'Adventure Stop' in the North Bay

After writing about our trek last year to China Camp Beach in the North Bay, I thought I'd keep the 415 flavor going with an update on our most recent 'Adventure Stop'.

We ventured out for a short run in another underrated spot, starting at Blackie's Pasture and the Tiburon Mud Flats, and running along the Tiburon-Peninsula Railroad Trail.

This was a spot that my track coach at San Rafael High School, Ron Newstat, used to take us for training runs. I still have fond memories of those Spring afternoons (days like this one, actually), and I'm happy that my kids can enjoy the location as well.

Here are some of the highlights of our run:

Brenna and Colin took a slight detour off the paved trail, and powered up this hill with the Bay swaying below (wishing Chuck Clark was in attendance today to watch the kids crush this incline.)

The sweeping views from the top provided an instant Geography lesson.  Locations in sight included Mount Tamalpais (seen here), Sausalito, Belvedere, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Sutro Tower in San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island.

Racing downhill, with Colin hot on Brenna's heels.  The Bay Bridge is in the distant valley to the right.

Two of the City's most prominent landmarks in the distance - the Sutro Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Just before our turnaround point is one of the nicest, softest, most well-kept sidewalks for running you're going to find anywhere on the planet, with views of the Bay. Thank you, City of Belvedere Public Works Department.

Heading back along the paved trail towards the car and Blackie's Pasture, with Mount Tam in the distance.

The Mud Flats

The kids catch a ride on the statue of Blackie, who lived in the pasture for many years.