Brita recently moved to the San Francisco Bay area and is looking for new places to hike, sniff, swim, and generally romp around and have fun. With the help of a number of books, including The Bay Area Dog Lover's Companion by Maria Goodavage, Brita is starting to get to know the area. Below are descriptions of some places she has been along with her review and fun factor rating. She has included directions to the parks and page and grid numbers for those of you that have the Thomas Guide 2001 map book for the Metropolitan Bay Area.

Arastradero Preserve

Rating:	Excellent
Location:	Page 810 Grid G5
Directions:	280 to Page Mill Rd, right on Arastradero Rd, parking lot on the right.

This is a wonderful park with many miles of trails and a small lake. Brita had to wear her leash, but she was able to get wet in the lake (always fun). We saw a deer bounding through the grass and the views were nice. We were there on a Sunday and saw a few other people and met a couple dogs, but it was not too crowded. We highly recommend this park. Back to List

Fremont Older Open Space Preserve

Rating:	Good
Location:	Page 852 Grid B6
Directions:	85 to De Anza Blvd, right on De Anza, right on Prospect, parking lot at the end.

This is a very nice park with a three mile trail. We hiked up about 1000 feet to the top where there is a fantastic view of the valley. There were plenty of interesting smells to keep Brita happy and we met a few other dogs. Leases are required, but we did see some dogs off leash. Brita always follows the leash rules. We liked this park a lot. Back to List

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Rating:	Good
Location:	Page 5 Grid C7
Directions:	280 to 92 to 1. Turn left on 1 and follow signs for beach parking.

There is a stretch of three beaches with a walking path which runs along the eastern side. We were charged $2.00 to park on a Sunday. The beach at the south end seems to be the most crowed with people. We started there and wondered north along the sand. Leashes are required, but Brita enjoyed sniffing the seaweed and getting her feet wet. The surf was rough so she didn't go swimming. She found a jelly fish and saw horse back riders on a trail beside the walking path. She enjoyed herself and we will visit this park again some day. Back to List

Central Park

Rating:	OK
Location:	Page 833 Grid B5
Directions:	Corner of Homestead Rd and Kiely Blvd near San Tomas Exwy.

This is a nice, big city park with lots of play areas for kids, however, it is crowded even during the week. There is a lake, but dogs are not allowed in the water (very frustrating for Brita). She also found all the ducks enticing and was frustrated that she couldn't chase them. We will probably not be going back. Back to List

Ester Clark Park

Rating:	Poor
Location:	Page 811 Grid B5
Directions:	Foothill Exwy, West on Arastradero, Left on Old Adobe Rd.

This park is a large grass field surrounded by houses. A small path goes through the field. It was not very interesting and we felt like we were tresspassing in people's back yards. We will not go back. Back to List

Mount Madonna County Park

Rating:	Excellent
Location:	Off the map.
Directions:	101 South to Gilroy, West on 152, Right on Pole Line Rd to park.

This is a nice, big county park with lots of camp grounds and trails. It cost us $4.00 to get into the park. It was a very hot day (about 90 degrees), but it felt much cooler walking on the forest trails. There are many miles of trails, some with nice views of the valley. Definately worth the trip. Back to List

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Rating:	Excellent
Location:	Page 894 Grid J7
Directions:	85 to Almaden Exwy South, Exit on Almaden Rd, Park entrance on right.

This is a lovey county park that use to be the largest mercury mine in the world. Parking is free. There are many miles of wide dirt paths used by horseback riders and mountain bikers as well as hikers, but it was not too crowded (Brita enjoyed sniffing the horse dung). There are many beautiful views and lots of interesting flowers and butterflies. We will go back to explore more trails. Back to List