My tireless and enthusiastic hiking companion Michelle McKenzie (Above left, and left) did a five mile hike as easily as one might mail a letter in the mailbox down the street. 

Below right is downtown Walnut Creek from Shell Ridge.
if you look very closely, in about the center of the oak tree photo on the left, you may spy a colorful woodpecker
Shell Ridge Open Space (Walnut Creek, CA)
hike on 1-20-2008
To find out more about Shell Ridge, link to City of Walnut Creek Open Space page, or one by Leonard Barton on Shell Ridge.