Baths Time

Every Saturday for months, no actually years, I go for a bike ride, usually with my great club.  Not today!  I needed to do something different.  I chose to hike Land's End and visit Sutro Baths.

The bad air quality while driving on Hwy 280 was sadly noticeable.  But, approaching the Half Moon Area was sweet as I was shrouded in low lying fog, making for a romantic moment.   I arrived early at the Land's End Lookout parking lot in San Francisco in order to secure a spot. An icy wind greeted me and I almost got back in my car to go back home.  But, wait, wait for it ... oh yes, there they were, hunky firemen dealing with a fallen tree. Oh my, that got me warmed up quickly.... The shot above is show that I pushed myself, a little bit, in tackling my vertigo.

I contemplated calling this particular blog entry, "How I survived stair walking."  Omg, there are a lot of steep stairs to climb.  You think you're in shape and then you meet a stair....

This is a beautiful hike.  I only did some of it, turning around when the Coastal Trail meets the road.  On the return, I visited the Sutro Baths, of course.  I learned something -- back in 1897, John Harris, a black man was not permitted entry despite a newly enacted law that was meant to protect people of color (Dibble Civil Rights Act).  Learn more here.

By the end of my hike, it had warmed up considerably.  The sky tried to be blue.  I'm glad I got my weenie self out of bed this morning though it'd been even sweeter if I had a chauffeur to drive me.

Um, It Didn't Happen

I planned to hike Mt. Um today, figuring there'd be no crowds on a weekday.  Driving Hicks and Um was more exhausting than cycling those roads!  I listened to a discussion about lizards, dinosaurs and birds on public radio.  Wow, there are thousands of lizard species.  That'll sure come in handy at the next cocktail party I attend.

The Bald Mountain parking lot was full.  No! Change of plans.  I decided to explore Sierra Azul instead.  And then, my life was shattered when I learned, "There is no poop fairy."  No!  Say it isn't so.

I chose the Woods Road trail because, I don't know, I was expecting woods, right!

Oh sure, go ahead and taunt me Mt Um.

Wow, I'm lost in a forest. 

Loving the wooded forest ... approaching Yellow Kid trail.  I know the drill by now ... there isn't going to any yellow kid anytime soon.

Oh sure, go ahead and taunt me some more Mt. Um.

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." That's the correct quote; I know because I'm a librarian.

Had I read the map correctly, I believe that if I had gone in the opposite direction, I would have eventually got on the Barlow trail and that leads to the Mt Um trail.  Maybe I would have seen some trees, too.

I did see a few mountain bikers and hikers.   But no poop fairies since I now know they don't exist.  Next, they'll be telling me that there are no aliens either.  After 3 miles, due to all the excitement (not), I was done.  I will get up that mountain one of these days. Or as Scarlett O'Hara said, "After all, tomorrow is another day!"

Merry Christmas Montara

Here we are just about to drive through Tom Lantos Tunnels near Devil's Slide.

Where to begin; every view was scenic!  We parked at Gray Whale Cove parking lot to begin the 7-9 mile hike up Montara Mountain.

As you can see, the weather was not stellar, another soupy day in the Bay Area but that didn't stop us!  Despite the color and the gloom, and not pictured here, we did see the Farallon Islands and Half Moon Bay.

As we climbed and took in the views, we met mtn bikers and hikers, all who wished us a Merry Christmas. 

We met a guy dressed as Santa Claus.  I would have liked to sit on his knee.... Wow, there were some difficult sections of the trail and I have a few moments of vertigo.   I suspect tomorrow my legs will be screaming, too.  Glad I brought the walking poles.

Did you know there's a company that sells scones and calls itself Sconehenge. Omg, that's too rich.  Contemplating the light, we realized we wouldn't make it all the way up the mountain, plus a cold wind hampered our hike.  Still we managed to do 5.2 miles.  I already know that I must return on a sunnier day and maybe I'll sing, "Go tell it on the mountain."  Once again, another wonderful Christmas hike, a tradition I enjoy and appreciate year after year.

Um, you know

It was 43 degrees this morning but the day promised warmer temperatures and as long as one wore wool, then, a bike ride seemed possible.  The Boyfriend and I agreed to skip a club ride doing Mt. Diablo, preferring instead to have another go at climbing Mt. Um, this time from Hicks West.  Here's me at the intersection of Mt. Um and Hicks, proud that I got up Hicks without having to walk!  Of course that meant the rest of the ride would be exhausting but still, I relished the moment.

There goes The Boyfriend.  He too felt the sting of this climb combined with Hicks but he still steamed ahead of me.  I had to stop a few times, first to enjoy the scenery but mostly to take a break.  We encountered only a handful of cars and that was appreciated.

On and on I went getting closer to the top.  Along the way, I chatted with a female jogger as well as a few male cyclists -- I don't think I looked my best, I mean, let's face it, I was sweaty, snot was probably coming out of my nose, and I was drooling at their fine physique.... still they provided encouragement....

On and on I went taking in the stunning vistas.  Alas, today, we felt the air quality was poor and I do believe it had a negative impact on our stamina.  Sure, Hicks took a bite out of me, but, I felt off the entire time.  Still, I love this climb.  It's quiet, scenic and calms the soul.  Though, I was surprised by the whirring sound of a helicopter circling for a bit but it soon disappeared.

I had about another half mile to the top when I came across The Boyfriend coming down.  I was done.  I was okay with turning around; there'll be another day to make it all the way to the top.  We had amazing views including seeing the coast and Mt. Hamilton. 

Look at this photo.  Puts things in perspective.  A beautiful 30 mile ride and in December.  I look forward to returning when the hills are green and the air a bit cleaner.  Meanwhile, a great ride that fired both of us up.  I'd rather be doing this then stuck in traffic or holiday shopping!