beautiful briones

February 10, 2013
Martinez, CA
Hikers: Cathy, Laura, Noreen
Distance: 4.89 miles

 

A little icy.

At the center of the labyrinth. 

Start of a new buckeye tree.

 

Such a pretty plant - looks almost like cilantro.

Only with some major thorns!

Isn't nature amazing~

A killer climb - an it's not done yet..

There were an abundance of newt eggs today!

We thought this little guy was slumped over a rock.

On closer inspection you can see it is an egg sack.

We have one here on its side - laying eggs? 

The newt on the left looks like she (?) is ready to explode!

Peak-a-boo we see you!

Another glorious buckeye!

  

china camp state park

January 27, 2013
San Rafael, CA
Hikers: Cathy, Laura
Distance: 7.91 miles

Not a very promising start...

Turtle Back Hill

 

Salt marsh.

I'm assuming these are to keep the birds from hangin' out and poopin' all over the sign.

Duck blind ~ how do you get to one? By boat? Walk out and back at low tide?

This tree branch looks like a person waving!

Close-up of duck blind.

A rhino!

Keep your eyes and ears open on the trail. 

China Camp is VERY popular with mountain bikers ~ all were very courteous. :)

Interesting..

Beautiful views!

The deer were amazing.

They did not run off ~ just look at us.

.. or blatantly ignore us.

Such a beauty.

Yep ~ Mount Diablo in the distance.

Richmond~San Rafael Bridge with San Francisco in the distance.

The cranes of Port of Oakland on the horizon.

Hello!

Hello again!

We just love this old junk yard we see on the drive home from Marin.

Notice the heart!

 Trails:
Shoreline, Turtle Back, Oak Ridge, Bay View, Back Ranch fire trail