January 3, 2005

Here in Sunol we all seemed to survive the holiday hustle and bustle just fine. The kids are back in school today and it's a brand new year.

Most of us make New Years resolutions and it usually includes something about getting healthy or staying healthy or being more healthy. Fortunately for those of us who live in the Sunol area, we have an abundance of hiking and biking trails literally in own our backyards.

My most favorite places to hike include the trails on the Pleasanton Ridge, most notably the northern part of the Ridgeline Trail. It can be a little challenging getting to the top of the ridge but very rewarding when you are sitting on the little bench located on a hill overlooking the entire valley. The view, especially on a clear, crisp, sunny winter day is very beautiful. Sometimes while driving on nearby Highway 680 I take a quick glance up the hill near the Bernal Avenue exit just to see the bench at the top.

Another favorite place to hike is the Sunol Regional Wilderness. The Little Yosemite trail is a nice, easy hike and a very popular destination, but it you are up to it try taking a different, longer but very rewarding route to Little Yosemite by way of the Canyon View Trail. I found this trail to be less populated and it offers a more spectacular view, especially during the spring when the wildflowers are abundant.

There are many, many miles of beautiful trails to explore very close to home, so get out there and take a hike!

Sunol Glen School's music department was very pleased with the numerous musical instrument donations it received in response to my column's request a few weeks ago. More slightly used musical instruments are still very much needed and your donation is tax deductible. For more information or if you would like to donate an instrument and need to have it picked up, please contact Lori Nielsen at 925-862-2970.

While we are on the subject of music, Kevin Matlock welcomes all persons interested in drumming to join him at the Little Brown Church of Sunol on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the church's sanctuary. No experience is necessary and you do not have to be a member of the church to attend. All are welcome and in fact most of the drumming participants live outside Sunol. Please bring your own drum if you wish or you can use one of the many that Kevin has to offer.

I had the opportunity to chat with Fenestra Winery owners, Lanny and Fran Replogle over the holidays and their Livermore winery is preparing for their annual "Souper Bowl". Visit the winery on January 22 - 23rd to sample their wines paired with mouth-watering soups and homemade breads.

Besides being successful winemakers since 1976, this couple has enjoyed being Sunolians for about 17 years. Married for 46 years, their son Eric Replogle and daughter-in law Robin and two grandkids also live in Sunol. Son Steven resides in Chicago.

Sunol citizens and neighboring city residents concerned about the proposed waste disposal site being built near Andrade Road are encouraged to attend a weekly meeting held every Tuesday evening at Sunol Glen School's cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. For more information please go their website, www.stopthedumpinsunol.org.