Letter to Riptide: Fan Mail and a Snake Question

Hi. About 3 years ago, while visiting Rockaway Beach, we spoke with an art shop owner who told us the week before there had been tiny baby snakes along the fence going toward the quarry at the north end of the beach. They had apparently just hatched, and were coiled along the fence rails. Last year, we were by, and again had just missed them. Can you tell us anything about when they might hatch, especially if they are there this weekend? My husband would dearly love to take photos of
them, snakes being one of the few small critters he's missed getting photos of.

Also, we'd like to hike along some wilderness areas (yup, to take pictures), but they have to be pretty flat, because of some health issues for him, he's not able to go up and down hill right now. If you
have any suggestions for Pacifica, or elsewhere for that matter, we hail from Hayward, please let us know.

And last, I want to thank you for a great website! Very well put together, beautiful, helpful and inspiring. You're doing a fantastic job.

Sincerely,

Helen Cochems
(510) 537-2151
[email protected]

(Editor's Note: We thanked Helen for her nice note. That made our day. We suggested the old Weiler Ranch road in San Pedro Valley County Park for nearly level hiking. If you know anything about the baby snakes, please contact Helen.)

Comments

[Larry Arndt]

Another good hike that's relatively flat is Milagra Ridge: http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park.asp?park=58. There is a paved trail leading through the coastal scrub that ends up at one of the old military sites with a spectacular view of Pacifica and the Pacific. Although wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, we've seen red tailed hawks, harriers, kestrels, kites, ospreys, various local sparrows, Audubons warblers (aka butterbutts), deer, coyotes, and a bobcat. The Spring wildflower show is about to begin up there, and there should be a lot of color in the next couple of months.