But then I started walking elsewhere and later we moved, and it's been more than 10 years since I walked up there. So one day while Cyndi was getting drunk with Monte and Shirley, I hiked up again.
I found it much the same. Better signs and quite a few more people enjoying the views were about the only changes I found.
No one knows why it is named "Sweeney" but it is. Discovery Point is at the top of the ridge, where the Spanish discovery of the Bay is commemorated. And it's one of the few places on the Peninsula where you can see both the ocean and the bay from one spot.
The easiest way to get to Sweeney Ridge is to drive down I-280 to Sneath Lane, head west past the San Francisco County Jail (located in San Mateo county ... the San Mateo county jail is located in Santa Clara county ... don't ask how I know this stuff) ... past the jail to the end of the road and hike up the hill. Nice views along the way and from the top but I've mostly just included pictures of little things I found interesting.
Like this grass against the sky
There were these red things growing all over the area. Again, I just like the colors and contrasts
Or this moss growing in a dead tree
Why not another one like that?
There are isolated groves of eucalyptus trees along the way up. I like their colors and scent. I could only include the colors; you'll have to visit to get the scent.
The colors in that last one makes it my favorite.
Here are some leaves.
And finally a couple of views. First, Linda Mar with Pedro Point and the new Devil's Slide bypass tunnel.
And looking the other direction, a nice view of Mount Diablo.
And Cyndi's favorite part of the walk up: the Fog Line. And the fog does end pretty much exactly here. When we first moved to the Bay Area, we were surprised the fog was so predictable. Later, we learned to expect it.
