My first hike of the year for the Bay Area Six Peaks Challenge and I saw a bobcat for the first time about 1.3 miles in! I came around a corner and it was already running up the trail away from me (sadly it was too quick for a pic). It brought me to a stop as I tried to remember what I’m supposed to do. I have a little emergency alarm/noise maker on my pack so I grabbed that and my pepper gel and cautiously continued on. Luckily, no issues, but I spent the next half mile or so clapping my hands just in case.

After that excitement it was just a smooth nice hike. I spent some time at the top to eat some snacks and there was a group that had brought a full gourmet sounding charcuterie board and wine. They really know how to enjoy a hike lol! I might have to up my snack game on the next hike.