Osprey Days Field Trip to Mare Island

This outing will be led by artist, journal keeper, and calligrapher J.P. Panter Contact: (707) 287-1342) or Email. 

Morning walk details… This scenic vista loop on the south end of Mare Island provides lovely views at the hill-top summit ( about 300 feet, about 1.5 miles round trip). Along the way we pass by the historic cemetery, we might see a nesting pair of osprey (bring your binoculars), and we get the last view to the northwest of the old munitions magazines and all of San Pablo Bay. It is possible to see Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, and Mt. St.Helena  (or 60+ miles in all directions) We will be hiking through the shade of eucalyptus and oak trees however it is an exposed field at the top. There is a picnic area under shade trees at the old Groundskeeper’s ruins. There is a porta-john here, with more on order for the Osprey Days tours.

There may be ticks and rattlesnakes in late spring / early summer. The friendly folks at Mare Island also recommend bug spray. Bring sunblock, binoculars, a hat, and plenty of water. If there is wind: bring a second layer, a kite, bubbles, etc. There will also be a taco truck to get your fish tacos on if you choose. Will will potluck picnic together (you will be able to leave your potluck treat in the cars during the morning walk.

After lunch, we are going to re-locate 1.8miles to the historical center of the island where you can sketch on Officer’s row / Alden Park rare plants, or join in the St. Peter’s Chapel (Tiffany glass) tour. Meet by 1:30pm at Alden Park (look for the white gazebo), Mare Island, Vallejo CA We will walk down to St. Peter’s Chapel, home of 29 rare Tiffany Studios stained glass windows. The paid tour ($5.00 each person) will take about 1 hour. The Tiffany glass windows are in excellent condition and representative of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s desire to emulate watercolor and nature in his special Favril glass. While many of the windows do depict Christian stories and symbols, some do have birds and decorate motifs derived from nature. If you would like to participate in the chapel tour, please register here.

As we walk from Alden Park down Officer’s Row to and from the Chapel you will be able to see an interesting blend of Colonial American, 1920’s Art Deco era, and 1950’s architecture. Spread among the concrete bomb shelters on 3 acres in Alden Park are dozens of exotic trees planted between 1856 and 1990. (Yes, I have a photocopied guide sheet I can give you). There is shade and a nice mix of urban & natural things to sketch in this area.