We had Tariq and Andrea visit us last weekend; with their recent move to New York City I’d been encouraging them since they moved to take a trip out to the west coast so we could show them San Fran and our digs. We planned a trip to what I think is northern California’s most awe-inspiring natural wonder, Yosemite National Park, only to get rained out and turn our two day, three night adventure into a one night, afternoon-only trip. Que, sera, sera… We did get to take them into the park and quickly walk into Bridalveil Falls, view Yosemite Falls through the clouds, and have a drink at the Ahwahnee. But Half Dome was cloaked in clouds and we could only venture out of the car for short periods without getting drenched. Ah well, at least they got to experience some of Yosemite’s grandeur, even if we couldn’t do all the hikes we’d planned…
Upper Yosemite Falls (top left), the eastern side of Yosemite Valley (top right), fall colors in Yosemite Valley (left), the Merced River in Yosemite Valley (right), and where we unfortunately spent most of our time whilst in Yosemite National Park (below left)
We cut our losses and headed back to the Bay Area with forecasts of rain and more rain in the mountains, on our way back stopping off at Muir Woods National Monument in Marin to show Tariq and Andrea some of our giant redwoods and also in Berkeley to show them the UC. Luckily it had cleared up and we were able to hike through a good portion of the park as well as the university. Cafe Intermezzo on Telegraph Avenue still doesn’t disappoint, good memories of many a lunch eaten there during 2006 and 2007…
Tariq and Andrew at the beginning of the Ocean View Trail (left), Muir Woods ferns and redwoods (middle and right)
Mossy tree trunk (left), the Muir Woods canopy (middle), and Tariq and Andrea on the Lost Trail (right)
Mossy tree trunk (left), enjoying the sun after hiking in the damp shade (middle), and steps down the Fern Creek Trail (right)
Redwood Creek (left), and an amazing breeding ground of ladybugs alongside Redwood Creek (middle and right)
More ladybugs (left), clover along Redwood Creek (middle), and the Hillside Trail (right)
The Muir Woods canopy (left), feeling like a dwarf amongst giants (middle), and the forest along the Hillside Trail (right)
Sprinkles greeted us again the next morning, but we decided to tough it out and venture to Point Reyes National Seashore to hike out to one of our favorite spots along the coast: Arch Rock. We started the 10.5 mile loop with relatively overcast but friendly-looking skies, they unfortunately turned to a torrential downpour about halfway through our hike! Luckily we all had jackets or ponchos but still arrived back at the car with some very wet feet and pants after hiking for the better part of five miles in the rain. Sorry about the rain guys, you’ll have to come back some time when it’s a little more friendly on the weather front!
Walking in on Bear Valley Trail (top left), Tariq making his way up Old Pine Trail (left), hiking into the redwoods on Old Pine Trail (middle), and the Sky Trail canopy (right)
Wet lichen hanging across the trail (left), a lone mushroom sprouts through the moss (middle), and the Sky Trail canopy (right)
The group on Sky Trail (left), and Tariq at final destination Arch Rock [at which point the camera went away due to rain!] (right)
Great photo’s – beautiful scenery.