, with Fernandez Ranch opening to the public in 2010. Fernandez Ranch is the largest holding of the Land Trust, which manages 13 properties in the East Bay hills, or, marshlands at San Pablo Bay.  

On the first Tuesday in April, seven of us walked the 'loop plus Vista Point' trail and the scenery was good right from the start.

ote - you can enlarge any part of a picture by left-clicking in and then out again (with some exceptions). 

	at the trailhead bridge		(l2r) Rick, Donna, Marcia, me, Jean, Kathy & Frank		starting out
				Rick
	we were in the woods a lot		miner's lettuce		vista point in the distance  (see note)
				we found a shady spot for lunch

note - the vista point looks west, and today San Pablo Bay was covered in fog, while Mt. Tam was barely visible.    

Just before the vista point side trail we encountered a locked gate on the main path, and it was good to refresh fence-climbing skills. About 20 minutes later we had a chat with a guy and his shy daughter, on an ATV, checking their small herds, who he said graze here all year, although they get moved around now & then. I think we asked about the locked gate but his answer was confusing...  

Shortly thereafter, the group had lunch, with three of the hikers sitting on a bench, while the rest of us sat on the ground under a big Oak. Both spots had a  view to the south.

	lunch spot		...and view		in the oaks
				mutual wariness (see note 1)
	Oaks in spring		Marcia & Kathy (note 2)
		Marcia		almost back

note 1 - trailhead signs always advise that hikers do not get between a calf & it's mom, and in this photo the Mom shields the calf. There were very few cattle or people out today, so both species were surprised to see the other.

As for the adult cows, they are used to hikers and are never aggressive, and you can walk somewhat close....they are smart and watch you pass by, and it helps to walk at a steady pace and say nothing.      

note 2 - the light & shadow were so strong in this image that I had to lighten it so faces could be seen. 

Postscript - The loop walk was 6.5 miles, with at least 900 ft. of gain. Everyone seemed pleased with the scenery & workout & we got back to Sacto. at a decent time. 

Park note - there is no fee here & dogs are welcome, but AllTrails hikers say you may encounter ticks in summer, plus foxtail & poison oak. In April those seasonal hiking hazards are non-existent.

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