49.07 California: San Ramon: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.

We planned to arrive in San Ramon, a city we might have heard of but never knew anything of. Our research of its hiking opportunities proved exciting and worth trying our feet and other body parts on its slopes. After visiting children and a grandson in Oakland for a few days, we diverted to this city that had remained off our radar. Thus far, we have been pleasantly surprised by both the built-up areas and of course, hiking opportunities. It proves the point over-and-over again: While we love the national and large state parks including the many special regions of opportunities, there are so many out-of-the-way features elsewhere, too. This is another of them. 

The rolling fields are lovely but more steep than merely 'rolling'.
"Hands on hips might work with me, but not that fella, Sweetheart."
Faced with various options, the 'bangbroek' (an Afrikaans word), sidesteps the path. Was trying to explain to 'bangbroek' that the fella's history with women goes back thousands of years. Apparently, she didn't buy it.
Meantime, back at the ranch, I gave up singing "I Talk to the Trees" and switched, hopefully, to a more understanding and sympathetic audience. Fortunately, there was no bull today...for a change. 

The slopes were steep. 

"I may have the phone with me but I'm not calling Uber. Forget it!"
Eventually, she makes her way up a particularly steep section to reach our destination peak. She didn't even offer a tip. 

  One of the views from the peak, in icy winds.
After a steep climb, she's sitting on principle, she tells me. Tried to explain it's actually the surveyor's mark. I hate it when the snakes set her off in a mood. This issue with Eve and the serpent was never resolved ideally. (Mount Diablo in background-see below.) 

This photograph taken from summit of Mount Diablo a few days later, after much sweating.
I told her: "It's a mere walk in a park'. She gazes about to determine the park boundaries.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey