The Iron Horse Trail is a new, still-lengthening footpath that runs north to south through this neck of the woods, following the old South Pacific Railroad. It's 24.5 miles long, and as well as going slap-bang through the middle of Walnut Creek it goes right by Chevron HQ down in San Ramon. Having heard tales from Hannah of the legendary Chevron cafe, I thought I'd take the opportunity to walk down and meet her for lunch.
I jumped onto the trail at mile 8 (down by Wholefoods Market, just past Safeways) and headed off through some prime Californian real estate. After getting a little tangled with the I-680 I located the trail again and was on my way south.
I was not alone. Don't these people have jobs to go to? Actually they were mostly of the older generation, self-propelled on a variety of interesting exercise devices, greeting everyone with a cheery hello. There's the added bonus of being able to look into the gardens and swimming pools of some major houses. Until today I thought our flat was fairly luxurious.
I popped off the trail at mile 19 and made my way to Chevron reception. Despite looking like a crazed eco-warrior with my hat, shorts, boots, and rucksack (and Berkeley history) they issued me with a visitor's badge. I had to wait for Hannah to come and collect me though - no unaccompanied visitors on site.
The Chevron campus is huge, and beautiful, built around a central lake. The cafe was as described, and I enjoyed a Caesar salad "tossed to order". We sat outside, watching an employee game of beach volleyball, and took a walk around, admiring the various sculptures and enjoying complimentary Peet's coffee. Who'd have thought there was money in oil?
All too soon I was escorted from the premises by my wife. I decided to take the easy route back - bus to Walnut Creek BART. Unfortunately I have to wait for Hannah to arrive home before I get my foot massage.
A serious warning...
...hmmm. The Californian definition of "rough".
So pedestrian beats bike, but horse beats pedestrian, so horse is the winner? Thank goodness I didn't meet all three at the same time, I'd have been paralysed by logical deduction.
Local wildlife. Friendly.
I'm there! It was about 12.5 miles door-to-door, and you're not allowed to take photos in HQ itself. Still, not bad to have a road named after you.
