--George Macaulay Trevelyan, "Walking"

During the past year, many readers took time to e-mail me with questions or comments on the Weekly Walker. This week I will feature those of general interest to our countywide readers.

Q. "I am an avid fan of your column. . .and am interested in finding a local hiking club or group. If you know of any groups--it can be very casual--I would very much appreciate you e-mailing me some information." C.C., San Bruno

Q. "I read your column in the Independent occasionally, and I'm wondering if you've ever published or gathered together all of your columns in one publication." L.C., Belmont

Many of you have enjoyed the Web site, and my son Tim (my Web master) and I are always interested in your suggestions for improvement. For those who want maps, they may be added someday, but in the meantime, most parks and open space area have "Take One" maps at the trailhead. Or buy a copy of "Peninsula Trails" by Rusmore, Spangle and Crowder, published by Wilderness Press. It is filled with great hiking ideas, and it has maps. For those who suggest pictures, I may get digitally connected someday, but my first preference is to enjoy the walk, letting my mind's eye be the camera.

Q. "I just wanted to say that I've enjoyed your articles for several years. I have a binder full of clipped-out articles. Your Web site is a great improvement. Our family uses your hikes on a regular basis. Please keep up the good work." B.H., Foster City

A. Thanks for your encouraging words. For the latest, see your midweek issue of the Independent. Now that Web master Tim has a real job, we sometimes fall back on Web site updates. But be assured that all the published walks will find their way to the Web site.

Q. "In my local walks, I've encountered weird spiders, lizards, snakes. I'm a plant person myself, but I'd sure like to learn more about the local fauna. Is there some book or other source you could recommend? I'd be interested in a fairly complete work." D.E., Redwood City

A. I feel the same need, but I don't have anything to suggest. Perhaps a reader can recommend a good reference on local fauna. For flora, my favorite remains "Plants of the Coast Redwood Region" by Lyons and Cooney-Lazaneo, published by Looking Press, Boulder Creek, Calif.

Q. " I love the weekly walks in the Independent. My mother and I have done many of them. She is 77 and quite a walker. The Web site is also very well done. I wanted info on several of the San Mateo County walks, and I got 'URL, not found.' What does that mean?" D.S.

A. Our family is well focused. I walk and write with my wife, who walks and types. Son Tim is the Web master. Any technical questions like "URL" are directed to him. Just click on his name at the bottom of the screen, and ask your question. He'll get back to you. As you now know, this is a family project, the continuation of which depends on the four tasks of walking, writing, typing, and webbing being completed in order and on time.

Q. "We enjoyed the Milagra Trail this weekend. Your directions were excellent, and so was the sunny weather. We probably would not have found this without you!"

A. Your hike suggestions are always welcome. A friend suggested Milagra Ridge, and a great hike it is. But I won't take credit for the weather--good or bad.

Q. "I enjoy reading your weekly column in the Independent about walking trails, etc., but wish that you would include more sites that DO allow dogs rather than the majority that DO NOT. Those of us who enjoy taking ourselves and our dogs out for exercise would greatly appreciate knowing some new areas, not just 'dog parks.'" S.N., Stanford

Q. " Do you stick to 'No Dog' spots because: 1) you don't have a dog and don't care, or 2) 99 percent of all parks in this area in fact don't allow dogs? M.D., Belmont

A. I've found that dog owners are indeed a passionate group., We had a Dalmation for 15 years--greatest running dog ever. She (Abby) had a bad habit of picking up and running with very large rocks or very long sticks in her mouth. What great fun we had.

The problem is that many trails are posted "No Dogs," and probably for good reason. But there are many trails and parks that allow dogs on leash and a few (Pulgas Ridge) that have off-leash areas. Check our Web site under "Dog Walks," and you'll find many suggestions. If you have a favorite dog run, let me know, and I'll share it with others.