The hubs and I love to find hidden spots and treasures which seem to be in abundance in NorCal. Ask around and everyone knows about the Mountain Theater, aka Cushing Memorial on Mount Tamalpais but few suggest it to you to get out and explore. We happen to have an insider that is always excited to tell us […]
smilinginsonoma
Summit! Jack London State Historic Park
We have hiked all around Jack London State Historic Park and it never disappoints! This time we got to meet our future selves!!! It’s as if a time machine was built and the hubs and I got to see what our lives will be like in 20 years….more on that further down in the post. […]
Hood Mountain – Gunsight Rock
When the hubs and I moved to Sonoma County a couple of years ago we saw this little sign saying Hood Mountain this way so out of curiosity we took the right turn and drove and drove up this winding mountain road through ranch land only to see amazing views of the valley and on to the ocean! From […]
Jack London – Sonoma Ridge Trail
Views, views, views! That was our reward on this lovely 11 mile hike at Jack London State Historic Park. Views for days of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay on a beautiful day after a little rain and clouds dotting the sky like a painting. Our feet were tired but the hubs and I were […]
Armstrong Woods – East Ridge Trail
Do you have one of those places that keep drawing you back? Armstrong Woods is definitely one of them for us. I feel at peace when I am amongst the beautiful giants. The ground is soft, the air is calm and I feel so protected by their size and a sense of wonder with how they have […]
Point Reyes Seashore
Two hikes and three beaches! Then 2 elk, 5 deer, tons of cows and just a few people…Enjoyed a couple hikes over the weekend out at Point Reyes National Seashore and felt like we not only escaped the heat but the city as well! Early in the morning we got ready and anticipated a long hike […]
Just Jump!
I jumped and landed on my feet! That was my first text to my son and my pops to let them know I survived my first skydive! This has been a bucket list item for me for a long time and always wanted to do it by my 40th birthday. On the eve of said […]
Kent Lake-Marin
If you were asked which hike is your favorite right now…what would you say? Could you decide? I know I would have a very difficult time! Possibly the one where we saw solar halos, a hummingbird mating dance, and Osprey’s in their nests along with waterfalls and gorgeous views of Mt Tamalpais. But who can […]
Bald Mountain
360 degree views from 2,729 feet above the Sonoma Valley floor out of the fog and in the sunshine with no one around but dragonflies and soaring vultures. AMAZING day!! We had a hard time believing what we were seeing. I know I keep thinking “this hike is the most picturesque hike” but seriously they all […]
Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve
Can you imagine that the lovely rhododendron bush in your yard could get over 20 feet tall and survive for lifetimes? These beauties are gorgeous in spring! After checking out the crazy bowling ball formations along the southern Mendocino Coast we drove back down to Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve. We had stopped in before to see […]