Outline/Plan -- longer description (rev. 7-17-06)   Docents: Anita Zehnder, Mike Baird
Theme:  We gain inspiration and fully appreciate nature by pooling insights with like-minded companions on active hikes. 

Hike along a well-defined but at times steep single-track path, gaining about 1300 feet of elevation.  In these coastal scrub and chaparral  environments, you will discover many native shrubs and beautiful seasonal wild flowers.  Optionally bring binoculars to better view birds and the magnificent distance views of the mountains, sea, and bay.  By briskly hiking with other outdoor-loving companions, you will find that your knowledge and curiosity will mix with that of the others, and the expert training of qualified State Park docents, to provide an enriched unique experience, satisfying to both your body and your soul.  You may well meet others on this hike that you will run across again and again on other docent-led walks, making the outdoor experience even more enjoyable and valued.  When you are hiking and see something interesting in nature, you can appreciate it more if you can share and discuss your experience with others.  Some guests may  take photos and share them with others after these walks using Internet web sites and e-mail.  A topo map marked with our trail is shown at http://docents.info/images/topo-map-of-MDO-w-trails/

The docents will be prepared to discuss natural history topics as they come up, or may choose to give one or more short talks depending on the guests’ interests.  However, the hike will generally proceed with only a few very brief rest or interpretation stops to make sure we maintain an aerobic and healthy experience.  At the top of Valencia Peak we will rest for a snack for about 10-15 minutes, before returning on the same path to our starting point.  The hike will be paced to meet the needs and abilities of the participants.  This hike is conducted by two docents... one leading, and one following.  In this way, if any hikers need to proceed at a slower pace, or need to return without completing the loop, the follow-docent is available to assist those guests.  We invite suggestions for improving our hikes and walks, and we encourage your feedback and evaluation during and after the event.  Our objective is to make sure that you thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the natural beauty of our State Parks, and learn the importance of, and your role in, preserving these precious resources.

Related Resources:
A photo essay of Valencia Peak is online at http://morro-bay.com/outdoor/valencia/6-16-01hike.htm
Docent George Mason's 12-page Booklet: Self-Guided Geology Walk to Valencia Peak (Montaña de Oro State Park, CA)