Olompali State Historic Park - Exploratory Hike

Please be in good enough shape to hike at a moderate/fast steady pace (+/-2.5 mph) and comfortable with elevation changes.

The park overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay from the east-facing slopes of 1,558 foot Mount Burdell. The name "olompali" comes from the Miwok language and may be translated as "southern village" or "southern people." The Coast Miwok inhabited at least one site within the area of the present-day park continuously from as early as 6,000 BC, until the early 1850s.

Distance: +/- 9 miles total; out and back

The hike:
Exploratory because I've not led this hike and it has been many years since I hiked it. We'll start off on the Miwok Trail to Burdell Trail to the turn around point. At the peak of Mt Burdell we'll head back the way we came on Burdell Trail and then talke the Miwok loop trail to the starting place.

Where to meet: Parking lot of the park

Directions:
The park is accessible from both the Northbound and Southbound lanes of Highway 101. Exit at Atherton Ave./San Marin Dr. and follow posted directional signs to the park.

Please be on time. We’ll start promptly at the start time listed. Give yourself a little extra time to arrive and get situated so that you’re part of the opening circle as this is an essential part of our time together.

Parking:
Free if you have a CA State Park pass.
OR $10, payable by cash, check, or via smartphone with QR code at the parking lot. If paying by cash, look for the yellow fee payment tube at the west end of the parking lot to deposit your payment.

Restroom: Near the parking area

What to bring: Lunch, water, hat, good hiking shoes, a joyful spirit and laughter. Please dress appropriately for the weather that day. Layers of clothing are always advisable.
===================================
Reminders:
Mindful hikes are intended to be a way to connect more fully with ourselves, each other and with the land. There will be two periods of silent walking throughout the hike to allow the senses to be fully alive and felt. There will also be time during the hike to visit and connect with each other. These times of talking and connecting are an invitation to bring mindfulness to the present moment. It's a time to put away the cell phone and cameras to disengage from technology to be fully present with each other, our senses and the land we are inhabiting.

If you're on the waitlist for the hike and want to attend please message Vickie a few days before the scheduled hike. Most hikes have people drop off at the last minute and it's possible there is an opening.

Dāna
In the spirit of the Buddhist tradition mindful hikes are offered as a dāna based event. Rick Hansen says “generosity is a beautiful practice that opens and gladdens the heart, relaxes the contraction of ‘self’ and ripples out into the world to touch many people.” The dāna practice is heart centered and in the spirit of generosity. Venmo or cash is graciously accepted. Venmo account is: @vickieix8; last four digits 4714 of my phone # if asked.

No-Show Policy: Please cancel at least 24 hours before the start of the hike. Be mindful that there may be a waitlist. If your plans change and you're not coming, opening up a spot 4-5 days before the hike it's more likely someone will be able to attend than if you cancel at the last minute. You're considered a no-show if you cancel at the last minute. Members with 2 no-shows are removed from the group.