Coastwalk

With longer, warmer days in the offing, now is the perfect time to stretch your legs on a daylong hike in Bay Area open space. If you’re really feeling ambitious, you could join the grand walk being planned by Coastwalk—a trek along the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail (CCT). June 3 is the kickoff date for a hike down the entire length of the CCT. Some hikers are committing to go the distance; others will join in for a few days in a specific area. Coastwalk, founded in 1986, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the deveopment, preservation, and promotion of the CCT. With an army of over 200 volunteers, Coastwalk sponsors coastal cleanup days, trail workdays, and guided outings. The purpose of this summer’s hike is to field-check the route, publicize the trail, and raise funds for Coastwalk. In each county, a day will be designated for local residents to join the long-distance hikers. To find out when the hikers will be in your area, contact Coastwalk at (707) 829-6689 or visit www.coastwalk.org. Speaking of Coastwalk, Sunset magazine recently honored cofounder Richard Nichols with one of its 2003 Environmental Awards for his extraordinary work in Western conservation as well as his ability to inspire others. Of the eight honorees, Nichols was the only one from the Bay Area. Congratulations, Richard!