Let's celebrate the wet season with a hike! Winter is a fine time to look for newts in the local ponds, and Monte Bello has a hidden newt pond, as well as plenty of winter puddles on the trails.
Instead of charging up to the top of Black Mountain, we'll hike down the canyon at an easy pace, taking time to look at fungi, amphibians, and whatever else is there to be seen. Figure about 7 miles total. Bring lunch and liquids, and dress for the weather (rain does not cancel).
Meet at carpool point #6.
Hey, look -- the storm seems to be passing! We may not even get rained on today (but expect muddy trails). Should be lots of fungi out, and, who knows, there may even be some snow left!
Directions to LPSS carpool point #6 (Page Mill / 280 Park 'N Ride): Exit 280 onto Page Mill Road west (Los Altos Hills) in Palo Alto. The lot is next to the freeway. If looking for overflow parking, beware of the "No Parking" signs along Arastradero. Map: http://tinyurl.com/2tq9rk