Tarantulas Making An Appearance

Our staff at Los Vaqueros is reporting that they're starting to see some tarantulas on both sides of the reservoir. This photo was taken last week.

This is the time of year that we see the normally-reclusive and very hairy critters, as they hunt down potential mates.

So be on the lookout when you're at Los Vaqueros on the trails, or even driving.

From a distance, tarantulas look like a leaf tumbling across the trail. Up close, there's little doubt of what they are. Tarantulas will bite if provoked, so leave them alone, and they'll leave you alone. A tarantula bite is painful, but is not poisonous.

On race day (Oct. 24), we'll have Naturalist Mike Marchiano bring his live and mounted tarantulas out to the starting area, and answer all your questions about them.

We're Still Working On The Trails

We need to do some grading near the finish area at Kellogg Creek, but otherwise our trails are in good shape. Let us know if you see an area that needs work. Call (925) 688-8175 or jfreschi@ccwater.com.

Directional signs are up on all three courses, and mileage markers are up on the 5K & 10K course. We expect to have mileage markers on the half-marathon this weekend.

Can't Run or Walk, But Would Like To Help?


If you would like to volunteer to help with the run, we’d love to have you join us. We need help with the registration, the free kids’ 1K run, and helping with the aid stations on the course. Even if you can help only for a few hours, that would be great, we’ll have a job for you.

It’s a lot of fun.The runners are a nice bunch of people to work with and we’ll provide you with a fabulous t-shirt and a darn good meal.

For high school students, helping with the run can qualify for community service hours.

Call Jim Freschi at (925) 688-8175 or send an e-mail to: jfreschi@ccwater.com.

Stop in For Ice Cream on Saturday

Take a shot at making some great home made ice cream the way it was made in your great-grandma’s day – with a hand-cranked ice cream maker on Saturday, Sept. 26 at noon until about 1:30 p.m. Learn the history of this cold old-fashioned treat, and indulge yourself in some. You can create an ice cream sandwich, a root beer float or just a cup of ice cream. This is sure to be a cool time! Like all activities at the Interpretive Center, it's free.