Russian Ridge w/ Bella Saratoga

The Ancient Oaks, Mindego Hill and Ridge Trails are part of a figure eight double loop, thru Russian Ridge, measuring approximately 7 miles and 1350’ of elevation gain. Basically its two fairly steep hills that we will grind up and then down on . The route on Alltrails is available here: Lisa's recording You might need to follow me on Alltrails to access it. While the hilltops are mostly unshaded and provide some great views, the canyons are shaded. You’ll want to break out the sunscreen and hats. You may also want to be on the lookout for the raptors that are known to patrol the skies above this park.
NOTE: THIS HIKE WILL START FROM THE AUDREY'S WAY PARKING LOT. IT IS NOT THE FIRST PARKING LOT ON YOUR RIGHT AFTER YOU PASS SKYLINE , BUT THE SECOND ONE, THE MINDINGO PARKING AREA, ABOUT A MILE DOWN ALPINE ROAD PAST THE FIRST LOT. IF YOU PUT AUDREY'S WAY INTO YOUR GOOGLE MAPS IT WILL GUIDE YOU TO IT.
As always carpooling encouraged:
sign up to drive or request a ride here
Now I don’t know about you, but after a morning devoted to dodging Raptor droppings, I usually can’t wait to head over to Bella Saratoga at 14503 Big Basin Way, and there delicious assortment of menu items.
MULTIPLY YOUR BILL BY 1.3 (FOR TAX AND TIP) AND BRING CASH.
The IOPQ will be : What is the worst haircut you've ever had & how old were you when you had it?
ATTENDANCE: If you are signed up for a hike, or on the waitlist, please remove yourself to the "not going " list as soon as you become unsure about attending, so another waitlister can have adequate notice that they are going. Also, it is not okay to just show up to a hike you are not listed as "going" to. Hikers who violate these policies will have that information noted on their permanent record, and their parents may be notified.
DO NOT ATTEND if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system, or if you've been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19.
LIABILITY WAIVER By joining this group for any event, you hereby release its organizers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein.
Disclaimer: The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group does not certify the expertise of its event organizer - I am a volunteer. All hike distances, routes and elevation gains are approximations and can vary from time to time. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, poles, hat, sunscreen, first aid, food, gear, electrolytes, and water. You should consult your physician if you have any medical conditions that might limit your ability to engage in this type of activity.