A few weeks ago, I was in California during my daughter’s spring break, looking at colleges. While there, I found the first 5+ mile run where I could view the entire route at the start, from beginning to end. The location was the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge…a short drive from our hotel in Newark, CA.
The refuge has a trail network on the levees with flat dirt trails that allow you to run through the marshlands and mudflats, seemingly out into the Bay. Plenty of bird life…but I only recognized the geese, cranes and ducks. I suppose I should learned to be a better bird watcher. Along the way, two geese landed on the levee ahead of me and decide to run with me for a short distance.
At the end of the run (or the beginning), depending on which way you decide to go, you can get a decent hill climb up the hillock which overlooks the Bay.
What this trip to California reminded me is that there’s a great park or place for a hike or run wherever you go.
When I finished up at the base of the hillock, I noticed this little guy (and many of his brothers), waking up on this dewy morning on the trail. Plenty of food for birds.
Map of the run:
