There are a number of hiking and mountain biking trails in the area of Lagoon Valley Lake and the Peña Adobe. In my search to find a path toward Jack Hume Grove, I stumbled upon the Malaka Trail. It took me across a creek and up the side of a steep, oak-studded hill that sits right next to Interstate 80. It seemed amazing to me that I could be on this beautiful hiking trail and yet be so near to eight lanes of vehicles whizzing past.

Once at the top of the hill, I could see the redwood grove I was searching for — and plenty of other great views of the surrounding countryside. I even spotted a collection of colorful ceramics on the opposite side of the interstate that I’ve never noticed while traveling by at freeway speeds.