By Chris Murphy
Have you wondered where there are some good local hiking trails. Sure we have the Virginia Corridor and the Menninger Trail, but to really get out in the trees and the wild. There is a new book by local author Elaine Gorman.
Elaine taught science at Mark Twain Jr. High School and Roosevelt Jr. High School in Modesto, retiring in 2009. She has been a Yokuts Group Sierra Club outings leader for over 30 years, and is a Certified California Naturalist. She is an avid hiker and backpacker, and spends as much time as possible in the Sierra Nevada, Sierra foothills, Bay Area, and the San Joaquin Valley, exploring the wilderness and nature with her hiking pals.
VALLEY VENTURES offers 20 hikes that are easily accessible from Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The narrative hike descriptions include natural and cultural history, mileage, special attractions, directions/drive time, and hiking tips. All hikes are within a two-hour driving range, and include hikes in the San Joaquin Valley, the foothills, and eastern Bay Area.
“Valley Ventures” is available at Bookish bookstore in Roseburg Square, at the Great Valley Museum at MJC West Campus, and the McHenry Museum bookstore for about $15. Check it out and you will be inspired to go hike a trail.
