The plan was to get lost for our third and final week at Discovery Park. Just south of the North Parking Lot, the popular Loop Trail branches off into a network of lesser traveled paths through the forest above the valley. We ran these trails for a bit before emerging at Discovery Park Blvd, where we cut west and then north again to reenter the forest. After a bit of winding through some more minor trails, we found ourselves at the familiar crossroads of the Loop Trail and the Hidden Valley Trail.
From the northern bluff, we took the moderately steep path down the North Beach trail to the shore, relaxed on the beach for 30 seconds, and then promptly climbed back up the stairs to the top of the bluff.
We then took an unmarked trail northeast, which turned out to be impassable due to erosion. Fortunately, we were able to scramble up and down some steep rises while clinging to roots and branches, and made our way along the precarious path to our destination at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.
Following the usual dance of pushups and uchikomi, we had quite the party at 9:30 am. About 30 of us enjoyed a feast of sandwiches, pumpkin bread, taiyaki, pickled cucumbers, watermelon, and grapes from Miki, Kozue, Maki, Karen and Leslie, and a special treat of ohagi from Mae’s dad. We made good use of Sensei Karen’s volleyball net, and Chanae gave some private lessons to our up-and-coming volleyball star.
