Rancho to Ridge Winery annual expedition

This has become an annual tradition on the first day after setting the clocks back – when we have an extra hour of sleep! Departing from our usual weekly hiking location at Rancho San Antonio makes the start familiar. But soon after transitioning to the “new section” the trail gets much steeper as we climb past a quarry and then onto the Black Mtn Trail. We lucked out with beautiful sunny day, except that made it kinda warm.

After reaching the summit and pausing for pictures and snacks, we continued across the ridge to the Waterwheel Trail and then Monte Bello Rd, where we met our shuttle drivers. Down the hill for a picnic at Picchetti and then back up the hill to Ridge for a fine wine tasting to cap the day. Lots of fun and a great group of people who joined us (that were not doing the challenge).