Fitness-minded women at Title-9 Sports launched this women's hiking group in 2003. They promoted fast-paced walking and challenging hikes as a wonderful way to stay in shape. Since then, our hikes have provided structure, great companionship, and exposure to the East Bay Regional Parks. In the rainy season, we hit the streets, urban paths, staircases, and paved trails.

In Jan., 2006, Title 9 bowed out, and we began organizing hikes through this website. We welcome new and veteran Wanderers who can contribute their enthusiasm and favorite routes. Except for special occasions, we prefer no men, dogs, or kids.

Hikes run 1.75 to 2 hours. Most routes are easy to moderate, but we do tackle more difficult ones and walk BRISKLY. An ideal hike includes some challenging hills with easier sections between them. Some of us use hiking poles to help us power up hills and maintain balance and stability on descents. We usually have extras if you'd like to try them.

We alternate leading. Count on 2-3 turns a year, using the calendar on this site to signup and tell the location of your hike. Repeats are ok if not too close. Post a detailed preview of your hike by the preceding Sunday night using these definitions from East Bay Trails, by David Weintraub:
* Easy: flat route with insignificant hills; possible to maintain 4- to- 4.5-miles-per-hour pace.
* Moderate: significant gain and/or loss of elevation; can be completed at a steady, albeit slower, pace.
* Difficult: challenging hills, more exertion and heart thumping; requires rest stops.

Include clear driving and parking directions (some are archived under Files), bathroom availability, and a cell #. Please post an rsvp so the leader will know the size of the group to judge her timing and the need for a sweeper.

ARRIVE IN TIME FOR A ROUTE RAP AND INTROS AT 8:25 AND 8:30 DEPARTURE. We stick to that schedule; late comers may be on their own. Cell phone reception can be spotty in the parks.