L'Shana Tova! -- Planning (way) ahead for a sweet New Year?  We'll promise some sweet trail snacks if you mark your calendars for Oct 20th.  A dozen of us did this hike last year and had a great time.  This time around, Sara Selis has volunteered to co-lead this hike (YAY! -- for the rest of you.... see how easy this can be!)

Sunday, 20 October 2013 -- Hidden Villa (9:30 am for carpooling from Etz; or meet at Hidden Villa by 10 am)

Directions from Etz Chayim to Hidden Villa, Los Altos Hills (http://goo.gl/maps/5igIA) -- 18 minutes

I've attached the Hidden Villa map -- This will be a minimum of 4.0 miles with an elevation gain of 700 feet.  We will hike up the Creek Trail continuing up the Ewing Hill Trail to the Black Montain Trail.  The shortest/easiest return is via the Black Mountain, Hostel, Grapevine, and Creek trails.  But, depending on who is signed up and how energetic the group feels, this is a flexible route that allow us to continue up toward Black Mountain to add a bit more distance and some spectacular views.  As always, carry water, a snack, sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses.  If it is cold, carry warm layers

Time -- Meet at the Etz parking lot at 9:30 am (anyone carpooling, we will provide the parking passes; we are given free passes since we donate annually) or meet at the Hidden Vila parking lot at 10:00 am (next to the Information Kiosk; see map).  We should be finished hiking by 12:30, but to some extent that depends on the weather and who is on the hike.   As always, there is the possibility of an optional lunch following a hike.

RSVP, esp if you plan to carpool.

Steve & Emily & Sara