A couple shots of the hikers.
On New Year's Day, we packed up the bus and took off on our traditional trip. Every year, we drive to Muir Beach and park next to a picnic area. Two or three neighboring families meet us there, and we all take off into the hills in two groups: one group of runners, the other one of hikers. There are various kids and dogs, and everyone has a good time. The runners and hikers both end up back where they started, at the parking lot, and everyone breaks out the food. With three families cooking their best, we have an abundance of delicious choices, all of which are most welcome after a climb up the mountains.
I ran with the runners. We were a small group this year: my dad and I and two of our good family friends: Rich and his son Henry. We chose a trek that led us up a seemingly endless trail of switchbacks (it was about 4.5 miles uphill), along the top of the mountain, and then back down the switchbacks for a total of around 9 miles. The scenery is enough to leave one breathless. Running up the hill on the first 4.5 miles, I didn't really look around much. My view of the surrounding area was somewhat blocked by the mountain on one side of me, and I was working on just getting to the top. Once we reached a peak, however, it's as if the whole world opens up. I could see, on one side, the grassy bumps of other hills and mountains, including Mt. Tam way out in the distance. To my other side lay the ocean, stretched out flat and smooth in front of me. To the left was the Bay Area, Oakland and San Francisco clearly defined. To the right were the sea cliffs of the coast and the endless expanse of blue sparkling in the sun.
View of the beach from the parking lot picnic area
Getting the food ready
After the run, I walked with my little sister and her friend to the beach. We played tag in the waves, and, despite the cold outside temperature and freezing water, they were determined to get wet. I can never resist the ocean and followed them into the icy blue. We were about thigh deep, splashing each other, when we spotted a seal's head pop up not five feet away. He had a dog-like face and stared at us as we stared at him for about a minute, then disappeared under the water, leaving only a ripple behind.
A honey orange cake
Once we were thoroughly cold and wet, we walked back to the bus, changed, and enjoyed the hot meal and companionship awaiting us at the picnic area.
reading in the sun