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HomeCalendarPARK TO PARK WALK: The Rock Formations of Indian Rock,Mortar Rock & Grotto Rock Parks

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PARK TO PARK WALK: The Rock Formations of Indian Rock,Mortar Rock & Grotto Rock Parks

When:
Monday, July 12, 2021, 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM
Where:
Meet at Peet's Coffee
1825 Solano Ave
Berkeley, CA  
Additional Info:
Event Contact(s):
Shirley Jowell
510-525-7012 (p)
Category:
Nature Walk
Registration is recommended
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Rain cancels
No Fee



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PARK TO PARK WALK: Indian Rock, Mortar Rock, and Grotto Rock Parks - 3 Parks within 1 mile- Mild incline walk   
RSVP Recommended to Shirley 510-525-7012, sajowell@icloud.com so we know to look for you. Self registration is also available 

When: Monday, July 12 10am - 12 noon

Where: Meet at Peet's Coffee 1825 Solano Ave., Berkeley

Open to: Members and their guests, and Volunteers 

Accessibility: Not accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.  

Description:   We will meet at 10 AM at Peet's Coffee 1825 Solano Ave, where restrooms are available across the street at Andronico's Market.  This walk takes us to three parks within one mile - a slow incline, but manageable because we take breathing stops whenever there is a need (175 feet incline).  These popular parks are made of volcanic rock formation, and were used by American Indians for many centuries (more history below).

We will walk down Solano,  cross Alameda Ave and meander up a couple of paths to Indian Rock, which is popular with beginner rock climbers, and has spectacular views of the Bay. We can visit Indian Rock Park across the road, and then visit Mortar Rock, with  several Indian grinding rocks, a ten-minute walk away.   The last segment to Grotto Rock, covered in native plants, is a quarter mile further.  We will return to Alameda and Solano Avenues, where there are numerous restaurants to choose from, if anyone would like to have lunch, or return to the Ashby Village office.  

Parking: - There is metered parking on Solano, Alameda, and Colusa, and free parking higher up on Colusa and surrounding streets.  Plan accordingly to return to your car  to escape parking meter deadlines!

More history: Indian Rock Park was a gift to the City of Berkeley from Mason-McDuffie Real Estate Company during its development of the Northbrae area. It was dedicated for park purposes in 1917. Dick Leonard, the “father of modern rock climbing,” and noted environmentalist David Brower, founder of Friends of the Earth, learned rock climbing and developed their mountaineering techniques at Indian Rock. Brower used this special knowledge to prepare training manuals during World War II, which proved critical in enabling the 86th Regiment of the U.S. Army to surprise the Germans at Riva Ridge in the North Appennines in Italy, the major action disrupting German lines in southern Europe.

What to bring: Good walking shoes, layered clothing for variable weather, water, windbreaker. 

Transit:  The 18 and 79 buses stop on Solano at Colusa — five minutes walk from Ashby Village on Catalina Ave. Let us know if you need a ride, or contact Ashby Village for a volunteer ride service.


Covid-19 Precautions:
As it is outdoors, If you are vaccinated, you don’t need to wear a mask. If you are not vaccinated, you must wear a mask.

 


 

 

 






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