Stinson Beach and Matt Davis Trail - My Favourite - and Yours Too

NOTE: Rain cancels this hike.

My long awaited hike is here. It has been a very hectic (and emotional) year.

We meet at 11 & P at 6:45 and leave at 7 am. We leave early to get parking at the beach.

Carpool: We will arrange carpool at 11&P. Stay with your carpool if you have the same plans (staying later, etc) Please pay your driver at least $5.00/hour of driving or whatever the price of gas/galloon.

We will park at Stinson beach and hike up starting at Steep Ravine and have lunch at the Pantol Station Parking then hike down the easy Matt Davis Trail where we face the ocean with a panoramic view in front of us.
Additionally, I ask, "NO FLAKING" on your RSVP.
This is an all time favourite hike amongst many. Who can resist the trail winds of dull woodlands (only about a mile) that leads to panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the enigmatic city of San Francisco, the descend to the resort towns of Stinson Beach and the somewhat sheer climb to Steep Ravine all in one hike? Enjoy the chaparral covered hills, the old growth redwoods, the velvety moss concealing the trees and ultimately leading to the beach where we feel the placid ocean breeze onto our face and body.
It is a 7.3 mile loop of moderate ascend, about 1600 feet in elevation change. Duration is 4 to 5 hours. For more info about the trail, visit here. http://www.nrdc.org/greengate/outside/adv3.asp
NO DOGS ALLOWED AT THE PARK.
After lunch we will hike back down the easy trail of Matt Davis. Let’s hear the thundering waves, crashing surf and dance away into the swing of the twirling wind with the sun splashing its rays onto our face or just simply kick the sand under our feet.
Checklist for packing: Water, hat, sunscreen, lunch, light jacket, smile and positive attitude. Enjoy the company of your long time friends or make new friends.
Directions to the park: (99 miles, ~ 2 hours total. Take your time on the winding curves)
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

1. Head west on P St toward 11th St 0.7 mi
2. Keep left at the fork to continue toward CA-99 S 0.2 mi
3. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-80/US-50/CA-99/San Francisco/Fresno and merge onto CA-99 S 0.2 mi
4. Take the exit toward I-80 W/San Francisco 0.5 mi
5. Merge onto I-80 BUS W 0.5 mi
6. Merge onto I-80 W 3.1 mi
7. Take exit 33B to merge onto CA-37 W toward Novato/San Rafael 48.2 mi
8. Slight left to stay on CA-37 W 18.7 mi
9. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to San Rafael/San Francisco 18.7 mi
10. Take exit 445B for CA-1 N toward Stinson Beach 2.8 mi
11. Merge onto US-101 14.9 mi
12. Turn left onto CA-1 N 0.2 mi
13. Take the 2nd left to stay on CA-1 N 0.1 mi
14. Turn left to stay on CA-1 N 0.5 mi
15. Slight right onto Panoramic Hwy 1.2 mi
16. Slight left to stay on Panoramic Hwy 1.4 mi