Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez (Part 2) - Jan. 20, '11

Walking Distance: 2.8 mi. (estimate)
Walking Time: 43 min. (1:05 - 1:48 p.m.)
Start and End Point: Side of the Road, unpaved area, East of Cottage Garden Plants Nursery, Martinez, CA

I enjoyed continuing to walk along oak-shaded Franklin Canyon Road this afternoon. The sun was out and it was very pleasant to hear a stream nearby.

This gently winding, rural road was located between the stream mentioned above (and Highway 4, John Muir Parkway, further up a hill) to the North of the road -- and railroad tracks to the South of the road. Twice, trains passed closeby through thickets of oak and other trees. (One is pictured at right.)

A relatively broad setback meant that I felt comfortable walking on this road, even though the occasional cars and pickup trucks were passing by at 45 - 50 miles per hour.

However, bicycle riders should watch for small rocks that have rolled downhill from the hills onto the road in a few spots.

And, for animal lovers, you may catch glimpses of both regular-sized and miniature horses, llamas, cows, and some local birds between the tree branches.

Wildlife Sightings:
8 horses, 2 llamas, 2 miniature horses, 11 little brown jobs (LBJs), 1 turkey vulture, and 1 abandoned couch