Travels and Adventures: April 2011

Saturday, April 30, 2011

My trip so far....

So, yesterday, I got in my car, and set out on the road. Destination: San Francisco. The drive went pretty smooth, for the most part. I made it to San Francisco around 10:30, and then went across the Golden Gate Bridge and stopped at the Vista Point on the north side in Sausalito. I had decided to walk across the bridge prior to going on this trip (actually had wanted to do it for years). I thought, time-wise, it would be best to go halfway, then turn around. But once I was on the bridge, and made it to the first support tower, I thought, what the heck. Might as well go all the way. And, so I did. It was a beautiful day, and not much wind. I did forget to put on the sunscreen, and I paid for it. My nose is as red as Rudolph's. So, I made it to the south side, took a break, and then walked back across to my car. Mission accomplished.

After I finished my bridge walk, I set out for Point Reyes National Seashore. I stopped at the Bear Valley Visitor Center first, to get my mandatory souvenirs, and then set out for the beach area. My favorite spot to hike there is Chimney Rock. It's about a mile to the Chimney Rock viewpoint, which isn't far. BUT, there is the wind to contend with. And unlike on the Golden Gate Bridge, this was some real wind. Gusty winds that nearly knocked me off my feet. But I found what I was looking for...the Hairy Star Tulip (aka White Pussy Ears), a small flower that grows around Point Reyes. In fact, lots and lots of flowers were in bloom: Blue Violets, Checker Mallow, Lupine, Buttercups, Indian Paintbrush, Douglas Iris, California Poppy, and lots more. 2 miles in winds gusting 30-50 mph, with a runny nose and an ear aching from the cold, feels more like 10 miles - lol. But it was beautiful there, and I had a nice hike nonetheless.

On the drive back into Petaluma, I nearly hit a deer. I mean, very very nearly (like inches away). My poor heart was racing! I imagine Bambi's heart was racing too! That deer was lucky to get away with her life. And my car was lucky to not end up with a smashed in front end! Wow. Earlier, on my way into the park, 2 deer jumped in front of me and I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting them too. I think my car is a deer magnet - lol.

After all the walking around, I was hungry, So I checked into my hotel and then went to Negri's in Occidental for some much needed dinner (I hadn't eaten since 5:30 that morning, and here it was almost 8 pm). The food was awesome. The Minestrone soup was soooo good. I went there once when I was a kid. I had almost forgotten how good their food is.

This morning, I got up and drove to Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa for a little morning walk. I hadn't been to that park before. I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend there, so I was only able to take a short walk before turning back. I will have to check out that park again one of these days. After the park, I got some breakfast and then set out for Mt Diablo State Park in Walnut Creek. I went in at the north gate to venture up to the summit. Lots of bikes in the park and lots of curves, so you have to go slow. You have to go slow anyhow, since the speed limit is 15-25 mph. There are some really great views to be seen from the road to the top. It is absolutely beautiful!

After I made it back down to the north gate entrance, I went to the Mitchell Canyon part of the park, which is my favorite place to take a hike. The trail is well-shaded, and lots of wildflowers grow along the trail, including the rare Mt Diablo Globe Lily, which is blooming right now. Lots of Chinese Houses, Larkspur, Buttercups, Woodland Stars, Indian Paintbrush, California Poppy, Purple Vetch, Miner's Lettuce and more line the sides of the trail. Beware the poison oak! If you stick to the trail, you won't have a problem with it. Although I dropped my cell phone and had to put my hand through a small patch of it to get to my phone - lol. So, after walking about a mile, I had to turn back, because it was almost 3:00 and I still had to drive to Morgan Hill to get to my hotel.

So, here I am, sitting in the hotel after a nice, hot shower, typing on my laptop. Tomorrow I am heading to Henry W Coe State Park in the morning, and then to The Pinnacles (West side) National Monument. I would like to stop by Monterey on the way as well. I really like Jack's Peak Regional Park, which is located between Salinas and Monterey. There is a great viewpoint at the top of the hill overlooking the Monterey Bay. If I have time, I will. But, like most of my trips, plans are easily changed along the way.

I posted some pics below. Enjoy!

Til next time, Happy Trails!