First and second year students from the ESM program were recently marshaled by ESM Program Director and Trail Leader for the day, Fred Willington, on an expedition hike in Marin County just north of San Francisco. About twenty hikers gathered on a gray and misty Saturday morning at the Rock Spring Trailhead in Mount Tamalpais State Park, and set out on a casual march down Cataract Trail towards Laurel Dell Falls.

Roughly a mile down the trail, the route then diverted to the Mickey O’ Brien trail along Barth’s Creek leading to Barth’s Retreat. Thick foliage, waterfalls, wooden bridges, and unique forest fauna captivated the attention of everyone as they made their way along the trail past Potrero Camp, linking up with the Benstein Trail and finally culminating at the rustic and picturesque Mountain Theater for lunch. The hiking group, famished after an invigorating 3-hour trek, feasted on hoagies from Sweet Joanna’s Café as they discussed and bantered among themselves, and ruminated on the beautiful surroundings of northern California.

The ESM program thanks Fred for an entertaining and engaging experience, and the students for participating in this awesome hike and the memories made. See you all on the next one!