Ahhhh! Taxes, art installation, deadlines, traffic school, finishing up teaching art classes...so many things to keep me busy these last few weeks. I finally had a chance to relax for a couple of days last week for a good friend's birthday.

As I sat on Caltrain, I found myself simply staring out the window quietly in a stupor after finishing all of the above. I noticed so many things I hadn't paid attention to before. I rode the train during the golden hour and into sunset. It was the best feeling I could have imagined.

Caltrain to camping. Why yes, there is a camp stove in that backpack.

I got off the train and there it was, the blood moon in all its glory floating above the industrial 22nd St. station. So far, so good. My friend Kelli picked me up from there and we were off to spend a couple of days in the North Bay. We didn't have much of a plan, except to stay at the Samuel P. Taylor campground, where we stayed for my birthday a few years ago. We were going to hike the Alamere Falls Trail, which I wrote about here and here, but we missed our turn so we just headed further north.

The wildflowers were out of control everywhere and there was not a cloud in the sky. We passed endless ranches and farms. Living in the crowded South Bay really makes you appreciate the North Bay and all the wide-open space. We did the following hikes:

All of these treks were great. They varied in length and difficulty, but all had incredible beach or ocean views. See the links above for more details.

The beaches here are definitely not good for swimming, but great for watching the waves.

A whale came out to wish Kelli a happy birthday! It swam back and forth in front of us while seals jumped in and out around it. Pretty magical!

I just love the Samuel P. Taylor campground. I stayed here about four years ago for my birthday. We got a really great site in the redwoods and watched the moon rise between the trees.

Full moon view from above the camp bathrooms

Kelli's post-birthday breakfast at the Pine Cone Diner

In the morning, we stopped at the Pine Cone Diner in Point Reyes Station on the way to the Tomales Point Trail. Amazing breakfast! We had a great meal. All the food was fresh and the coffee kept coming. We ordered mimosas from the menu, but the waitress said that they don't have them right now, but they do have a orange blossom mead made with honey from the beehive. It was so good! You can get it here. I love the North Bay, everything is homemade, homegrown and fresh.

Happy Earth Day!

2-Day Getaway: Point Reyes

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