Three-Hike Weekend

I got in three great hikes over the three-day weekend.  On Friday morning I went up Gold Hill Grade, behind Dominican University in San Rafael.

This dirt fire road climbs up (and up) to two communication towers on San Pedro Mountain. Looking at the view of Mount Tam with the city of San Rafael (top photo) in the foreground gave me the opportunity to catch my breath as hiked upwards.

The first part of the trail is lined with eucalyptus trees and plenty of poison oak. Later I recognized oak, madrone and bay laurels.

Finally, a glimpse of the first tower.

I made it!  Time for breakfast.

The fog is starting to burn off.  You can see the marina by Andy’s Local Market on Point San Pedro Road.

More views…

Tower #2

Looking back at the first tower.

Heading back down the hill I snapped a few pictures of poison oak.  It was all over the place.

And a selfie for the road.

On Saturday I went to Fairfax and started a nice loop hike in Deer Park, parking by the Fairfax San Anselmo Children’s Center.  It was a good hike, not as strenuous as the one the day before.

The communication towers I hiked to on Friday are barely visible on the upper left in this picture (if you click on the picture, you can see an enlarged version which makes it a bit more clear)..

The buildings in the lower left corner of the photo below, are the school where the Fairfax San Anselmo Children’s Center is located, the start of my hike.

Another (different kind of) selfie.

Today, Sunday, I chose the easiest hike of the weekend.  I went out to Tennessee Valley Beach.  I haven’t taken this hike in years as dogs are not allowed and I usually hike with a dog.  But Molly is up at Sea Ranch with my mom.

When I left San Rafael it was in the upper 70’s.  When I got to the parking lot by the trail head, it was 58 and foggy.

The first view of the Pacific Ocean from the trail.

Just before going out on the beach, I climbed uphill to an overlook (I wanted to see some progress on my Fitbit).

My selfie for this hike.

Some critters I saw along the walk back up the trail.  I think this one is a Giant’s fan.

Interesting rock formation (just for Dayna).

The fog was lifting a bit as I hiked back to my car and headed home.

Thanks for stopping by.