The Adventures of Little Griff

Last month, after Ayla's birthday breakfast, Nina and I decided to hike to Henry Cowell Park from our house. You can get to the park by walking down toward the end of our road and then up a steep and winding trail through the redwoods, behind the horse showgrounds on Graham Hill Road, and out to the Pipeline Road trail. I used to take the hike often, but when they broke ground for the gated Woods Cove community, I had heard that the trails were cut off and we couldn't make the hike anymore. Recently, though, I had heard that there was a public right-of-way and the hike was possible. So, with kids tucked snuggily in the carriers and water and diapers in our packs, we set out for an adventure. The trails up to Woods Cove were beautiful and fairly well maintained, with a few downed trees to navigate. The right of way through Woods Cove is not completely straightforward, not well-worn, and a little odd. We were basically routed through the back yards of people's very large, well-groomed homes and grounds, homes there start at a million and the smallest is 3500 square feet. It felt a little strange. And when the right of way was no longer straighforward and we had to ask some residents how to get to the park from there, their surprise that outsiders had invaded their neighborhood was obvious. But they did give us directions and we made it to Henry Cowell. And it was well worth it. We took the Pine Trail back, complete with creek crossing. Such a beautiful hike! And right from our front door. I am embarassed we haven't been doing this all along. Darrell and Griff and I took the hike again the next week and Darrell has added the trail to his running repetoire. Thanks for sharing your birthday with us, Ayla!