Today's trip takes us down the Oakwood Valley Trail, which begins high above Sausalito and descends into dense forest before ending at Tennessee Valley Road. This trail covers so much in a brief period of time and connects to quite a lot of other trails as a part of an extended hike.

• Summary of the hike: This is a comparatively short trail, about 1.4 miles. About halfway the trail splits into two parts. Both end in the identical location, across Tennessee Valley Road from the Rhubarb Trail and never removed from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead. Dogs with voice control are allowed to be walked on this path and not using a leash. I like to recommend visiting this area shortly after the rain, as that’s when there’s a greater likelihood of seeing or hearing critters on the wooded portions of the trail, and the stream along the side of the trail is more likely to be flowing.

• Arrival: I prefer to begin on the Rodeo Trailhead, accessible from Exit 444 on Highway 101, and do all of my climbing in a single quick pass. There is a small parking zone and you may take the steps (about 1.1 km) to the Alta Trail. Turn right onto the Alta Trail and follow it for 0.4 miles – offering breathtaking views of Sausalito, Mount Tamalpais and the encompassing mountains – until you see the Oakwood Valley Trail in your left.

• The hike: The first sections of the hike are unforested and filled with stairs and lead steeply downhill along the slope. Here you'll have excellent views of the encompassing countryside and you would possibly spot quail scurrying within the undergrowth. Look for raptors and other birds within the sky. After about half a mile the trail becomes shady. Watch out for millipedes and banana slugs.

About halfway along the trail there’s a bench that you’ll likely need, near an indication informing us that the California red-legged frog lives on this area. However, don't be surprised if you happen to don't see or hear them – they’re cryptic animals and like not to attract an excessive amount of attention to themselves. From there, a bridge spans a brief ravine into one of the crucial lush and wooded sections of the trail. The path is followed by a stream that glistens through the undergrowth on the left side of the road.

The path on the correct is sunnier, more open to sunlight and with flatter terrain. It's less interesting, but probably less stressful. Both end at a picnic area near Tennessee Valley Road where you may rest and recuperate before continuing your journey. From there, go right onto Tennessee Valley Road – be warned, the side of the road is narrow in places, nevertheless it's a pleasant walk – and also you'll find yourself within the Tam Valley Junction area, where there are some great dining options, including the Buckeye Roadhouse, Hook Fish Co. and Junction Beer Garden in addition to a Walgreens and a couple of other stores if you happen to need a drink, snack or other refreshments. If you parked near the Rodeo Trailhead, you may take bus 150 from the Manzanita Park & ​​Ride Lot to the Spencer Avenue Bus Pad and walk under the overpass to return to the parking zone.

There are several ways to make this trail an extended loop. Once you finish descending the Oakwood Trail, you may go left on Tennessee Valley Road to the Marincello Trailhead, which is situated near the Tennessee Valley Trailhead. Follow the Marincello Trail to the Bobcat Trail, each of which supply beautiful views of the inside of the Marin Headlands. The Bobcat Trail takes you back to the Alta Trail. Follow the Alta Trail back to the steps that result in the Rodeo Trailhead parking zone.

If you should start at the underside and climb the Oakwood Valley Trail uphill from Tennessee Valley Road, there’s roadside parking available along the shoulder of Tennessee Valley Road. You may also park within the parking zone on the Tennessee Valley Trailhead, walk up the Marincello Trail to the Bobcat and Alta Trails, and from there walk down the Oakwood Valley Trail.

Originally published: November 11, 2024 at 6:56 am PST

MARTINEZ — Pedestrians and cyclists within the Bay Area will soon be 4 miles closer to having the ability to explore a continuous coastal path through nine counties and 47 cities, thanks to almost $2 million in recent federal funding for the San Francisco Bay Trail.

Congressman John Garamendi recently awarded Contra Costa County $1 million for improvements along a 3.2-mile stretch of San Pablo Avenue. The plan is to convert one in all the 4 lanes right into a “complete street” with a protected path between Rodeo and Crockett, a project currently estimated to cost $13.7 million.

Garmendi also distributed $900,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to fill a half-mile gap between the present George Miller Regional Trail and the Amtrak Intermodal Station in downtown Martinez with a continuous, paved trail. Once the project, estimated to cost greater than $4 million, is accomplished, Regional Trail users may have uninterrupted access to Vallejo, Benicia, Crockett and Martinez.

Garamendi, who represents California’s eighth District, said this Federal funds for joint projects were included in the primary budget package for 2024, which was finalized in March.

“These projects will make previously underinvested communities more livable, with safer, less congested streets and better options for walking, biking or taking the train to work or school,” Garamendi said. “This has all been made possible by the dedication and passion of dozens of local leaders.”

Jeff Valeros, a senior civil engineer within the Contra Costa County Department of Public Works, estimates that after construction begins, crews may not begin constructing on the San Pablo Avenue section until 2027. He said the project will likely take two years due to must bypass existing traffic interchanges on the busy road.

“We want to make sure that pedestrians and cyclists do not find themselves in a situation where they have to move in a really uncomfortable and inconvenient way next to the trucks and vehicles that are driving there,” said Valeros.

For nearly 4 many years, Bay Area officials have worked to finish the 500-mile trail, which was the brainchild of State Senator Bill Lockyer in 1986.

Colin Coffey, a member of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) board of directors that represents the northern shoreline from Hercules to Brentwood, said that along with the challenges of addressing the complex geography and terrain along this stretch in Contra Costa County, the gap-filling project between Berrellesa Street in downtown Martinez and the hills of the George Miller Regional Trail has been delayed by regulatory issues, largely related to the railroad tracks that Amtrak and Union Pacific trains run on.

“The easy parts of the Bay Trail are done,” Coffey said. “When you look at the system of trails and parks in the East Bay, it's just remarkable that we have leaders and community members who are really supportive of dedicating time and money to this work.”

In June 2018, the EBRD concluded a 13.2 million dollars, 335 meter long bridge over the railroad tracks in Pinole along the Bay Trail – a one-fifth-mile project that was one in all the agency’s costliest and sophisticated in recent memory. A one-mile extension of the trail behind the now-closed Golden Gate Fields race track – stretching from Gilman Street in Berkeley to Albany Beach – was accomplished in July 2020. Built over two years, the $18.9 million project filled one in all the biggest gaps on the 18 miles from Richmond to Oakland.

Contra Costa County Executive John Gioia, who lives on Bay Trail in Richmond, said he’s pleased to see the progress of those projects, which can positively impact the health and equity of historically low-income, disadvantaged communities.

“These are expensive projects, but they're about health, equity and providing access to the bay and a means of transportation,” Gioia said. “I see every day the variety of uses this trail has – people of all ages, races and ethnicities, people fishing, walking their dogs, taking their kids out and about… Without federal funding, we often can't really complete these projects.”

When the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, many individuals can't wait to get outside again. But despite the fact that the sun is shining, there may be also a dark side that could make the good outdoors less beautiful.

In the forest, within the soil, within the water and in your food there are herds of germs that wish to smash your summer.

I’m a Professor of Microbiology at Indiana University School of Medicine, where I study and teach infectious diseases. Here are some things to bear in mind to enable you to and your family members stay illness-free during your summer activities.

Germs within the backyard

There is nothing higher than the smell of a very good barbecue and fresh treats from your individual garden. To make sure that people leave your party with only good memories, you ought to be aware of the germs which can be often related to Food poisoningwhich may result in diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Meat, including fish and poultry, often harbors harmful bacteria resembling , or . Raw meat can contaminate anything it touches, so remember to wash your hands and disinfect surfaces and utensils. To avoid cross-contamination, don’t store raw meat near prepared foods. Meat products should be cooked until correct temperatures to make sure that harmful germs are killed before consumption.

In addition to bacteria, a parasite called could cause acute food poisoning. Parasites are microscopically small Oocysts within the feces of infected catsOocysts remain within the environment for a yr or more, and other animals, including humans, may inadvertently ingest them.

In case of infection, Tissue cysts within the meat of livestock – another excuse to cook your meat thoroughly. Pregnant women You should be especially careful to avoid this since the parasite can cross the placenta and cause miscarriage or birth defects.

To prevent toxoplasmosis attributable to oocysts, wear gloves when gardening, wash fruit and veggies, and be sure the sandbox is freed from cat feces and covered when not in use.

Germs in water

Water recreational facilities resembling swimming pools, water parks and fountains are an important technique to escape the summer heat. Smell of chlorine is a very good sign that the water is treated to kill many sorts of germs.

Unfortunately, some germs in chlorine can remain infectious for several minutes or days, which is loads of time to be transmitted from one person to a different. These include viruses resembling NorovirusBacteria like and parasites resembling And .

Accidental ingestion of those germs could cause stomach problems, including diarrhea, which may change into serious if results in dehydrationTo avoid infection, swim in well-maintained facilities and avoid swallowing the water. To avoid infecting others, avoid public waters for not less than every week if you’ve diarrhea.

Bacteria within the water that get stuck in your ear can result in a painful infection called swimmer's ear. Wearing earplugs within the water may also help prevent this.

Ponds, rivers and lakes can be home to those diarrhea-causing germs. Warm fresh water can even the so-called “brain-eating amoeba.” Inhaling water with this disease is incredibly rare, but almost all the time fatal. Wearing a nose clip may also help prevent infection.

When you go to the beach, remember to use waterproof bandages if you’ve an open wound, piercing or tattoo. Global warming has led to a rise in so-called “flesh-eating bacteria” that cause a dangerous disease called necrotizing fasciitisThese infections could be very difficult to treat and will require surgical removal of the affected tissue or limb.

Shellfish resembling oysters, clams and mussels filter the seawater once they are eaten, trapping germs of their bodies. Eating raw shellfish can result in severe food poisoning from infections. with bacteria or Oocysts.

Tracking germs

While mountaineering or camping, it’s possible you’ll come across water that appears clean enough to drink, but don't be tempted.

Be sure to Boil water or filter it well You drink to avoid bacteria like and parasites resembling And These intestinal pathogens cause cramps, nausea and diarrhea – particularly unpleasant symptoms when you do not need access to sanitation in the home.

After a really mild winter, you possibly can expect to see lots of ticks and mosquitoes in the summertime, each of which transmit serious diseases. Because they feed on blood, ticks can inject bacteria that Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted feverThey can even transmit a parasite that causes BabesiosisSymptoms of illness following a tick bite ought to be checked by a health care provider as soon as possible.

Mosquitoes can transmit quite a few viruses that enter the bloodstream during a blood meal. The most typical mosquito-borne viruses within the United States include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis And ZikaIn most cases, these viruses cause flu-like symptoms that typically disappear on their very own. However, infection with the Zika virus while pregnant can result in birth defectand West Nile virus could cause acute fever and neurological effects in some people.

To Avoid tick and mosquito bitesApply insect repellent and canopy your skin each time possible. Wear light colours so you possibly can see the insects more easily. Ticks like shade and tall grass, so mow your lawn to about 2 inches high. Be sure to examine your body and scalp for ticks after being outdoors.

It's vital to follow local news reports about outbreaks of infectious pathogens in your area or destination. By following these precautions, you're sure to have an important time without being bothered by the germs of summer.