Chapter 1: January

J and I have a tradition that is only two years old. On MLK Jr. Day we go to Castle Rock and then drive down to Santa Cruz. Last year it was a mild 70 something and we actually got in the great Pacific. This year it was freezing and we barely stayed on the beach long enough to eat some fig newtons and take this picture. We stopped at Pleasure Pizza - hidden gem frequented by local surfer - and enjoyed the beautiful scenic route back to Berkeley.



 

If you look up Bay Area Hiker you'll find amazing hikes in all direction. We drove to the South Bay (nothing to write home about) and did the Mission Peak trail. This is a major community trail...probably 'cause it's the only mountain looking thing around. We couldn't find a place to park and there were tons of people on the trail. However, the journey is "moderately tough" and it's uphill all the way to the rolling top. There were cows, a single farm house, rolling green hills, and an end of the trail marker. It was a nice hike, but we'll never go back to Fremont again.







Later that night....
Pancho Via and Bi Rite - just showing my parents the city life.