# Writing by Ely Hibdon > copywriter and creative strategist > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Posts ### [Five Good Ways to Save Energy in Your Home in 2024](https://elynhibdon.net/five-good-ways-to-save-energy-in-2024/) **Published:** February 10, 2024 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![An electrified, "green" house.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1f033-green-energy-e1710179564509.jpg "Green-Energy - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Image created in Canva![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By Ely Wouldn’t it be good to reach net-zero this year? While there is no bad time to improve the energy efficiency of your home, 2024 has never been better. The cost of utilities has never been higher—but the cost of energy improvements has never been lower. For starters, you can get thousands of dollars in federal grant money to save energy. And an additional 10-20% is usually available for low-income communities. Clean energy helps the environment—utilities are a huge source of emissions. It is so much safer to have all that carbon out of the air. Plus, you can save all kinds of money on utilities in addition to having a more valuable house. Look at your last power bill. Think of what you can do with that money. Here are four funded ways to save money on energy in your house. ## **1. Whole Home Energy Audit** Those who are just getting started can begin by identifying major areas of improvement. How much money could you save by installing solar panels? Are there major areas of energy loss? A home energy audit will help you know. The IRA offers 30% tax credit or $150 for an energy audit. Also, the HOMES Act offers a results-based rebate. You can get 50% (up to $4,000) of your project costs back if you save 35% on home energy, or up to $2,000 if you save less energy. For low-income homes, these rates are doubled to pay up to 80% of the project costs. ## **2. Rooftop Solar and Battery Installation** Solar and battery systems produce zero-emissions electricity for free in your house. They also help protect your home from energy price fluctuations, and guard against power outages. The IRA offers a 30% uncapped tax credit for rooftop solar, a 30% uncapped tax credit for electrical panel upgrade if in conjunction with rooftop solar, and a 30% uncapped tax credit for battery storage. It is available now! A typical solar system costs $15,000 to $20,000, so this credit will be worth $4,500 to $6,000. ## **3. Electric Panel Upgrade** Efficiency estimates tend to assume modern electrical infrastructure in your house. To ensure the benefits of any electrification project, check your panel during your energy audit–some of the upgrades listed here may actually require it. There is a $600 federal tax credit for panel upgrades that are not part of a solar installation project, or a 30% uncapped tax credit if they are part of a solar installation project. Beginning in 2024, the IRA will provide up to $4,000 for wiring upgrades and $2,500 for panel upgrades for low- and moderate-income households. ## **4. Weatherization** Fixing the insulation of doors, walls, and windows, as well as ventilation improvements, adapts the house to the weather. This is one of the first things any home energy audit will address. Insulation can be the biggest source of lost energy in a house—some homes can save 20%-35% on energy bills simply by repairing energy loss points. The IRA offers a 30% tax credit up to $1,200 per year for weatherization projects, with smaller caps on specific items. Beginning in 2024, it will offer $1,600 for weatherization in low- and moderate-income households. ## **5. New Appliances** Part of the well-heralded IRA is the HEEHRA (stands for High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act). Beginning in 2024, it will give low-to moderate-income households incentives to improve energy efficiency through weatherizing, panel upgrades and new appliances. It allocates up to $14,000 per low and moderate income households’ efficiency improvements. It will pay up to 100% of the energy upgrades for low-income (<80% of local median income) households and up to 50% for middle-income (80%-150% of local median income) households. Rewiring America has produced a calculator to help you decide what to replace. It is at <https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator> . --- Still feeling stuck with an inefficient, outdated home energy system, or are you interested in learning more? Come to the Electrification Fair! It is a great place to learn about: - Getting started - Specific appliances - Unusual houses - Industry experts and trusted contractors - Tax breaks and financial incentives Admission is free. Sign up below. ![](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/34bc5-berkeley-home-elec-fair-twitter-nxtdoor.jpeg "Berkeley-Home-Elec-Fair-Twitter-Nxtdoor - Writing by Ely Hibdon") <https://cclalameda.org/electrification-fair-2024/> On April 20, CCL Alameda and CASA (Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda) will host a free event to help answer any questions you may have about electrifying your home. Please click the link above to learn more. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Sustainability **Tags:** clean energy, climate, energy, home improvement, housing, save money, solar energy --- ### [Hike of the Week: Beautiful Lake Anza to Inspiration Point](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/) **Published:** April 29, 2024 **Author:** Ely **Excerpt:** Tilden Regional Park has miles of great hiking trails and several attractions ... Plus, it is transit accessible. **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) by Ely Tilden Regional Park has miles of great hiking trails and several attractions, such as Lake Anza, the botanical garden, and Little Farm (demo for families). Plus, it is transit accessible. If you are looking for a few hours alone or just beginning to explore hiking in the Bay Area, this hike is for you! Go here after work or on weekends—it is conveniently located a few minutes outside of Berkeley. At the top, you will find great vista points with views of San Pablo valley and the San Francisco Bay. ![View from this hike: San Pablo Reservoir from Inspiration Point.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/c6fee-mod_0213.jpg "San Pablo Reservoir - Writing by Ely Hibdon")San Pablo Valley from the overlook at Inspiration Point. Photo by the author. ## Quick Notes Distance: 4.8 miles Elevation Gain: 213 feet Difficulty: Easy Type: Loop ## How to Get There Take [AC Transit Line 65](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/65) to Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Shasta Road. Follow Shasta Road to the entrance on Golf Course Drive. To drive, go north from Oxford Street in downtown Berkeley to Marin Ave. Turn left on Sunset Lane, then follow it as it curves. Turn left again onto Park Hills Road. Park at Lake Anza. ## The Hike Begin at Grizzly Peak Blvd and Golf Course Drive. Then, take the Selby Trail to Lake Anza. Cross the small footbridge to the north of Lake Anza (by the parking lot). Across the creek, turn left onto the Wildcat Gorge trail. The waterfall is running again—which is good, since it was dry all through the drought. Take either fork. If you go left, Wildcat Gorge Trail takes you to moss-covered coast redwoods growing along the creek. Then follow Meadows Canyon Trail up the hill for expansive views of the San Francisco Bay. ### A Great Carbon Sink and Ancient Fern Lake Anza was covered in the Azolla fern all through 2022. But it no longer is—the winter rains in 2023 washed it out, restoring it to healthy levels. Azolla is considered a great carbon sink, as it may have caused the last ice age. ![Picture of Azolla Fern in Lake Anza. Azolla is a new addition to the lake scenery.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1c167-mod_0105.jpg?w=300&h=200 "Azolla - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Azolla in Shallow Water Photo by the author When you get to the top of the hill, take Meadows Canyon trail to Inspiration Point a tenth of a mile away. Here you will find picnic tables. And a great view of the San Pablo Reservoir and Contra Costa valley! Complete the loop by following the Curran Trail down the hill. Congratulations! You have walked at least four miles today. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week, Outdoor Safety, Sustainability **Tags:** Botany, good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, Tilden Park, trails, Transit Accessibility --- ### [Hike of the Week: Crissy Field to Baker Beach](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-crissy-field-to-baker-beach/) **Published:** November 10, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Excerpt:** For views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a lot of people, go here! Features piers and views of the Bay. **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By [Ely](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) The Presidio is a classic hike in San Francisco, easily accessible by public transit. It is also a well-preserved natural area and cultural outpost, with military installations from the twentieth century throughout the park. The grounds here are good for birdwatching, and have amazing ocean views as well as access to the Golden Gate Bridge. ## Quick Notes Distance: 3.3 miles Elevation Gain: 315 feet Difficulty: Easy Type: Bidirectional ![Alcatraz Island beyond the docks. Viewed from Mason Street, San Francisco](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SF_Dock17.01.14-1024x576.jpg "SF_Dock17.01.14 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Alcatraz Island beyond the docks Viewed from Mason Street San Francisco ### Transit Accessibility Take Muni [Line 30](https://www.sfmta.com/routes/30-stockton) to Mason Street and Yacht Road. Or, take Muni [Line 38 Geary](https://www.sfmta.com/routes/38-geary) or [Line 1 California](https://www.sfmta.com/routes/1-california-apec-reroute) to the opposite end of the park and walk to Baker Beach. ### Carpooling There is parking at Mason Street and Yacht Road. ## The Hike This hike has great history. Starting at Mason Street, begin with the view of Alcatraz above. Turn west to see the WWII airfields, called Crissy Field. Spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge follow. Keep walking up to the hill, and under the bridge. Now you will see the Marin Headlands on your right, and the Presidio on your left. ![The Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field on a sunny day.](http://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GGB_Jan14_1-EFFECTS-1024x576.jpg "Golden Gate Bridge - Writing by Ely Hibdon") ![A hawk hovers over the Presidio, San Francisco, looking for prey.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/17188-img_20230813_135230371-scaled-e1699129044775.jpg?w=1024&h=697 "Hovering Hawk - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Also, notice the birds. It is always amazing to me when the inland wind traps a bird in a hovering pose. Or when a hawk makes good use of that by scanning the ground for prey. Here is a picture of such a hawk. Good photo opportunities abound here. ![The Marin Headlands and Golden Gate Bridge, from the west.](http://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_20181027_155250711-1024x768.jpg "Golden Gate Bridge--Presidio - Writing by Ely Hibdon") This is a good hike–if you have a day off and can’t get out of town, it will serve as your dose of the outdoors. The coastal trail goes all the way to Baker Beach, and it is a short walk from there to Lands’ End and the Sutro Baths. If you are so inclined, you can spend the afternoon at the beach–you will still have good bus options back into town. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week, Sustainability **Tags:** birdwatching, Botany, good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Easy to Make Vegan Breakfast Favorite: Tofu Scramble](https://elynhibdon.net/easy-breakfast-tofu-scramble/) **Published:** July 17, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Content:** If you are unfamiliar with tofu, or simply need inspiration for good ways to cook it, I have recipe for an easy tofu breakfast. This dish uses tofu as a substitute for eggs in an omelet, and it resembles scrambled eggs. Tofu is a very good absorber of flavors. It tastes good with almost anything, but I particularly recommend this combination of veggies for the color, and also the satisfying taste experience. I recommend rice, because it is a good cultural match to the tofu; however, hash browns or just toast would round out the flavors equally well. Those who see these items as essential to a tofu breakfast would do well to include them. Use firm tofu to avoid unnecessary wetness. Silken, or soft, tofu, is the alternative. It easy to smash with a fork (like eggs), but lighter in nutritional value and harder to cook. This recipe should take about half an hour of total cook and prep time. #### Ingredients - 14 oz. firm tofu - One red pepper - 5-8 oz washed spinach - 1 Tbsp cooking oil - Pinch of salt ![Tofu scramble shown here with two pieces of sourdough toast.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2bed5-tofu-scramble-2.jpg "Tofu-Scramble-2 - Writing by Ely Hibdon") Cut tofu, red pepper and spinach into 1/8 inch dice. Mix separately in a large bowl with a pinch of salt. Heat frying pan with cooking oil. Stir-fry the tofu mixture until the leaves are wilted and the water cooks out, which should take about 10 minutes. Serve with lots of rice and toast, plus hot sauce to taste. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** food, recipes, vegan --- ### [Hike of the Week: San Bruno Summit Loop Trail](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-san-bruno-summit-loop-trail/) **Published:** June 28, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Excerpt:** San Bruno Park, in the Peninsula, offers views of the city and preserved native species. Go here for a long hike any day of the week. **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By [Ely](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) San Bruno Mountain State and County Park, an open space island on the peninsula between San Francisco and South San Francisco, is a great getaway for day hikes. It is a few short hops from the Daly City BART. The views of the bay and coast are spectacular, and it is home to several endangered species of butterfly, native plants and cute lizards. For a similar hike in the East Bay, check out [Tilden Park’s Curran Loop Trail.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/) Go here for views of the San Francisco skyline beyond rolling hills. ## Quick Notes Distance: 9.6 miles Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet Difficulty: Moderate with steep hills Type: Loop ![View of San Francisco from San Bruno State Park](http://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SPR_1303-1024x683.jpg "FiDi and Bay Bridge from San Bruno Mountain - Writing by Ely Hibdon")The Financial District and Bay Bridge appear through the trees at San Bruno Park ### Transit Directions From Daly City BART, take [SamTrans line 130](https://www.samtrans.com/schedules/timetables/route-130) to Chester and Orange Street. Walk a block up the hill, turn right and then left, and walk another block uphill. The trailhead will be up a short staircase at the end of the last block. ### Driving Directions Drive to the parking lot in the center of the park, a long distance from the transit accessible trailhead. From I-280, take exit 50 to San Jose Ave. From there turn left on Hillside and another left on Guadalupe Canyon Parkway to the middle of the park. Begin the hike in the middle, starting at the Dairy Ravine Trail. ## The Hike The hike begins up an extremely steep hill (581 feet in only 0.4 mile) towards a small summit near two radio towers. When you reach near the top, a for will appear. Turn left here and hike down the hill to the loop trial itself. From there, turn left to go downhill towards base camp for views of the open ocean beyond the monk flowers on your left. At the bottom of the hill are several intersecting roads and a parking lot. Continue on the San Bruno Summit Loop Trail past Radio Road. When it forks, take the right fork to the Dairy Ravine Trail. Head uphill for the best views of the Bay as well as native species. The wild iris plants you see in this stretch of trail are native to the area. They are called Douglas Irises, and are visible from December to and least the the end of May. ![Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana), a plant native to California, seen at San Bruno Park](http://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SPR_1306-1024x683.jpg "Douglas Iris - Writing by Ely Hibdon") ![Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), a California native species, at San Bruno Park](http://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SPR_1243-1024x683.jpg "Fence Lizard - Writing by Ely Hibdon")You might also see the Western Fence Lizard sunning itself in the middle of the trail, especially on hot days. As you climb the hill to the summit, take a look to the east for a unique view of the bayside, San Francisco skyline, and the East Bay. ![East Bay and SF peninsula from the Dairy Ravine Trail at San Bruno Park.](http://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SPR_1257-1024x683.jpg "Bay View at San Bruno - Writing by Ely Hibdon") The Dairy Ravine Trail will reconnect with the Summit Loop, and then fork right to form the Ridge Trail to the summit itself. Turn back toward Radio Hill and walk the Summit Loop Trial back to the south fork, which will take you to the transit stop. Remember that the trail was steep — Take your time going down. With plenty of opportunities for photography and good air, this hike was a great use of an afternoon. However, the way in and out needs improvement, since the steepness made walking out very hard. Perhaps that stretch could be improved with switchbacks. There may also be a quicker way in via the northeastern end of the park, but it would require much more walking. Overall, this was a good hike. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** birdwatching, Botany, good hikes, HOTW, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Hike of the Week: Slacker Hill and the Marin Headlands](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-slacker-hill/) **Published:** April 29, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By [Ely](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) The ideal time to see the Golden Gate Bridge is in April or early May, when the visibility is not obstructed by the winter rains or the summer fog. Slacker Hill is right outside of San Francisco, and is a relaxing short hike without all the crowds. As a bonus, you might see the super blooms that are expected this year after the end of the drought. ## Quick Notes Distance: 1.8 miles Elevation Gain: 689 ft. Difficulty: Easy Type: Multiple branching routes ![View of the Golden Gate Bridge on the Slacker Hill hike.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FAL_1017-1024x683.jpg "GGB-1 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")The Golden Gate Bridge and North Beach viewed from Slacker Hill ### Transit Accessibility Take [Golden Gate Transit line 130](https://www.goldengate.org/bus/route-schedule/san-rafael-san-francisco-130/?backurl=%2Fbus%2Fschedules-maps%2F) to Highway 101 and Alexander Ave. Walk back along the bike trail to the rest area and vista point. At that point, there will be a tunnel under the bridge to the Headlands Parking lot. ### Carpooling Take Highway 101 to Alexander Avenue. Keep going west along Alexander Avenue to the far side of the bridge. It will lead down hill to a parking lot. Note that there is no parking at the rest area. ## The Hike At the Headlands parking lot, begin going uphill along the SCA trail. Follow it uphill, across Conzelman Road. From there, it will wind around the hill for full immersion in a natural area. When you reach the nearest fork on the north side, follow the Coastal Trail, to the peak of Slacker Hill for a view of the Golden Gate. ![Western Blue-eyed Grass (sisyrinchium bellum) on Slacker Hill in April](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FAL_0751-1024x683.jpg "FAL_0751 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Western Blue eyed Grass blossoms on Slacker Hill in April The view of the bridge is excellent at the top of Slacker Hill. So is the solitude. Stay a while, because the sleepy, quiet scene will change immediately as you traverse the second half of this hike. Don’t forget to survey the native plants, as the Marin Headlands are excellent for wildflowers. May is a good month to see some of the middle-season blooms, including California poppy, Blue-eyed Grass (really a grass) and the Pacific Pea. Take the trail back to the fork which led you up the hill. This time turn south to the Coastal Trail Parking lot. Then go south along Conzelman Road or uphill on the Coastal Trail for a more full-on view of the Golden Gate. From here, you can backtrack or take Conzelman Road the whole way. You will see several Golden Gate vista points along the way, and a good view of the coast. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** Botany, good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Hike of the Week: National AIDS Memorial Grove](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-national-aids-memorial-grove/) **Published:** February 19, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By Ely ## National AIDS Memorial Grove The rainy season is almost over, and I am getting back into the swing of things with my Hike of the Week posts. I am glad the drought is over, and am looking forward to a great hiking season! But for now, it is still hard to get out and, coupled with that, I am busy. The National AIDS Memorial Grove is in Golden Gate Park, a short walk from the science museum and a good hike for those who don’t have a lot of time to go out. It is also useful that this walk is [transit accessible](/all-hikes-need-to-be-transit-accessible/), so you can still go there while pressed for time. ![Stands of tree ferns at the National AIDS Memorial Grove, San Francisco, California, USA](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_20230116_160338612_HDR_edited-1024x652.jpg "IMG_20230116_160338612_HDR_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Stands of tree ferns at the National AIDS Memorial Grove ## Quick Notes Distance: Less than one mile Elevation Gain: 0 feet Difficulty: Easy Type: Short Urban Walk ## Transit Accessibility Take [SFMTA](https://www.sfmta.com/) Line N or 7 to 9th Ave and Lincoln/Judah. From there, make your way to Golden Gate Park, and walk through the Baseball field and behind the California Academy of Sciences. You will find it on your right. ## Driving Directions From Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, take Bowling Green drive to the parking lot behind the maintenance division. ## The Walk This tranquil space is dedicated to the memory of people with HIV/AIDS. As such, there are park benches, contemplation spaces, and names everywhere. Be sure to check out their website at [AIDSMemorial.org](https://www.aidsmemorial.org/), and there is a QR code there for a Cell phone tour. This site is to memorialize the courage of those who fought an battled AIDS. There are heroic stories everywhere here. The area is excellent for a short walk. Note the redwood stands, moss-covered rocks, and tree ferns. I was surprised by how big they could grow! Walk around here for contemplation, meditation, and the beautiful scenes created in one of the best city parks in North America. ![A walkway in the National AIDS Memorial Grove, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_20230116_160528223-768x1024.jpg "IMG_20230116_160528223 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")A walkway in the National AIDS Memorial Grove Golden Gate Park San Francisco ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** San Francisco Bay Area, Transit Accessibility, urban hikes --- ### [Hike of the Week: Montclair Railroad Trail](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-montclair-railroad-trail/) **Published:** December 30, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** Montclair is a small commercial district in the Oakland hills, a few miles away from Chabot Science Center and uphill from Piedmont. It flourished in the first tech boom of the early 1990s, and is a good place for a transit accessible hike. Originally, it was part of the railroad going into Oakland. There continue to be markers of the historical railroad past, as well as Shepherd Canyon, a small park to the southeast with a few good hiking trails. This week’s hike starts here at Montclair Railroad Trail, just east of the commercial district. ## Quick Notes Distance: 1.6 miles Elevation Gain: 140 feet Difficulty: Easy Type: Out and Back ## Transit Accessibility Take AC Transit [Line 33](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/33) to Mountain Blvd and Moraga Ave. Walk up Mountain Blvd and turn left on Antioch Court, then right on La Salle Ave. The trail will be at the end of the street. Driving Directions From I-580 (The Macarthur Freeway), take CA-13 (Warren Freeway) north to Mountain Blvd, and turn right on La Salle Ave. Or take I-580 south to CA-24 and turn south on the Warren Freeway, then get off on Moraga Ave and continue south to La Salle Ave. ## The Hike Start on Montclair Railroad trail going south. When it curves, turn right (south) to take the trail to the fire station, and then across the street into Shepherd Canyon Park. From there, go around the playing field to the uphill portion of the hike, eventually reaching an overlook near Escher Drive. This is a good view with trees, and time to meditate or bring kids. ![Panoramic View from Shepherd Canyon Overlook near Montclair Railroad Trail](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_20221217_151131846-1024x349.jpg "IMG_20221217_151131846 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")The panoramic view from Shepherd Canyon OverlookIf you have time, go back to the fire station and continue along the paved trail up Shepherd Canyon Road. It will continue about 1.1 miles as a paved walkway through eucalyptus trees and native plants. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Please Participate in my Fundraiser. Details Here.](https://elynhibdon.net/please-participate-in-my-fundraising-campaign-details-here/) **Published:** November 26, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** # I started a GoFundMe Campaign ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By Ely ## Hi Everyone, This Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to my fundraising campaign. I am grateful for all the page views, likes and comments I have received so far. Now as I enter the next stage of life as a digital creator, I humbly put out a request for funding. ### My Cause: To establish myself as a thought leader in digital marketing, organizational stability, and content writing. Also, to pursue my dream of supporting myself as a freelance content creator. ![I am hard at work as a digital creator. Please contribute to my fundraising campaign.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MOD_0442-copy_edited-1024x683.jpg "Elyn_at_Work - Writing by Ely Hibdon")I am hard at work as a digital creator ### What I have Achieved So Far: - I have been posting almost weekly. The variability of my posts has improved. - I have SEO optimized my site and removed any inefficient pages. - The site has received increasing numbers of page views since its inception. When I start to get clients as a marketing consultant and digital creator, I hope to achieve the same results for them. I have seen marketing campaigns stagnate and ossify because a good ad campaign led to a poorly written website. I hope to avoid that for my clients. ### Please click the button below to participate in my fundraising campaign. [Click to Donate](https://www.gofundme.com/f/digital-creator-startup-expense) Thank you for any help you can give to my fundraiser. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Hike of the Week: Albany Bulb to Berkeley Marina](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-albany-bulb-mclaughlin-eastshore-state-seashore/) **Published:** November 13, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** This week, there was only enough time for a short hike. I chose McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore, since it is easily transit accessible and easy to turn around. This park was created from landfill in the 1960s, and consists of a narrow strip of shoreline between Emeryville and Richmond. It is narrow in some places, consisting of the bay trail squished between the highway and the bay. I recommend the Albany Bulb for its open space, which is scarce in most of the park, and for its great views of the Bay. ## Quick Notes Distance: Five miles Elevation Gain: 0 feet Difficulty: Easy Type: Loop ## Transit Accessibility ![McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore was founded by environmentalists in the 1960s.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_20221102_123836404-1024x768.jpg "IMG_20221102_123836404 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")McLaughlin Eastshore State Park was founded by environmentalists in the 1960s Take AC Transit [line 18](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/18) or [line 72](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/72) to Buchanan St/Marin Ave sand San Pablo Ave, or [line L](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/l) to Buchanan St and I-80. From there, head west on Buchanan St over an overpass and under an underpass into Golden Gate Fields. Or, take [line 51B](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/51b) to Berkeley Marina, or to 4th Street/Berkeley Amtrak and walk the pedestrian overpass into McLaughlin East Shore State Seashore to start the hike from the other end. ## Driving Directions From I-80, get off at Buchanan St and turn west into Golden Gate Fields. ## The Hike Walk along Albany Beach to see the shoreline, and you will reach the Albany Bulb in about three-fourths of a mile. From there, you can hike over or around the hill. Expect to see a few art installations here, as well as good views of the Golden Gate. After you have looped around, take the waterfront trail back to Golden Gate Fields. Follow it south about a mile to the next section of open space, an approximately 90-acre square to the northeast of the Berkeley Marina. ![View of the Golden Gate and San Francisco from Albany Bulb.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_20221102_133456855_edited-1024x647.jpg "IMG_20221102_133456855_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")View of the Golden Gate and San Francisco from Albany Bulb There are innumerable short trails in the central part of the seashore. At this point, continue south for more shoreline, or turn right for the Berkeley Marina. Below the Marina you will find more good views, or cut it short here and get back on the bus. When you get back to University Ave, take line 51B back to downtown Berkeley. But the park actually extends much farther, so do not feel constrained. More good views exist in Cesar Chavez Park, north of the marina, or on the spit just south of it. Or, take the trail further south across University Boulevard, since McLaughlin Eastshore State Park actually reaches as far south as Emeryville. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Valuable Business Software: WordPress / Bluehost Integration](https://elynhibdon.net/valuable-business-software-wordpress-bluehost-integration/) **Published:** November 8, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ## Overview Freelancers and small businesses prefer [WordPress](http://wordpress.com) for a good reason. I learned more about website design in three months using WordPress than in the entire seven years at my last job. It is valuable business software in that it encourages proactive marketing. It does not leave all the work to the user, making it user-friendly and helpful to people new to the field. ![A WordPress user in front of their computer](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MOD_0442_edited-1024x683.jpg "MOD_0442_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")A WordPress User The content manager and search engine optimization tools are beyond anything I was familiar with at my last job, where I was introduced to website design at a small business. ### Best Features Immediately introduces the user to the basic building blocks of website design and marketing by encouraging them to look at SEO, start a mailing list, and integrate social media. This makes website optimization intuitive. ### Areas for Improvement Some of the plugins look complicated to the new user. Expect to spend more than the upfront cost designing your site if you want it to perform well. ## Integration [Bluehost](http://bluehost.com) made a good decision by integrating WordPress into its site hosting. However, the integration is counterintuitive in some places, causing two site editors to compete for your attention with each advertising SEO tools, themes, and mail management software. At present, I manage my site in WordPress and let Bluehost manage the hosting. ## Themes All website design software will have these. They are meant as templates to design a site, and a well-designed theme should support, not limit, the design options of the user. WordPress themes are all good in that they easily adapt to the user, integrate any type of content and allow many layout options. ## Plugins ### Plugins Overview Expect to spend more than the initial cost of setting up a site on plugins. To put up a few pages is one thing; to start an email list, sell products, and gain a following is quite another. Plugins that optimize for the search engine, manage your email, and sell your products are valuable, and totally essential, for improving a site’s performance. No website design software is complete without them, but some site managers allow you go go through the entire process without ever being aware of their existence. ![Screenshot of WordPress in use](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/08749-wordpress-1.jpg "WordPress-1 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")A Screenshot of WordPress WordPress immediately introduces the user to the nuts and bolts of your site’s design and web integration. They immediately bring your attention to numerous and various plugins to improve the site’s functionality and performance. The Bluehost/WordPress integration does a good job of bringing them to the user’s attention quickly. Over the first two weeks of site development, a number of relevant plugins come up for you. WordPress has done a good job of recommending the most essential and effective plugins to improve site performance. ### Recommended Plugins I recommend one of the SEO tools Yoast or AIOSEO, as it is crucial to make your website findable. Search engines such as Google and Yahoo rely on metrics known to these plugins to find your site. At my last company, the site design software we used did not have an SEO plugin or try to sell me one. This means we could put out a site that had no ability to crawl up in the search results. Over the course of seven years, I was sad to say our business slowed to a halt. I also recommend an insights plugin help you improve your marketing performance in attracting visitors. Also, site security such as Jetpack are essential to remove spam comments and back up the site. Also consider starting an email list when you begin writing your blog; it is very important that people know that your business is still active. ## Ease of Use The WordPress site editor is designed well. It appears clunky at first, but this is actually due to greater inclusion of multiple user’s needs. I can easily add content such as pages, posts and reusable blocks to my site. If that content needs later editing, it is easy to locate the post that needs work. The integration of marketing tools is superior in that they blend into the design of the site. They, too are easy to locate when using WordPress. ## Valuable Business Software WordPress is the best website design software, and among the best business software, that I have encountered in a long time. It immediately directs the user to the most important aspects of website design while encouraging creativity. The ease of use is good. The way it instructs the user is better. Expect good results when creating a site here. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Business to Business (B2B), Opinion Pieces **Tags:** Product Reviews --- ### [All Hikes Need to be Transit Accessible](https://elynhibdon.net/all-hikes-need-to-be-transit-accessible/) **Published:** October 30, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By [Ely](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) I would like to briefly explain my rationale for starting this blog. First, I think hiking is fun, a good way to spend an afternoon, and a way to tell a story. But also, I think our protected outdoor areas should be accessible to everybody. And sometimes, when I would go to hike, there would be an accessibility problem. The transit directions I used were inaccurate. Google failed to update their search engine to include new transit routes or gave walking directions that went through impassable corridors. And that reduces accessibility for everyone. Everyone has agreed that equitable access to the outdoors is key to a sustainable future. Climate justice is the new environmentalism, and it requires not only conservation, but also equality. Everyone needs to benefit from the conservation efforts. This requires transit accessible outdoor areas better informational resources. ### Access to the Outdoors is Key to Sustainability The first example of climate injustice that comes to mind is neighborhood pollution. People who live near oil refineries, or other high environmental impact facilities, will feel the effects of pollution much more than wealthier people in better neighborhoods. Another example of climate injustice is reduced accessibility of outdoor recreational opportunities. And this is important for two reasons. First, recreational opportunities should be protected in and of themselves. But also, access to the outdoors gives residents of polluted neighborhoods the information they need to take action. Years ago, I saw houses next to an oil refinery and mine. The houses were small and well-kept, but the air around them was dirty. There was an open field nearby. But you could not go outside for a breath of fresh air. This affected me, because you could live in a smaller apartment and have more fresh air. Residents of that neighborhood could go outside more and understand what they were missing by living near the oil refinery. To ensure climate justice for everyone, the following objectives need to be met: - Access to the outdoors, in the form of protected areas, so they would know how much the oil refinery deviated from what is normally called natural environment. - Clean, safe housing with an equal right to clean air and water. - Education about climate change and how it affects all of us. All three of those objectives include equal access to the outdoors for transit reliant people. But they are at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing the great outdoors. It usually takes longer to get anywhere, and then the directions they find can be inaccurate or the park will still be too far away. ### Transit Accessibility is a Problem for Hikers The first time I tried to go to [Eden Landing](https://www.elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-eden-landing-ecological-reserve/), I followed Google Maps to a completely different park. Looking again at the map, you can see how far away the google directions took me. Google seems to have expected me to jump over the Union City Sanitary Facility (more than a one mile leap) to get there. And it is not that I do not like Coyote Hills, but I was given inaccurate information. They may have assumed the Alameda Creek Trail would lead to Eden Landing, but the two areas are not accessible to each other. I went home for the day wondering if I could possibly get to that park without a car. ![A screenshot of incorrect transit directions to a hiking area, thus compromising outdoor access and climate justice.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/60ed3-screenshot_20221030-121110_edited.jpg?w=518&h=1024 "Screenshot_20221030-121110_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Google Maps takes me to the wrong place As you can see the destination is over a mile away when it drops me off Since then, I made a project to find the best transit directions everywhere. Because transit accessibility requires the right information, and the information you find on the internet is sometimes inconsistent, creating a usability problem. It is really inconvenient to take public transportation to the wrong park, you might feel like you have wasted the day. The park’s websites sometimes list transit directions, but their listings, and accuracy, are spotty. I found only two parks that gave transit directions to themselves, and three that did not. Reinhardt Redwood Park lists all the same routes I found. But Tilden Park incorrectly lists AC Transit line 67, a weekday-only line, as a weekend and holiday line. It also omits line 65, another weekday-only line, which is a good route. ## So I started a hiking blog. I finally found a way to Eden Landing Ecological Reserve in September. You can see it here as a blog post “[Hike of the Week: Eden Landing Ecological Reserve](https://www.elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-eden-landing-ecological-reserve/).” All my recent blog posts include transit information on all hikes, and I expect that to continue. As you can see from my posts, I personally walk to the place before publishing the post. The transit directions are of course not guaranteed forever. It is just that hiking is really more accessible than you might think, so if you use public transportation, you should not let that stop you. But also, I want to improve transit accessibility all over the Bay Area, and hopefully, the whole world. This requires some work. I did not post last week, since I had a lot to do. I will definitely post as often as possible, since I hope to influence the world to improve transit, as well as access to the outdoors. Over the next few weeks, I will be making a few improvements to this blog. Stay tuned for more! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Gonzo Journalism, Opinion Pieces **Tags:** outdoors, recreation, Transit Accessibility --- ### [Hike of the Week: Redwood Peak (Weekend Transit Access)](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-redwood-peak/) **Published:** October 21, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) by Ely ## Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is just south of the one featured on the previous hike in [Joaquin Miller Park](/hike-joaquin-miller-big-tree-loop-trail/). The redwoods are equally good, and the size is much greater (1,833 acres). This week’s hike features a trip to one of the highest points in the area and 150 foot trees. Also, unlike last week, this hike has transit accessibility on weekends, as well as weekdays, so that everybody can see the redwoods and hike. ## Quick Notes Distance: five miles Elevation Gain: 476 feet Difficulty: Easy Type: Loop ![Young Coast Redwood leaning on an Old Redwood, seen on this week's hike.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FAL_0658-683x1024.jpg "FAL_0658 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Young Coast Redwood leaning on an old RedwoodPhoto by the author. ### Transit Accessibility Take [AC Transit line 54](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/54) to Redwood Road and Campus Drive / Sereno Circle. From there, walk up Redwood Road as it S-curves to Skyline Drive. (It is most walkable on the right / south side). Cross Skyline Drive on the left, and in a few hundred feet find a short, paved trail leading into the park. Also, on weekdays, take [AC Transit line 39](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/39) to Redwood Road and Skyline Drive and proceed as above. ### Driving Directions From I-580, take the Redwood Road exit to head east. Arrive at Skyline Boulevard and enter the park along the short, paved trail into the park. ## The Hike From the gate, turn right and follow the Dunn Trail through a grassy area. Turn right on the Golden Spike Trail, which will turn down before turning into a long, winding upward path. Turn left at the next fork onto the Montiero Trail, and right at the following one to the Dunn Trail. At this point, turn left to follow the Baccharis Trail along the ridge. By now, you will be surrounded by redwood trees. From here, go straight on the West Ridge Trail and in about one mile, you will reach Redwood Peak. The view here is not spectacular since you are still surrounded by trees. The trees, however, are beautiful and very healthy. You have reached your destination by now. Turn back and walk the Redwood Peak Trail to resume walking along the ridge. The West Ridge Trail will intersect with the Graham Trail after a few hundred feet. From here, you can go west to a picnic spot for lunch, or east to loop back to your starting point and good views of the Bay along the way. ![View of the Bay from the Graham Trail after the big trees cleared.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/c4b93-fal_0685.jpg?w=1024&h=683 "FAL_0685 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Bay View from the Graham TrailPhoto by the Author. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, trails, Transit Accessibility --- ### [Hike of the Week: Joaquin Miller Big Tree Loop Trail](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-joaquin-miller-big-tree-loop-trail/) **Published:** October 14, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ## Joaquin Miller Park ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) by Ely Located in Oakland, Joaquin Miller Park is a small, 500-acre hiking area and dog park known for its redwoods. It is named after a local poet Joaquin Miller. The upper trails provide solitude and immerse you in trees. It is immensely popular for trail runners, dogs, and bikes, with the busiest times of the day in the afternoon. There are picnic areas throughout the park, making it very user-friendly. It is accessible by public transit on weekdays and provides a jumping off spot at Skyline Drive to Redwood Regional Park. ## Quick Notes Distance: about three miles Elevation Gain: Difficulty: Easy Type: Loop with lots of options ### Transit Accessibility ![Person on a park bench views Coast Redwoods](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/d5207-fal_0525.jpg?w=1024&h=683 "FAL_0525 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")A Bench at Joaquin Miller Park allows you to immerse yourself in Redwood Trees. Photo by the author. Take AC Transit [Line 39](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/39) to Joaquin Miller Road and Sanborn Drive. Go east into the park and find Pinewood Picnic Area on your right. (Line 39 runs weekdays from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm hourly, so check the link to plan your trip) ### Driving Directions From I-580, use exit 23/24 Coolidge Ave to the Dimond District. Turn East on Lincoln Avenue and it will continue into Joaquin Miller Road. From here, turn left on Sanborn Avenue and park up the street at Joaquin Miller Parking Info Center. Begin the hike by going back to the Pinewood Picnic Area. ## The Hike ![redwoods in the late afternoon sun.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FAL_0537-683x1024.jpg "FAL_0537 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Group of middle growth redwoods in the late afternoon sunPhoto by the author. Starting at Pinewood, go southeast along the Sunset Trail. At the first fork, turn right to go across a small footbridge to the Palos Colorados Trail, and up the hill to the Sequoia Bayview Trailhead. (This is also at Skyline Drive). The Sequoia Bayview trail is popular, with many bikes and dogs. If you like lots of people, go here. Otherwise, walk to the far end and take the Big Tree Trail, which will meander and split multiple times to crisscross all over the hill. This trail is good for solitude, and a rich diversity of tree views. It does this more noticeably than most trails. At the next trailhead, it officially turns down the hill and reconnects. To extend the hike, take the Orchard Trail forward (northwest) and go through more trees to the Fern Ravine Trail. From there, turn a hard left and back to the Sequoia Bayview Trail to return to your starting point. At the end of the day, this was a good hike – inclusive of dogs, kids and people that use public transit, and plenty of things to see. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** Botany, good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, trails, Transit Accessibility --- ### [Hike of the Week: North Berkeley Paths](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-north-berkeley-paths/) **Published:** October 7, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By Ely During the pandemic, the bus line that normally runs from Downtown Berkeley to Tilden Park was defunct. Now that it has returned it is of course much easier to get to the park; however, since the line only runs on weekdays, I feel the need to show you a good route to Tilden Park that does not require a bus. In addition to the improved accessibility, the walking path I discovered provides a good urban hike of its own. This route is for those seeking a workout since it contains lots of North Berkeley paths, good views, and the route saves time. There is significant poison oak in Tilden Park. Please see the related blog post, “[How to Be Safe when you Encounter Poison Oak](/poison-oak-safety/)” for more information. ##### Quick Notes Distance: 2.1 miles Elevation Gain: 950 feet Difficulty: Intermediate Type: Out and Back ##### Transit Accessibility Take any route to Downtown Berkeley BART. Walk east about two blocks to Crescent Lawn. Alternatively, take AC Transit Line 6 to the Crescent Lawn. ![A moss-covered tree in Tilden Park](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/d168a-egh_0111-scaled-e1662657427205.jpg "EGH_0111 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")A tree in Tilden ParkPhoto by the Author ##### The Hike Begin at Crescent Lawn at the University of California. From there, head north toward University Dr, and take the stairs toward MacFarlane Lane (this goes through the University campus). MacFarlane Lane will take you out of the University to Hearst Ave. Turn right onto Le Conte, go over a hill and turn left onto Euclid Ave. Go 0.4 miles and turn right onto Rose Walk. From there, the pathways begin. Rose walk evolves into Rose Street, and from there becomes Rose Steps. They are hard to find in the day, but well-lit at night; they will take you onto La Loma Avenue’s pedestrian walkway past Incarnation Monastery on the right. Go uphill from there and turn left onto Glendale Avenue. It will offset slightly to the right and become Glendale Path, a pedestrian walkway. Go up the stairs to Queens Road and find the next set of Glendale Path stairs slightly to the right of the last one. After that, you see Fairlawn Drive, turn slightly right, and the remaining Glendale Path stairs will appear again on your left. ![The View from Atlas Path Vista at Sunset](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e1652-mod_0299.jpg "MOD_0299 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")The View from Atlas Path Vista at SunsetPhoto by the Author Fairlawn Drive will loop around, and when you come out of the Glendale Path staircase again, you cross it to get to Arcade Avenue. Go up Arcade Avenue for a few hundred feet, and then turn left onto Grizzly Peak Blvd. After a few more feet, Atlas Path will open to your right. Head up another set of stairs to reach Atlas Path Vista, and a nice break on a park bench. From there you will reach a street called Atlas Place. A few hundred feet later you will reach the Selby Trail, and you are in Tilden Park. You have completed the urban walk; depending on the day you might continue to hike. The Golf Course is in front of you. Turn left on the Selby Trail to go north towards Lake Anza. Or turn right and it will take you to Grizzly Peak Trail and the Steam Train. Make a day of it by taking one of the long hikes in Tilden Park, such as the [Curran Loop](/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/), or take a right and go to [Siesta Valley](/hike-tilden-park-golf-course-to-siesta-valley/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, Tilden Park, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Hike of the Week: Tilden Golf Course to Picnic View](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-tilden-park-golf-course-to-siesta-valley/) **Published:** October 7, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By Ely One of the main attractions of Tilden Park is the proximity to other parks. This hike is useful as a jumping-off point into Siesta Valley Recreation Area and some of the lands owned by the University of California. It will go through low hills with heavy trees and native flowers and takes you through highlands with splendid views of the University of California, the Bay, and the Briones Valley on the opposite side. ### Quick Notes Distance: 2.9 – 3.9 miles Elevation Gain: 636 feet Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Easy ![View of Briones Reservoir from this week's hike](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/beae0-egh_0017-scaled-1.jpg "EGH_0017 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Briones Reservoir viewed from this weeks hikePhoto by the Author ### Transit Accessibility From Central Berkeley, start at Channing and Shattuck Avenue. Take Bear Transit Line H to Hearst Mining Circle, then Line R to Space Sciences Lab. Double back along Grizzly Peak boulevard and then turn right on Golf Course Road. Where Redwood Trail intersects with Golf Course Road, turn right. If the bus is not running (it doesn’t on weekends) try [North Berkeley Paths](/hike-north-berkeley-paths/). It will take longer but will get you there. ### Driving Directions Take Dwight Way east to Prospect Street, then turn right. Turn right onto Canyon Road, which becomes Stadium Rim Way. Turn right on Centennial Drive and follow it to Grizzly Peak Boulevard. The golf course does not have parking, so follow Grizzly peak boulevard to Muir Way, turn right, and then left onto Park Hills Road. Then turn right, then quickly left, to take Central Park Drive to Lake Anza Road. From there, take a hard right to get to Lake Anza Parking Lot. Follow the Selby Trail to Anza View Road, turn right, and reconnect with it to get back to the origination point at Tilden Park Golf course. ### The Hike Continue along Redwood Trail until it joins Golf Course Trail. When you reach the Laurel Picnic Area, turn left to take a low-use road to Arroyo Trail, then turn right and continue until you reach the Seaview Trail. Turn right here and walk about a mile and a half. The maximum elevation for the day occurs around the time the Briones Valley opens on your left and you can see the Bay on your right. The Seaview trail ends at Tilden Steam Train parking lot, but across the road you will find the Bay Area Ridge Trail in Siesta Valley Recreation Area. Follow it to Scotts Peak Trailhead, cross the road and take the Fire Trail. When it merges with the upper fire trail, continue by turning right, and immediately left, at the intersection. to Picnic View Ridge for a view of Berkeley from the southside. You have now walked 3.9 miles for the day. ### Note on the local plants ![Lupines grow wild at Tilden Regional Park.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC_0195-683x1024.jpg "DSC_0195 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Lupines![Many California poppies together](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC_0218-1024x683.jpg "DSC_0218 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")California Poppy![A photo of a Lathyrus Vestitus flower by me](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1a451-sfb_0039-scaled-1.jpg "SFB_0039 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Pacific PeaNative plants seen on this week’s hike. Photos by the author. ![Non-native Thistle](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/f6b7b-mod_0198_edited.jpg "MOD_0198_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Spear Thistle![Non-native plant commonly called the Artichoke Thistle.](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BAY_0018_edited-819x1024.jpg "BAY_0018_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Artichoke Thistle![Non-native Milkweed](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EGH_0020-683x1024.jpg "EGH_0020 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")MilkweedNon-native plants that can be seen on this week’s hike. Photos by the Author Look at the plants you see around you as this hike takes you through an interesting botanical tour. Around March – May, if you have time, come here to see the (native) lupines and California poppies bloom. This time of year, you can expect to see thistles and other non-native plants. The thistles pictured here are all non-native species, and so is the ubiquitous milkweed. I was disappointed to learn it disrupts the feeding of monarch butterflies. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** Botany, good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, Tilden Park, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Hike of the Week: Eden Landing Ecological Reserve](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-eden-landing-ecological-reserve/) **Published:** September 30, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By Elyn Hibdon Ely Eden Landing Ecological Reserve is in Hayward just north of [Coyote Hills](/hike-coyote-hills-bayview-trail/) and is a good place to hike if you are interested in birdwatching, good views, and wide open spaces. It was reclaimed from an old salt manufacturing facility, and still has some of the ruined human structures throughout – however, it is kept clean for the current residents. Though it is partly closed from March through September, there are still good trails and vista points, and it is a worthwhile way to spend your day. ##### Quick Notes Distance: about five miles. Elevation Gain: none. Type: Out and Back from March – September; loop the rest of the year Difficulty: Easy ![Sunset at Eden Landing while on hike.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/38bdd-mod_0417.jpg "MOD_0417 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Sunset at Eden Landing ##### Transit Directions From Bay Fair BART, take AC Transit Line 97 to Hesperian Blvd and Industrial Blvd, or from Union City BART take AC Transit line 97 to Hesperian Blvd and Eden Shores Blvd. From there, walk west along Eden Shores Blvd to go straight through a traffic circle, over a bridge and find another traffic circle; turn right here to go around the small city park. Turn left, then right. The entrance to the Bay Trail is on your left through a gated bridge. ##### Driving Directions From I-880, take the Whipple Road/Dyer Street exit and head west from there. Turn right on Union City Blvd, and it will become Hesperian Blvd. Then take a left on Eden Shores Blvd and park at the city park. Go north, the hike begins at the gate. ##### The Hike Walk from the gated bridge along the San Francsico Bay Trail through the wetlands area. At the first fork, turn right to go around the back of the reserve, keeping the wetlands on your left. This is a good bird place, since they congregate around shores and marshlands to get food and protection. ![Sandpiper, a shore bird, seen from the trail birding at Eden Landing.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/f0a02-mod_0314_edited.jpg "MOD_0314_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Sandpiper at Eden Landing Now, turn left to go about two miles to the Eden Landing parking lot (this is not transit accessible). At this point, you will see the ecological reserve spread out before you on your left. Good things to see are here. Marshlands are beautiful, with small plant islands everywhere creating what looks like an ancient utopia. The birdwatching is excellent, and the views at sunset are spectacular. Turn left and take the Bay Trail further to the kayak ramp. Turn right to move further into the ecological reserve and continue to follow Eden Creek. In another two miles is installation to show you four major peaks in the San Francisco Bay – Mount Diablo, Mount Tamalpais, Coyote Hills, and Kings Mountain. Since they are all at right angles to each other, the entire bay is visible from this point. Sit and enjoy the view before turning back. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** birdwatching, good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, South Bay, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [Hike of the Week: Coyote Hills Bayview Trail](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-coyote-hills-bayview-trail/) **Published:** September 22, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ## Hike of the Week: Coyote Hills Bayview Trail Coyote Hills Regional Park is a popular destination in Union City with hiking trails, marshes and is a good birding destination due to its proximity to Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Eden Landing Ecological Preserve. It has a freshwater marshland in the city side of the park and a salt marsh along the Bay side, making it popular for aquatic birds of all kinds. Today’s Hike of the Week takes you through the ponds and up to an awesome view of the South Bay on the Coyote Hills Bayview Trail. ![Sun low in the sky at Coyote Hills Regional Park](https://i0.wp.com/www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_20220921_181211959_HDR-6-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1 "IMG_20220921_181211959_HDR-6 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Bay View at Coyote Hills Photo by the author ##### Quick Notes Distance: 5.69 miles Elevation Gain: about 90 feet Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy ![Shorebird at Coyote Hills Regional Park](https://www.elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/MOD_0037-1-683x1024.jpg "MOD_0037-1 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Shorebird at Coyote Hills Regional Park Photo by the author ##### Transit Directions From Union City BART, take Union City Line 1 to Rocklin Drive and Union City Boulevard. Walk back along Union City Boulevard until you cross the bridge, then walk down along the ramp to the trail that passes under the bridge. You are now on the Alameda Creek Trail. ##### Driving Directions to Alameda Creek Staging Area From I-880, take Exit 22 for Alvarado Blvd toward Fremont Blvd N. Turn right onto Alvarado Boulevard, then left onto Lowry Road. The parking lot will be on your left. From the parking lot, double back to get to the trail on the far side of the creek. Take the trail to Union City Boulevard, then go under the bridge, cross it, and under again to be on the south Alameda Creek Trail. ##### The Hike ![Marshlands in the South San Francisco Bay](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/40032-mod_0024.jpg?w=1024&h=683 "MOD_0024 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Alameda Creek Photo by the author Walk westward along Alameda Creek Trail to the DUST trail and then turn left to walk closer to the marsh. Continue as the DUST trail turns into the Chochenyo Trail, then turn right to follow Lizard Rock Trail up the hill. When you reach the Bayview Trail, turn right to continue the hike up and around the hill. Around the hill are breathtaking views of the Bay stretched out before you and the salt marshes at the bottom of the hill. When you get a chance, try birding here. Follow the Bayview trail until it connects with the No Name Trail on the south side of the salt marsh. (Alternatively, take the Red Hill Trail to the top of the hill and reconnect with the Bayview Trail at the south end of the salt marsh. This will lead to a higher view of the Bay and environs.) The Bayview trail leads back into the park’s freshwater ponds, and it will continue to become the Muskrat Trail and go around the back of the marshland. Soon you will see a link to the DUST Trail and your starting point. Alternatively, continue in the back of the marshland to your starting point at the Alameda Creek Trail. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** birdwatching, good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, South Bay, trails, Transit Accessibility --- ### [Hike of the Week: Wildcat Peak Via Jewel Lake](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-wildcat-peak-via-jewel-lake/) **Published:** September 15, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ### Hike of the Week: Wildcat Peak via Jewel Lake ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=48&d=mm&r=g) By [Ely](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) North of Lake Anza is the Tilden Nature Area. Its main attractions are Tilden Little Farm, Indian Camp and Environmental Education Center which form a significant part of Tilden’s resources for young people. The hiking trails behind it cannot be missed, so this hike of the week will take you to two good destinations from the Environmental Education center. Jewel Lake is sadly dry due to the drought, but I have included it here for its greater transit accessibility. Wildcat Peak, however, still offers great, panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. Also, I think some people may have an issue with poison oak; this hike is better, and people who are sensitive to poison oak will prefer it. Please see my previous post [here ](http://elynhibdon.net/poison-oak-safety/)for information about poison oak. ##### Quick Notes Distance: 3.0 miles Elevation Gain: 659 feet Type: Out and Back; Loop Difficulty: Easy ![View from Wildcat Peak of San Pablo Valley](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/da710-mod_0360.jpg?w=1024&h=683 "San Pablo Reservoir - Writing by Ely Hibdon")San Pablo Valley from Wildcat Peak. Photo by the author. ##### Transit Directions Take [AC Transit Line 67](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/67) from University Avenue and Oxford Street to Spruce Street and Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Cross Grizzly Peak Boulevard and immediately turn left on Canon Drive. You can either walk along the street to the parking lot, or take a shortcut through the woods called Memory Trail, which will come up in a few hundred feet. As an alternative, take [AC Transit Line 65](https://www.actransit.org/bus-lines-schedules/65) to Euclid Ave and Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Turn left on Grizzly Peak and take Cragmont Ave to Canon Drive and proceed as above. ##### Driving Directions to Environmental Education Center Parking Lot Take Shattuck Avenue to Virginia Street. From there, turn left and drive three blocks to Spruce Street, then turn left and follow Spruce Street all the way to Canon Drive. Turn left on Canon Drive and follow it to a triangular intersection where you will turn left and follow Central Park Drive to the parking lot. ##### The Hike When you get to the Environmental Education Center, immediately cross Wildcat Creek to take Pack Rat Trail north to Jewel Lake. (Or you can start at the Pack Rat Trail if you are taking transit, but then you would miss the Environmental Education Center). ![Jewel Lake is dry](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ba628-mod_0304.jpg?w=1024&h=683 "MOD_0304 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Jewel Lake, Summer 2022. Photo by the author. Pack Rat Trail will bring you around the back of Jewel Lake. Cross the bridge to the Wildcat Creek Trail, and don’t get lost when you notice a missing piece of trail replaced by restoration area. Instead, turn left onto the Wildcat Creek Trail, then right to go up Jewel Lake Trail to the Sylvan Trail, and head left to take the Sylvan Trail to the Peak Trail. Follow the Peak Trail up the hill and watch the San Francisco Bay spread out to your left. When you reach the peak, you will find a walled-off bench with a plaque commemorating the Berkeley Rotary International Peace Grove below. ![View of San Francisco Bay at the end of the hike](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/540ca-mod_0389_edited.jpg?w=1024&h=683 "MOD_0389_edited - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Distant View of Golden Gate Bridge. Photo by the author Take some time to enjoy the view here. Due west is Marin County, and south of it will be San Francisco, the Bay, and Oakland. North is San Pablo Bay. Directly east is a view of the San Pablo Valley and Reservoir. As you head back, note that you can go down the hill in a loop. Continue along Peak Trail to reach Laurel Canyon Road, about a hundred feet up and to the right. If you continue on Peak Trail, you will find a lone shaded picnic table in the Peace Grove across from Nimitz Way. Go back to Laurel Canyon Road and walk 0.5 mile to Loop Road. Then turn left and walk 0.3 mile to reach the Environmental Education Center. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Hike of the Week **Tags:** good hikes, outdoors, recreation, San Francisco Bay Area, Tilden Park, trails, Transit Accessibility, Vista Point --- ### [How to be Safe When You Encounter Poison Oak](https://elynhibdon.net/poison-oak-safety/) **Published:** September 14, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ## Poison Oak (*Toxicodendron Diversilobum*) One plant you may have noticed at Tilden Park is the one below. Some people can be very allergic to this plant, while others will completely ignore it. Since there is a possible risk, I have chosen to include this blog post about it. Known commonly as Pacific Poison Oak, it has become particularly prolific in the East Bay. Use caution and avoid touching it when hiking in Tilden Park, which has been referenced in previous Hike of the Week post on September 1 to [Inspiration Point](https://www.elynhibdon.net/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/), as well as September 15 to [Wildcat Peak](https://www.elynhibdon.net/hike-wildcat-peak-via-jewel-lake/). Poison Oak is a vine with red and green leaves arranged in usually three, but up to nine, round and scalloped leaflets. The vine usually grows less than 30 feet [\[Wikipedia\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Toxicodendron_diversilobum&oldid=1094752899). ![Poison Oak Leaves at Tilden Regional Park, an outdoor safety issue.](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/41617-mod_0044.jpg "Poison Oak - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Pacific Poison Oak LeavesPhoto by the Author. ##### Tips to be Safe: 1. Be careful not to touch this plant, as it emits a chemical called urushiol that causes an allergic reaction in humans. A rash will develop within 48-72 hours of exposure. 2. Instead, wear long pants and sleeves and avoid letting the leaves touch your face. 3. Do not burn Poison Oak since it will get into the air, and the rash is worse if it reaches the eyes. 4. According to [WebMD](https://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-poison-plants), the rash can be serious enough to require a doctor’s attention. If the rash reaches near your eyes or if it spreads all over the body, you should see a doctor. If you have a more serious reaction, consider emergency services. Please consult [WebMD](https://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-poison-plants) for more information. As always, stay safe and enjoy the outdoors. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b92a4406bf90ce179b3c7e42f2443b1aa79397c52b56a6aedb517096effc2986?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Ely I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and work on advancing clean energy projects, I also love hiking and am a photographer. [See Full Bio](https://elynhibdon.net/author/admin/) **Categories:** Outdoor Safety, Poison Oak **Tags:** Botany, outdoors, recreation, safety, Tilden Park --- ## Pages ### [Contact Me](https://elynhibdon.net/contact-me/) **Published:** June 26, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![Freelance Writer Elyn Hibdon's hiking blog picture](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/35b07-selfie-e1662398565307.jpg "Elyn's hiking blog picture - Writing by Ely Hibdon") For comments on my site, use the form below. If you’d like to book a zoom meeting, please use my [Calendly](https://calendly.com/eghibdon-pm). [← Back](/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron=1792190744.5160360336303710937500) #### Thank you for your response. ✨ ![]() Name(required) Email(required) Phone Message 1. SubmitSubmitting form Δ --- ### [About Me](https://elynhibdon.net/about-me/) **Published:** May 28, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![](https://i0.wp.com/elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/3f10c-fal_0536-scaled-1.jpg?ssl=1) ![Light-colored Pacific Pea in the morning dew.](https://i0.wp.com/elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a2fa7-sfb_0053-1-scaled-1.jpg?ssl=1)![View of Briones Reservoir from the Skyline Trail](https://i0.wp.com/elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/beae0-egh_0017-scaled-1.jpg?ssl=1) ![](https://i0.wp.com/elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7377e-mod_0361-scaled-1.jpg?ssl=1) # Climate \| Sustainability \| Travel Writing \| Marketing Copy ## About Me I have hot-button topics. My goal is a sustainable future with equal outdoors access. I have a goal to preserve open spaces for all– and this means transit routes should serve open spaces like the East Bay parks. So I started a hiking blog. Stay tuned for more hikes and travel experiences, featuring transit accessible places to visit, relax, learn, and enjoy a cup of coffee on the way home. ### But Also … Climate change has disproportionately affected communities of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and the urban poor. Our clean future depends on these communities, so my time is spent on the intersection between race, class and climate issues. ### So I became a freelance writer. After seven years in marketing for a small nonprofit, I decided to branch out as freelance content creator and writer. In 2023, I began writing copy for email, social media and blog posts, and providing editing services. Please see my [Portfolio](/portfolio/) page for more of my content. I am also a Google Local Guides level 8, with over 15,000 points for reviews, pictures and updates on Google Maps. Scroll down for my certificates in writing and editing and my photography links. [Hire Me](/hire-me/) ## Certificates ![Course certificate for "Editing Mastery: How to Edit Writing to Perfection" by Shani Raja, former Wall Street Journal editor](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2cae4-uc-68344df4-61f4-4ce1-8477-42b6741a01fb1024_1.jpg "Udemy-Editing-Mastery-cert-for-Elyn-Hibdon - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Course certificate for *Editing Mastery How to Edit Writing to Perfection* with Shani Raja former Wall Street Journal editor ![Course certificate for "Ninja Writing: The Four Levels of Writing Mastery" by Shani Raja, former Wall Street Journal editor](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/d7428-udemy-ninja-writing-cert-uc-820ce5e4-603d-4d57-a89f-9f9b78ef1601.jpg?w=1024&h=762 "Udemy-Ninja-Writing-cert-UC-820ce5e4-603d-4d57-a89f-9f9b78ef1601 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Course certificate for *Ninja Writing The Four Levels of Writing Mastery* with Shani Raja former Wall Street Journal editor ## Photography - [Instagram](https://instagram.com/eghibdon) - [500px](https://500px.com/p/eghibdon) ![Landscape with clouds and water at Point Reyes, California, USA](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/679e5-img_20190526_170526957_hdr-1-scaled-1.jpg) ![Pacific Pea (Lathyrus vestitus)](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1a451-sfb_0039-scaled-1.jpg) ![A Blue Jay alights on a twig on a foggy day in the Marin Headlands](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/488d7-sfb_0059_edited-scaled-1.jpg) ![Honeybee on a compound flower head](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/38fff-egh_0060-3-scaled-1.jpg) [Hire Me](/hire-me/) --- ### [Marketing Writer for Climate and Social Justice](https://elynhibdon.net/home/) **Published:** August 29, 2022 **Author:** Ely **Content:** ![Ely's workspace shows how creative they are with a pen and notebook in addition to the keyboard and teacup.](https://writingbyely.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spr_0537_edited.jpg?w=1024 "Ely's writing workspace - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Welcome! I am a marketing writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. If your marketing operations seem to have dead-ended, contact me for a free consultation! ## What I Offer - Copywriting - Content writing - Idea Brainstorming - Digital Marketing - Blogging - Editing - Photography [Contact me to get started!](/contact-me/) > “Great working with Ely. She is a very caring person. Loved working with her. She began working on project right away. Provided great communication. Reviewed website and provided us with some great content information and ideas for upgrading website. Thanks Ely!” > > ![Crystal N](https://d20xup02wxfuga.cloudfront.net/images/profiles/6d5575e705364dbd857e13dc2665d47a_175x175_cropped.jpeg) > [Crystal N.](https://www.catchafire.org/profiles/1913695/) > Executive director ## Blog - ### [Hike of the Week: Beautiful Lake Anza to Inspiration Point](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/) 2024-04-29 Tilden Regional Park has miles of great hiking trails and several attractions … Plus, it is transit accessible. [read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/) - ### [Five Good Ways to Save Energy in Your Home in 2024](https://elynhibdon.net/five-good-ways-to-save-energy-in-2024/) 2024-02-10 Wouldn’t it be good to reach net-zero this year? While there is no bad time to improve the energy efficiency of your home, 2024 has… [read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/five-good-ways-to-save-energy-in-2024/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Crissy Field to Baker Beach](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-crissy-field-to-baker-beach/) 2023-11-10 For views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a lot of people, go here! Features piers and views of the Bay. [read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-crissy-field-to-baker-beach/) - ### [Easy to Make Vegan Breakfast Favorite: Tofu Scramble](https://elynhibdon.net/easy-breakfast-tofu-scramble/) 2023-07-17 If you are unfamiliar with tofu, or simply need inspiration for good ways to cook it, I have recipe for an easy tofu breakfast. This… [read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/easy-breakfast-tofu-scramble/) [Next Page](/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron=1792190744.5160360336303710937500&query-9-page=2) [Contact Me](/contact-me/) --- ### [Email and Social Media Writing Portfolio](https://elynhibdon.net/portfolio/) **Published:** February 7, 2024 **Author:** Ely **Content:** Here are selected samples of my email marketing and social media writing. I may have other samples as well. Please contact me for more information. ## Email Newsletters This newsletter was created in 2024 to increase involvement in Philly Peace in Progress programs for nonviolence. [![Young Parents Unite! Share Your Story. Build community. Stand for Peace](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/f4dde-screenshot-2024-03-11-213323.png "Girl on Swing - layout 3 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")](https://mailchi.mp/89d5ad6db2ca/thank-you-for-a-successful-10229442?e=c0e5ffef2f)Dont let your money fly away💸 Free financial advice![](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/b6a0d-screenshot-2024-04-29-124512.png "Screenshot-2024-04-29-124512 - Writing by Ely Hibdon")Spring Events job postings and more ## Social Media These Twitter (X) posts are part of an engagement project for CCL Alameda. ### Top-Performing Posts for January and February > PROVE IT Act passes Senate. > > One step toward an international [\#CarbonMarket](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarbonMarket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > —The fairest, fastest way to fix [\#climatechage](https://twitter.com/hashtag/climatechage?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > Read our blog below:<https://t.co/Lg7vy7QgLa> via [@citizensclimate](https://twitter.com/citizensclimate?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [January 26, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1750683974148747753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Stuck with an inefficient, outdated home energy system? > > Come to the [\#electrification](https://twitter.com/hashtag/electrification?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) fair!⚡️ > > On March 16, we will show you how to upgrade your home, get tax breaks, and save 💰 on energy! > > Free admission. Sign up here.<https://t.co/LP5ypoknga> [pic.twitter.com/yRTXalviLq](https://t.co/yRTXalviLq) > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [February 28, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1762960870546800687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > If you are feeling discouraged😰or need a reminder of what we accomplished in 2023, check out our end-of-year podcast on [@CitizensCRadio](https://twitter.com/CitizensCRadio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)![\#GreenEnergy](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenEnergy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 🌳[\#ProtectTheOceans](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProtectTheOceans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 🐡[\#FossilFuels](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FossilFuels?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) <https://t.co/iVD9BuYdGJ> > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [January 17, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1747737559650726237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Happening NEXT WEEK: celebrate [\#EarthDay](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EarthDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 🌎at the Berkeley [\#electrification](https://twitter.com/hashtag/electrification?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) fair. > > Connect to local experts and pros to upgrade your home energy system,💡get ideas, and find out how tax breaks can save you 🤑!<https://t.co/w1dEoAaNnf> [pic.twitter.com/MdfuLKH4fh](https://t.co/MdfuLKH4fh) > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [April 13, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1779252469081465313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ### Tweet Series > Tired of thinking about the [\#ClimateCrisis](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateCrisis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)? > > Come to our next meeting! On January 15, we will discuss [\#CarbonPricing](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarbonPricing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [\#electrifying](https://twitter.com/hashtag/electrifying?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), and actions for voters like you! > In-person and virtual. > Click for more!<https://t.co/FGA8LPEg3G> [pic.twitter.com/SU5cURXF3R](https://t.co/SU5cURXF3R) > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [January 2, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1742303754920267932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Disappointed by the weak actions of elected officials? > > We can help! In 2023, we logged legislative successes across the country. > > Next Monday, we will [\#ActOnClimate](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ActOnClimate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) at South Berkeley Senior Center (and online) > > Click for more info:<https://t.co/FGA8LPDIe8> [pic.twitter.com/h2vRbWXGny](https://t.co/h2vRbWXGny) > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [January 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1745927884974285311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Angry at [\#polluting](https://twitter.com/hashtag/polluting?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) companies taking away all the money, power and resources? > Join CCL! On January 15, we will talk about [\#ClimateAction](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateAction?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for individuals like you! > In-person and virtual. > Click for more!<https://t.co/FGA8LPDIe8> [pic.twitter.com/ZM3nuKhwId](https://t.co/ZM3nuKhwId) > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [January 7, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1744116197216420194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Frustrated? > > Come to our next meeting! On January 15, we will discuss [\#CarbonPricing](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarbonPricing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [\#electrifying](https://twitter.com/hashtag/electrifying?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), and actions for voters like you! > In-person and virtual. > Click for more![\#ClimateCrisis](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateCrisis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)<https://t.co/FGA8LPEg3G> [pic.twitter.com/TDLqTTU7Ig](https://t.co/TDLqTTU7Ig) > > — CCL Alameda (@CCLAlameda) [January 15, 2024](https://twitter.com/CCLAlameda/status/1746699217832378434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Email Copy for Fundraising This is an email series to raise money for a new building. At the request of the client, special attention was given to Women’s History Month. ![Fundraising email copy](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5ef06-tgijp-fundraising-campaign-1-thumbnail.jpg?w=1024&h=731 "TGIJP-Fundraising-Campaign-1-thumbnail - Writing by Ely Hibdon") ![](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/89ae3-tgijp-fundraising-campaign-2-thumbnail.jpg?w=1024&h=734 "TGIJP-Fundraising-Campaign-2-thumbnail - Writing by Ely Hibdon")![](https://elynhibdon.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/e7919-tgijp-fundraising-campaign-3-thumbnail.jpg?w=1024&h=809 "TGIJP-Fundraising-Campaign-3-thumbnail - Writing by Ely Hibdon") --- ### [My Hiking and Travel Blog](https://elynhibdon.net/blog/) **Published:** May 28, 2023 **Author:** Ely **Content:** Welcome to my hiking and travel blog about the Bay Area. Come here for anything about hiking, local travel and sustainability issues. Also, stay tuned for new projects. Please follow me on [LinkedIn](http://linkedin.com/in/elynhibdon), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/elynhibdon), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/eghibdon/) and [500px](https://500px.com/p/eghibdon). Also, see my [Home](/home/) and [About](/about/) pages for more about me. Have fun, and remember to comment below! - ### [Hike of the Week: Beautiful Lake Anza to Inspiration Point](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/) 2024-04-29 Tilden Regional Park has miles of great hiking trails and several attractions … Plus, it is transit accessible. [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-curran-trail-to-inspiration-point-loop/) - ### [Five Good Ways to Save Energy in Your Home in 2024](https://elynhibdon.net/five-good-ways-to-save-energy-in-2024/) 2024-02-10 Wouldn’t it be good to reach net-zero this year? While there is no bad time to improve the energy efficiency of your home, 2024 has… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/five-good-ways-to-save-energy-in-2024/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Crissy Field to Baker Beach](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-crissy-field-to-baker-beach/) 2023-11-10 For views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a lot of people, go here! Features piers and views of the Bay. [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-crissy-field-to-baker-beach/) - ### [Easy to Make Vegan Breakfast Favorite: Tofu Scramble](https://elynhibdon.net/easy-breakfast-tofu-scramble/) 2023-07-17 If you are unfamiliar with tofu, or simply need inspiration for good ways to cook it, I have recipe for an easy tofu breakfast. This… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/easy-breakfast-tofu-scramble/) - ### [Hike of the Week: San Bruno Summit Loop Trail](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-san-bruno-summit-loop-trail/) 2023-06-28 San Bruno Park, in the Peninsula, offers views of the city and preserved native species. Go here for a long hike any day of the… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-san-bruno-summit-loop-trail/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Slacker Hill and the Marin Headlands](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-slacker-hill/) 2023-04-29 The ideal time to see the Golden Gate Bridge is in April or early May, when the visibility is not obstructed by the winter rains… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-slacker-hill/) - ### [Hike of the Week: National AIDS Memorial Grove](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-national-aids-memorial-grove/) 2023-02-19 National AIDS Memorial Grove The rainy season is almost over, and I am getting back into the swing of things with my Hike of the… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-national-aids-memorial-grove/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Montclair Railroad Trail](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-montclair-railroad-trail/) 2022-12-30 Montclair is a small commercial district in the Oakland hills, a few miles away from Chabot Science Center and uphill from Piedmont. It flourished in… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-of-the-week-montclair-railroad-trail/) - ### [Please Participate in my Fundraiser. Details Here.](https://elynhibdon.net/please-participate-in-my-fundraising-campaign-details-here/) 2022-11-26 I started a GoFundMe Campaign Hi Everyone, This Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to my fundraising campaign. I am grateful for all the page views,… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/please-participate-in-my-fundraising-campaign-details-here/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Albany Bulb to Berkeley Marina](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-albany-bulb-mclaughlin-eastshore-state-seashore/) 2022-11-13 This week, there was only enough time for a short hike. I chose McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore, since it is easily transit accessible and easy… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-albany-bulb-mclaughlin-eastshore-state-seashore/) - ### [Valuable Business Software: WordPress / Bluehost Integration](https://elynhibdon.net/valuable-business-software-wordpress-bluehost-integration/) 2022-11-08 Overview Freelancers and small businesses prefer WordPress for a good reason. I learned more about website design in three months using WordPress than in the… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/valuable-business-software-wordpress-bluehost-integration/) - ### [All Hikes Need to be Transit Accessible](https://elynhibdon.net/all-hikes-need-to-be-transit-accessible/) 2022-10-30 I would like to briefly explain my rationale for starting this blog. First, I think hiking is fun, a good way to spend an afternoon,… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/all-hikes-need-to-be-transit-accessible/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Redwood Peak (Weekend Transit Access)](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-redwood-peak/) 2022-10-21 Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is just south of the one featured on the previous hike in Joaquin Miller Park. The redwoods… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-redwood-peak/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Joaquin Miller Big Tree Loop Trail](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-joaquin-miller-big-tree-loop-trail/) 2022-10-14 Joaquin Miller Park Located in Oakland, Joaquin Miller Park is a small, 500-acre hiking area and dog park known for its redwoods. It is named… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-joaquin-miller-big-tree-loop-trail/) - ### [Hike of the Week: North Berkeley Paths](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-north-berkeley-paths/) 2022-10-07 During the pandemic, the bus line that normally runs from Downtown Berkeley to Tilden Park was defunct. Now that it has returned it is of… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-north-berkeley-paths/) - ### [Hike of the Week: Tilden Golf Course to Picnic View](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-tilden-park-golf-course-to-siesta-valley/) 2022-10-07 One of the main attractions of Tilden Park is the proximity to other parks. This hike is useful as a jumping-off point into Siesta Valley… [Read more …](https://elynhibdon.net/hike-tilden-park-golf-course-to-siesta-valley/) [Next Page](/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron=1792190744.5160360336303710937500&query-9-page=2) --- ## Categories ### [Business to Business (B2B)](https://elynhibdon.net/category/business-to-business-b2b/) **Description:** These are posts about business to business (B2B) marketing. They include product reviews, sales pitches, and how-to manuals. This category establishes me as a B2B writer by providing examples of related content. Office spaces, payroll and accounting, and technology are all good subcategories for this. Also, I will talk about driving engagement. These are the topics businesses talk about. In addition to topicality, B2B posts should require another business as a target audience. This makes these posts difficult to market, since my family and friends have been my target audience in the past. I hope to grow my following slowly by marketing more to businesses, and pitching them directly. --- ### [Gonzo Journalism](https://elynhibdon.net/category/gonzo-journalism/) **Description:** Gonzo Journalists include their personal experiences and leave out any claims of objectivity. Unlike conventional journalists, they include themselves in the story as a participant as much as possible. It is the Gonzo journalist’s belief that there is no such thing as objectivity, and no such thing as not participating. In these posts, I tell stories which I think have significance to others. I cover significant events in history that also affected me, and hope to contribute to the understanding of events, society and civilization. But they are generally personal stories, because I understand that I, too, have a story to tell. --- ### [Hike of the Week](https://elynhibdon.net/category/hike-of-the-week/) **Description:** Hike of the Week – a weekly post about a particular hiking route in the Bay Area. Introduces you to hiking around the Bay with information about good routes and views. Provides route information and how to get to the parks and trails. Because I want to see everybody enjoying the outdoors, transit accessible hikes are preferred, and the directions will include transit directions as well as driving directions. Hikes can be in the East Bay, South Bay, San Francisco, and Marin County. They can include some of the following topics: astounding vistas, birding, good botanical tours, and local scenery. Anything outside that is worth hiking to is considered for a hike of the week post. Notable plants may receive attention in these posts, as well as birds and views. The posts will include photos of things to see along the way. Stay safe outdoors. Some hikes will have safety advisories, but this is not to discourage you from going on the hike. Enjoy the outdoors! --- ### [Opinion Pieces](https://elynhibdon.net/category/opinion-pieces/) --- ### [Outdoor Safety](https://elynhibdon.net/category/outdoor-safety/) **Description:** Safety is key to enjoying the outdoors. Everybody wants to have an enjoyable time, but if we do not account for outdoor safety issues then a fun hike or camping trip could end in disaster. What if I get poison ivy, or someone has an allergic reaction to something in the forest? What if we all get heatstroke? These are all risks that I am aware of and want to help you protect yourself from. These posts will give good advice on how to stay safe. It could include: Advisories on current risks and how to address them Product reviews on safety-related outdoor products Ideas for what to bring on every hike to be safe General safety advice for the new user. As always, enjoy your trip! --- ### [Poison Oak](https://elynhibdon.net/category/outdoor-safety/poison-oak/) **Description:** Poison Oak is one of the known risks of any outdoor trip. This category is to advise people who have a strong reaction to poison oak if it becomes particularly prolific in a given area, and to include safety advice for anyone traveling near the plants. --- ### [Sustainability](https://elynhibdon.net/category/sustainability/) --- ### [Uncategorized](https://elynhibdon.net/category/uncategorized/) --- ## Tags ### [birdwatching](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/birdwatching/) **Description:** Posts with this tag direct the reader to hiking areas with good wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in the field of birdwatching. Wildlife viewing is only one of the good reasons to hike, others include exercise and good views. Some people like to hike entirely to see the birds and other wildlife, others do not. The best places to watch wildlife or birdwatch are usually at wildlife refuges, since those places are designed to maintain wildlife. However, some other areas are equally good for this type of recreation. I report on the places that have the best opportunities. Most of the areas are also photography friendly. Some allow hunting. Check with the park itself for that information. --- ### [Botany](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/botany/) **Description:** Every outdoor activity includes plants, and some botany enthusiasts like to identify them as they hike. Understanding this, I create posts with botanical information about the various plants I see on the trails. The plants featured in these posts are usually native to the San Francisco Bay Area and have ecological importance here. But there are also non-native species that are considered weeds. These posts help you understand what is different about them. Each post will include photos of the plants and give you a brief overview of how to identify the plant, and what it is good for, and why it is important to the Bay Area ecology. --- ### [clean energy](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/clean-energy/) --- ### [climate](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/climate/) --- ### [energy](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/energy/) --- ### [food](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/food/) --- ### [good hikes](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/good-hikes/) **Description:** These are hikes around the San Francisco Bay Area that I select weekly for inclusion in my blog. They are always transit accessible. Most are in a large regional or national park with plenty of wide-open space. Some additional hikes will appear in quiet urban areas. They normally run three to eight miles, and name the elevation gain and degree of difficulty. I try to restrict myself to easy day hikes. I include transit accessibility information, and sometimes driving directions to the trail. Good views and the plant and wildlife viewing opportunities that exist in the park are highlighted, and I always include photos, and less often maps. --- ### [home improvement](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/home-improvement/) --- ### [HOTW](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/hotw/) --- ### [housing](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/housing/) --- ### [outdoors](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/outdoors/) --- ### [Product Reviews](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/product-reviews/) --- ### [recipes](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/recipes/) --- ### [recreation](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/recreation/) --- ### [safety](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/safety/) --- ### [San Francisco Bay Area](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/san-francisco-bay-area/) **Description:** My years living in the San Francisco Bay Area give me an opportunity talk about the recreational opportunities there. I will describe the area in these posts. These posts lead to good places to go in this area, with special attention to the outdoors. All the hikes in this blog are in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are interested in hiking, please see the “Hike of the Week” category. The hikes are of course featured here, as well. Good parks, restaurants, and neighborhoods are also featured in these posts. In the future I will publish posts about transit accessible attractions in the area for travelers and tourists. --- ### [save money](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/save-money/) --- ### [solar energy](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/solar-energy/) --- ### [South Bay](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/south-bay/) --- ### [Tilden Park](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/tilden-park/) --- ### [trails](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/trails/) --- ### [Transit Accessibility](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/transit-accessibility/) **Description:** Public transit can provide equal access to many things, including outdoor activities and cultural events, while also mitigating climate change. But sometimes transit directions are hard to find, with reviewers assuming everybody can drive and owns a car. Or they are incorrect. I have found incorrect transit directions at least twice. This can take an entire day of walking and makes it difficult to work up the initiative to have adventures. These posts will show at least one of: How to get to a place on public transit. How public transit can be improved. How public transit can improve the lives of its users. The intent here is to improve transit accessibility of the entire San Francisco Bay Area, and in this way ensure equitable access to the outdoors, goods, and services that the Bay Area has to offer. --- ### [urban hikes](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/urban-hikes/) --- ### [vegan](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/vegan/) --- ### [Vista Point](https://elynhibdon.net/tag/vista-point/) ---