Sonoma Valley’s hiking duo Bill & Dave still waiting for county approval

Bill & Dave still hiking solo, as county won’t allow ‘group outings’ during slow recovery period.|

The first Bill & Dave’s Hike in three months was scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 6, at Annadel-Trione State Park. That hike, like several others before it, is canceled.

It was supposed to welcome the return of Bill Myers and David Chalk to county trails, and to acknowledge their retirement from leading the hikes. They stepped aside from that role effective in May, but there hasn’t been a hike for the pair and their loyal followers since April.

They started leading the hikes in 2000, since 2005 in conjunction with Sonoma County Regional Parks. They had hoped to return to the trails this month, with the program’s new leader Alexis Puerto-Holmes, a Regional Parks program manager.

Their official retirement was supposed to be on May 9, a 20th anniversary hike and barbecue party. But that event also fell victim to the coronavirus crisis.

“Group outings aren’t yet allowed, so this is canceled,” said Meda Freeman, a spokesperson for Regional Parks. “Sorry for any confusion. Hopefully things will start to loosen up a bit soon.”

The planned June 6 hike was classic Bill & Dave: a 7.7 mile outing with a total elevation gain of about 870 feet, much of the terrain consists of gently rolling slopes of moderate difficulty.

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