Day 4: The Fishing Man's Wharf and Highway 1

Day 3: Fisherman's Wharf and Mount Tamalpais

These are photos from Mount Tamalpais. I have to first tell you that I took so many photos of this area, most of them hazy, but all lovely. These are a few of my favorites but so many were amazing. I could've sat in that area and just read books all day long. That tree represents one of my favorite places of all time.

So I knocked out the obligatory Bay tour by boat. I have to say that while I really didn't want to get back into town--the country suits me so much better--I was so thankful I didn't blow off my tour of the Bay. It was a hazy day in San Francisco so I didn't get the photos I really wanted but I was incredibly impressed nonetheless. The Golden Gate bridge is an incredible sight to behold. The first drive across it I wanted to jump out and just walk the span. Here is the problem: fisherman's wharf was MUCH better the next day and if I'd known that I might've skipped my boat ride...but it's all unpredictable when I go on adventures alone.

Day 2: Point Reyes Lighthouse

After church on Sunday I drove all the way around the little bay I was in and landed at Point Reyes Lighthouse. One of the few things I regret on this little excursion was not getting an earlier start to my trip. I should have stopped at North Beach and South Beach also but it was getting dark by the time I was done with my excellent tour and I didn't want to drive "home" after dark.

That said, however, the lighthouse was an incredible thing to behold. Or rather, the views from the lighthouse were incredible to behold. I am embarrassed to say, however, that after doing the incline all summer long and climbing the 14ers, I *still* had to stop and rest in the middle of the huge staircase leading to the lighthouse itself. Of course, I blamed it on all the amazing photo opportunities.

A last little factoid: I sat next to Ken Patrick's wife on the plane ride from DIA to California. She was such an interesting and amazing woman that I almost just went home with her and spent the week at her house. In retrospect I am glad I didn't but on the other hand, she would've been amazing company for me.

Day 2: Morning walks on Agate Beach

I took quite a lot of walks on this beach early in the morning because I was awake, it was incredibly beautiful, and because it was completely deserted. How could I pass that up? You know I'm a well trained mommy because I took some photos of interest for my little 7 year old son...I'm sure you can figure out which ones they are. The most amazing thing about this beach (besides being deserted) is that ocean wildlife is abundant here. I could have spent the day just looking at all the little creatures in that area. I am sure I missed many, too, because I didn't have the proper light to see them all.

California Day 1: Dipsea Trail

The day I flew into California I went hiking as soon as I could find a trail. While on the hike I came across a group of families on a nature hike; two of the husbands were naturalists for a family camp in Yosemite. As a group they were on a mushroom hunt and we found some really great shrooms. I couldn't have found a better thing to do for my day in Northern California.

The Pumpkin Patch

My auntie and my mom and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch today and we had a ball. It was a really great time. I have the best family.

Mount Bierstadt

I am so happy to report that I've done 4 fourteeners this summer and I can't tell you all how happy I am about it. This was the first one I did alone but as you can tell I made friends. In fact, I call them "Facebook" friends because we are now all on Facebook together. The things technology gives us. This is also the very first time I was with 11 people in a 5 passenger car. It was great. I've really had the best climbs this summer. And I will brag a little: I stayed up with the "fast group."

Grays and Torries

This was my first ever Class III route and I was scared to death for about 5 minutes out of the day. And I walked away exhausted--the boys now know what it takes to get me to shut up and, I'm sorry to say, that it takes quite a lot.

It was amazing and I can say that now on this side of the ridge. Ben was our fearless leader and he was great. I appreciated his patience. Phillip, bless him, walked behind me on the entire trip and he was a great encourager. I called him Samwise but I think he preferred Gandolf.

I'm thrilled to say that Ben and Phillip have honored me enough to invite me back for another Class III route and 2 more 14-ers on October 3rd. Anyone dying to babysit? I hope to make this summer a 5-Fourteener summer.

My First 14er after 10 Years!