The spectacular view will make the 0.7 mile round trip from the Coyote Hills parking lot worthwhile. It's mostly uphill to reach the cache, but the trail is in good condition.
If you can see the Dumbarton Bridge to the Southwest, a picnic table to the West, and the very top of a wooden power pole to the East, you're in the right spot. Enjoy watching the birds of prey that often circle overhead in this area.
The spectacular view can only be enjoyed if you properly protect your eyes at work and home. If you look carefully, you can see NASA Ames Research Center across the Bay. Ames Research Center is home to the National Full-Scale Aerodynamic Complex (NFAC), the world’s LARGEST wind tunnel. NFAC workers conduct a hazard assessment prior to each activity to determine the type of eye and face protection that might be required. A wide variety of personal protective equipment (PPE) choices are then available for them to complete their work in a safe manner.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), each day there are approximately 2000 U.S. workers with job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment. More than 100 of these injuries result in lost work days. The majority of these injuries result from:
- Small particles or objects striking the eye, such as slivers of wood or metal, nails, and staples.
- Chemical and thermal burns to the eyes
- UV radiation (welders)
- Infectious disease via ocular exposure
Just like the NFAC workers, you too can easily prevent eye and face injuries through safe work practices, and personal protective eyewear such as safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and full face respirators. The eye and face protection chosen for specific work situations depends upon the nature and extent of the hazard, the circumstances of exposure, other protective equipment used, and personal needs.
If you enjoyed this view today, you've been doing a good job of protecting your eyes. Keep up the good work.