National Parks

Every national park has a little brochure for the park, I've picked on of these up every visit I've made to a national park and keep them in a map holder. Today I was reviewing these brochures and marking on a NPS map all of the parks I've visited... as I finished this task, I realized that I have not been to many of the National Parks that are right in my own state, and in fact, many of those were right here in my backyard. I've decided to try to visit 10 National Parks Service Locations before the end of October.

Shell Ridge, Walnut Creek

I went for a hike with my dog at the Shell Ridge open space preserve in Walnut Creek, CA. It's a nice place but be sure to bring plenty of water with you especially in those hot summer months. There Are beautiful views of the valley, and many miles of trails for exploration.

There were a ton of squirrels, and red-tailed hawks out on the day I went, and I saw some blooming campunela flowers in the valleys. There were even a couple of red-winged blackbirds.

Sibley Park

I went for a hike/photo excursion at Sibley Park in Oakland with someone from the East Bay hikers group. The wildflowers were abundant.





Sibley Park is accessed in Oakland has volcanic interest and also labrinths. http://www.bahiker.com/eastbayhikes/sibley.html

SF Pie FIght

On Market by the Cable Cars

Monterey Dunes in Castroville, CA

A group of friends and I rented a condo and stayed here for a long weekend. It was really nice and is right on a semi-private beach.



There were a selection of puzzles at the house, one came with a warning...

Bob's Big Boy - LA

Met some family from NY here for dinner.

the Getty Museum

I have been wanting to visit this museum since it opened so many years ago, how time flies! But today I have finally made it... It's gorgeous location and the architecture of the buildings and gardens are worth the trip themselves even without seeing the art.