Hansel and Gretel Trails

October 28, 2018
 
Hansel and Gretel Trails
            Once in a while, while wending my way along a trail through dark woods, I feel the vibes of a different time and place.
            Gnarled tree branches overhead, crushed leaves strewn along a narrow, winding path. The ominous thickness of an overcast sky. Or being so deep in a mountain’s lower forest that sunbeams don’t reach.
            “This is a Hansel and Gretel trail!” I say out loud.
            Before I hiked on Marin County’s iconic Mount Tam the first time, the name reverberated with both enticement and intimidation for me.
            A Mount Tam trail on a weekday afternoon can be devoid of other people, both a benefit and a bane. (Great for trailhead parking and quiet, not great if you need help.)
            By now my son and I have logged countless miles walking Mount Tam trails, many of which trigger the “Hansel and Gretel” feeling.
            Lucky for me, my son is the Hansel to my Gretel. Rather than battling an evil witch in a gingerbread cottage, we usually walk with a hiking partner ally against the dark forces of the forest.
            This week’s Hike Notes introduce Huckleberry Trail, a short but steep connector trail between fire roads in the Blithedale Summit Preserve in Marin County. This trail not only gave me one of my Hansel and Gretel flashes, but also offers a good climbing workout.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos!
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 34: Huckleberry Trail