2016 New Year's Day Hike - South Fork American River Trail

It's been a year since I last posted, and we've had a lot of changes, including a new member of the family, and a move to Folsom!

Last year we hiked in Briones Park on New Year's weekend.  This year, we found a new location, only 20 minutes from our home.

Hiking back down the trail, with the American River in the distance.

We had to tread lightly on this muddy section of the trail.

Ryan had a bird's eye view from my backpack.

Brenna and Colin with the American River in the background.

Colin and Brenna had some room to run,

Trail Run on New Year's Day

We got out for a brisk run/hike on a crisp New Year's Day, and were treated to some pretty cool views of the Carquinez Straits, Mount Diablo, the Alhambra Valley, Benicia, and Vallejo.

Our hike started out behind Alhambra High School, and climbed up to the top of the Carquinez Straits Regional Shoreline.

There were very few people out, so we felt like we had this huge open space to ourselves (and the cows).

Here are some pics:

Exploring the Berkeley Marina & Pier

We've spent a lot of time over the years exploring parks and open spaces around the Bay Area, but found one that we have never ventured to before.

We originally planned to spend the day at the Adventure Playground near the marina, but since it was closed for the Holidays, we set off on an amazing hike around the Berkeley Marina & Pier.

We worked our way around the shoreline, and marched all the way to the end of the long pier, which took us deep into the Bay. From the end of the pier, we had perfect views of the Berkeley Hills, the Oakland Waterfront, the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, Angel Island, Mount Tam and the Richmond Bridge. How 'bout that!!!

Here are some pics of the walk:

Skipping rocks into the Bay.

Colin in hot pursuit.

Making our way to the pier, with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Checking out a passing sailboat, with views of the Marin Headlands, Angel Island, and Mount Tam in the background.

The Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and downtown San Francisco.

The end of the line on the pier.

Jumping for joy.

Exploring some hidden paths in the park.

Natural balance beam.

Another Fun Leaf Activity

Leaf Races in Pleasant Hill

Still Strolling through the Garden

It had been awhile, but we've had fun working down at the garden the last two Saturdays.  We're taking our time sifting through the lower beds, and enjoying the search for buried goodies.

Brenna and Colin, November 2014

Colin, April 2013

Back in the garden!