Mount Madonna: Hiking, history and gorgeous views

It's a great time of year for a visit to beautiful Mount Madonna, queen of the Santa Clara County parks. We'll start with an easy one-mile walk along the Miller Nature Trail led by docent Cait Hutnik. Listen to the mysterious echo in the old fountain circle, feed the albino deer. (Bring lettuce and carrots) Cait and I will probably give some sort of brief talk about controversial super-wealthy Henry Miller himself after viewing the ruins of his home. We'll add in a pot luck picnic lunch, and a three or four mile moderate hike on trail and road past the Giant Twins and out to a beautiful view overlooking the valley. The drive to Mount Madonna is beautiful. We could stop at a winery on the way home. Admittedly, I'd need to leave Sunnyvale at 7:30 and make a stop for south San Joseans at 8. I will only attend if at least one person is carpooling to share gas costs.