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Despite the fact that I knew how far I was supposed to go before turning into the driveway,
I still missed it. It totally looks like someone's driveway, although there is a sign saying
it leads to Thornewood Open Space Preserve. I had to go more than a half mile up the road before
finding a decent place to make a quick U-turn.
The lot is only big enough for a few cars, but there were only 3 other cars there when I arrived
on this Monday, Martin Luther King Day. My company is too cheap to give me the day off, but I
had to take it off anyway because my kids' schools were closed. This would be the first time I've
gone on a hike with the two of them (and not Jean).
The road actually continues past the parking lot, but that's a private road; be sure not to
pass the sign. There's a display here showing a map and a box of paper trail maps. There are also
warnings about mountain lions. I was keenly aware of this since I was hiking with two kids
known to wander ahead. I warned them, although I've never actually seen a mountain lion myself.
View of Stanford and the south bay
There's not much to the trail. Pretty nondescript for the most part. Generally flat,
mostly shaded. Hardly any people on this holiday Monday. We passed one hiker with a dog on
our way to the lake (dogs must be leashed). At one point the trees give way a bit, providing
some views to the left of Stanford (Hoover Tower is clearly visible) and the south bay.
Two boys on the trail
We crossed a foot bridge, then shortly came to a trail sign. The trail continues to the left
on a wide dirt road. At this point we're about 0.5 miles in with 0.2 miles to go. I could just
begin to make out the lake below to the left when we passed a very small redwood grove.
Trail leading to the lake
Just as we reached the lake a pickup truck approached. From the map, it looks like Espinosa Road
passes by here. The truck did a U-turn and stopped. Out leaned a park ranger, offering the kids
Junior Ranger stickers, which they were happy to take. Afterwards, we continued to the lake
shore, where we stopped for lunch. I must say that it feels strange to call it a lake, since it's
really just a pond. The water is a dirty green and covered with algae. Having since looked at my
pictures, I can honestly say that my pictures make the lake look a lot nicer than it actually is.
Be forewarned.
Schilling Lake
Schilling Lake shore
Reflection in Schilling Lake
Schilling Lake shore
At least we had the lake to ourselves. We had a little picnic, although it would have been nice
to have some sunlight (only a bit of sun on the far shore). Despite some of the recent
record winter warmth in the Bay Area, it started to get a bit chilly in the shade. I also
started to suffer from my pollen allergies. I don't think I've ever had problems in January
before, but from anectodal evidence, I'm not alone in my problems. Perhaps the warmer weather
is bringing spring early this year.
Dried plants on Schilling Lake shore
My new 500mm lens makes the lake surface look abstract
Tree roots next to Schilling Lake
Redwood trees on trail above Schilling Lake
We returned to the parking lot exactly the way we came. All in all, there's not much to recommend
for this hike. If you happen to be in the area and have hiked in all the other local parks
(like I have), then you might do this one. Otherwise, you're not missing much.
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