Jack London Mountain Trail

I didn't even realize I lived within 30 minutes from Jack London's residence! Now part of Jack London State Historic Park, the cottage where this famous writer lived is accessible to public. I didn't get a chance to visit it on my first try, but hopefully when I come back I will get to walk where Jack London walked years ago. 

The park is filled with history and is very well marked. Some buildings are intact and could be visited from inside and outside. My main goal for today was to have a nice hike. Jack London Mountain Trail is one of the most popular ones, although I hardly saw anyone complete it today. I wonder if people now started to travel more beyond their state, so parks are not as overwhelmed as they were in the midst of the pandemic.

The parking lot is pretty large, and the park requires a $10 entry fee at the booth. There was lots of parking when I got there in the morning at 9 am (this is when the park opens) and when I left later in the early afternoon. The hike started out with some history as I visited a few buildings that belonged to the writer.

This was a destroyed winery area

The hike continued along the working winery and was initially pretty flat, but as soon as I got deeper into the forest, the elevation gain started to increase.

I enjoyed being in the forest again, walking on soft soil covered by pine needles combined with fallen leaves.

Pretty soon I saw several deer right by the train chowing down some tasty leaves from trees. They were cautious, but not really afraid. Clearly, I was not the first human they have seen.

I continued to the last part of the incline, exposed to the sun. The trail narrowed to almost nothing making me doubt myself whether I wanted to brush against tall grass fearing acquisition of ticks. I decided to take a chance given my long pants and high socks protection, but was also very careful looking out for snakes. The trail became really steep, but the destination was so close, it motivated me to push forward.

The end of the trail lacked culmination. While there was a bench and a nice view, I guess I expected something more significant.

Nevertheless, I sat on the bench enjoying the warmth of the sun and headed back. 

I knew that a reward was waiting for me - I preordered sushi and seaweed salad at Aji Sushi & Grill - both turned out delicious!