Our first Earth Team trip of the season started off bright and early, with interns from Pinole, Arroyo, and Richmond High Schools gathering at North Berkeley Bart at 7am to meet Big City Mountaineers (BCM) trip leaders Nathan and Erika. Nathan and Erika led introductions and taught interns the seven Leave No Trace principles (with associated hand gestures!) before the interns grabbed their lunches, filled their water bottles, and boarded the bus. Despite a sleepy start and winding drive, interns arrived at Pantoll Ranger Station on Mt. Tamalpais eager to start the long hike. Before heading off, Erika and Nathan led a land acknowledgment to the Coastal Miwok indigenous peoples who are native to the area. As the fog finally began to burn off, the interns took a quick bathroom and snack break, and then it was time to go!
Interns began the hike at the Steep Ravine trailhead, where they immediately entered a lush forest. BCM coordinator Nathan pointed out various species of trees as they walked along, including Douglas Firs, Ponderosa Pines, and Coastal Redwoods. Approaching the bottom of the ravine, the interns came across a fun challenge. A ladder had been securely built into the trail, allowing hikers to safely navigate the steep elevation. While the interns faced the ladder with various levels of excitement, everybody made it down safe and sound. Getting past this little obstacle gave everyone a boost of confidence and energy for the rest of the day.
After a quick snack break under a redwood canopy, interns and leaders hiked and chatted alongside a babbling creek until the Steep Ravine trail intersected with the Dipsea Trail. A few miles later, the hikers emerged from the forest and were greeted with sunlight and a view of the Pacific Ocean. The trail took interns down through coastal grasslands and they passed through the town of Stinson Beach before heading back up Mt. Tamalpais on the Matt Davis trail. By this point the fog had completely burned off and the sun was blazing, so interns found a shady spot just off the trail to sit and enjoy their lunches.
Freshly hydrated and with full bellies, the interns and leaders trekked their way up the hill, passing through more forests and grasslands, until they eventually made it back to the ranger station. After a beautiful and challenging 6.8 miles, BCM trip leaders led a reflection amongst the interns and coordinators and asked them each to share a “rose, bud, and thorn” relating to the day’s adventure. A second reflection activity had each intern choosing a nearby tree and talking to it. Interns could share anything they wished, including how they felt on the hike, what they were grateful for, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. At the end, interns piled back onto the bus with glowing smiles, new friends, and a sense of accomplishment and connection to the land as they made their way back to the East Bay.
Earth Team is so thankful to Big City Mountaineers for not only helping to lead this day trip, but also for working closely with our staff to provide interns with an expansive series of outdoor trips this spring and summer. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the California Coastal Commission for providing financial support through the Whale Tail Grants Program.
