Climbing the Mountain - A ride to Mt Hamilton's Lick Observatory

[numbunz]

These are photos from my first motorcycle ride up Mt. Hamilton. The journey took a lot less time than I remember from my childhood so many years ago. If you like curves, they are the joy that is Mt. Hamilton Road. Just beware of sand, rocks and oncoming vehicles on your side of the double yellow line.

#1 This hairpin near the summit was sharper than it initially appeared.

#2 Wildflower view up to the observatory:

#3 Looking back at the writhing road:

#4 Self-portrait in the corner mirror:

[numbunz]

#5 My K75 at Lick Observatory:

#6 A very accomplished gentleman:

#7 Mini-Me at the Observatory:

#8 Upcoming curves on San Antonio Valley Road:

[numbunz]

The Junction – bar, diner and social center located at the junction of Mines, Del Puerto Canyon, and San Antonio Valley Roads.

[motorrad]

Originally Posted by numbunz

The Junction – bar, diner and social center located at the junction of Mines, Del Puerto Canyon, and San Antonio Valley Roads.

Hey, nice pics. I've been scoping this route out on the map as a possible detour around Oakland on trips from Monterey up to the Sac area. Looks well worth the detour and much more fun ride if time is not an issue. Plus, I'm an astronomy buff. Do they let you in the observatory to look around?

Thanks for sharing.

[z_bassman]

Wait a minute. I've seen these somewhere else. Did you post these on another forum? BARF? SBR?

[motowriter]

Very nice post, Pamela!! Excellent pix. Looks like a place to put on the list if I ever manage to ride west and cross the valley. Thanks for posting!

Gary

[numbunz]

Originally Posted by motorrad

Hey, nice pics. Do they let you in the observatory to look around?

Lick Observatory is open Monday-Friday from 12:30-5:00pm, and Sat-Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm. It is closed at night after 5pm, and they don't want people going up there after dark since it interferes with the telescope research.

In the main building are exhibits with photos, paintings, implements and artifacts (including some cool looking meteorites). Free 15-minute talk and guided tour of the Great Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome begins each half hour starting at 1:00pm on weekdays and 10:30am on weekends, with the last one at 4:30pm. A short walk north is the Shane Dome where you can see the 120-inch Reflector and related displays.

Additional photos from this ride are posted on the SBR forum.

[z_bassman]

Originally Posted by numbunz

... Additional photos from this ride are posted on the SBR forum.

I knew I'd seen them somewhere else!