Along the way, mergansers, seagulls, harbor seals, and an occasional leopard shark will keep you company. A good place to pull in for a rest before returning is Indian Beach, easy to identify by the log tepee on the sand. Reservations are recommended for weekends. While property values in the Peninsula's Portola Valley have spiraled out of control, the calming presence of Windy Hill seems to keep things in perspective. This gentle giant has 1,132 acres of open space for avid hikers and kite-fliers.
Pizzas emerge from the oven with crackly crusts and oozing cheese, sausage, and veggies.
Penne Sylvia, with mushroomy tomato sauce and a touch of cream, is big enough to share, as is the crunchy Caesar salad. There's also quiche for the light eater and grilled rib-eye for the ravenous. Go through the intersection, turn right into the strip mall, and park. Although there's a parking area for Windy Hill on the ridgetop along Skyline Boulevard, this hike starts from the base. Watch for the Windy Hill sign and turn into the parking lot on the right.