GREEN TRAIL PART TWO
So we pick up where we left off last month, on Congress Road, ready to walk the rest of the Green Trail. The second part is about as long as the first, maybe longer, but it is relatively flat and much of the hike is along the ocean. I was by myself this time as school has started and my sons are ensconced in their classes, thank God. As usual remember to bring a copy of the trail map, some water, a hat, cell phone, and a light jacket just in case the misty fog rolls in. The beginning of this part of the Green Trail is along the Dunes course of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and they are in the midst of a very large upgrade/construction project which does affect one’s ability to access parts of the trail.
So to begin with, cross Congress Road and the trail will immediately go straight down with the Dunes course on your left and homes on the right. I felt a bit odd at this point as I was very close to the homes and felt like I was in their backyards, which I basically was, and was happy when I got deeper in the trees and the homes receded. The trail gets deep in forest and bush in Sawmill Gulch until you come to Colton Road. Here is where having a map comes in handy as the trail is not right across the street and you have to decide which direction to go to find the trail head. Go right and you go wrong. I had my map and realized it was up the road to the left. The trail quickly continues down Sawmill Gulch and you can quite imagine what it would be like in a heavy rainstorm. If El Nino does show up this year, I am going to head to this spot to watch the running water.
It is on this part of the trail where I ran into construction barriers and disruptions to the trail which necessitated some off trail hiking through some patches of poison oak. It does appear that they are making quick progress on the Dunes course and I am sure that the trail will be back to normal in no time. Follow the trail to the “Four Corners” of Mission, Sloat, 17 Mile Drive, and Forest Lodge Road where you will see the trail marker across the road. A quick trip by part of the Dunes course and part of Spanish Bay course and you will find yourself headed to the ocean part of the trail. The trail here just follows along the ocean shoreline until you get past Seal Rock.
Once past Seal Rock and Spyglass Hill Road look for the trail to cross the road as you head up towards Dude Leap and back up to the ocean view section of the Loop Trail that I wrote about in my first article. As you follow the trail it will gently take back to the Equestrian Center. So that is the Green Trail. I do want to hike it all in one shot to see how long it takes. The first part is definitely harder on the legs and much more of a walk in the forest. The second part is mainly along the water and easier on the legs.
If anyone is interested in doing any of these hikes and would like to join me or you have any questions please just email me at Patrick.ryan@sothebyshomes.com ….Cheers!
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