Family Togetherness

A perfect day.  Drove to Marin and headed for Tennessee Valley and Stinson Beach.  It appeared everyone else had the same idea.  Sitting in line on a one lane highway to "get away from it all".  We didn't quite know where the trail started, had to stop and ask at some cars parked alongside the road.

Haven't done a 3 mile hike in a while but armed with a jug of water,  we set off like explorers to uncharted territories...city folks communing with nature!!! The kids trudging along bravely -- the hike was pretty easy.  Saw part of the Pacific Coastal Trail and a sign that said 500 more miles to Oregon.

Thought about the book "Wild" and how I imagined myself to be the heroine making the trek alone.  Today, it seemed EVERYONE was out.  The morning fog was stubbornly hanging on, and the battle for the blue sky to emerge went on for the duration of the hike.  I was glad it was not hot...

Slithering green snakes, black beetles, dragon flies and discussion about poison oak -- which we imagined to be at every growth the side of the trail. The veritable question:  do I use this outhouse or not?  My daughters puckered nose..."What are you going to do when you travel to other countries?" her brother asked.  "Bring my own toilet!"

We were rewarded with a gorgeous view of the ocean.  Sat and people-watched for a while.  Listening to the sound of the waves and voices floating over the moist air. Not wanting to get our shoes wet with the clinging sand...we were voyeurs to the scenery before us.  The hike back to the car was motivated by our hunger and the need to rest hot and tired feet.

I watched 3 and 4 year olds trudging along, stopping and poking at this and that.  Their adult companions patiently explaining away...a dad pushing a stroller briskly walking at speed.  I love seeing fathers spending time with their children.

Peet's break.  Pumpkin Soy Chai latte' was my reward.  Next stop: the city of Tiburon for lunch.  San Francisco landscape peeking from the white heavy grasp of Bay Area fog. We looked at some of the clothing stores around and menu-shopped.  Finally settling on this small eatery with a British flag waving from the outdoor waterfront patio.

My Caesar  Salad was a simple fare of Romaine lettuce and slivers of Parmesan cheese -- $11.00.  Really?  My daughter ordered clam chowder.  We made sure to ask (twice -- even) if the soup was cooked with meat (bacon) and was reassured that it was not..horrors of horrors, she fished out the meat that was not supposed to be there...Despite that incident, the fish and chips my son ordered were actually pretty decent!

Time spent well.  We all felt good and connected.