2012 - Part the Third

 BAY TO BREAKERS 2012!

Every May in San Francisco they have the bay to breakers "race". For the those serious runners in the first tier it truly is a race and most finish the 7.2 mile run by the time those in the 2nd tier get to the starting point. For the rest of those who participate it is a moving Halloween. The costumes are elaborate - or in some cases are a lack of clothing completely - which unfortunately is usually reserved for those who should not really be naked in public in the first place. 

 Recently they have imposed guidelines to make the race "safer" by making it the rule not have have alcohol, no public urination, and no grand floats to plug up the race. I get the impression that most people just have decided not to follow these rules - VIVA LA SAN FRAN!

For those of you out there who worry about not being a runner - you don't need to worry, this race requires no experience - or training for that matter. Just an open mind and perhaps a empty canister to fill with something other than water.

This year we were actually able to find a place to park in the Marina and walk across the city to the starting point. Forget about hailing down a cab - most have been reserved the night before - which might be a tip for those of you from out of town. 

I think the part that I love most about this race - aside from the colorful outfits that people love to wear, the crazy attitudes and music that people play along the way, and the sense of fiesta - is the chance to realize how small S.F. really is and how much is packed into such a small area. The race is a tour of all the fantastic neighborhoods from SOMA to Cole Valley to the Haight and onward to the Panhandle and then the Sunset. For anyone who wants to know about S.F. or for those who are from S.F. and want to become more intimately associated with their city - this is the place to be. 

 Well with that said - I finally had a day off and got in a day of hiking. Even though I've lived in S.F. for 7 years (almost - come Sept 1st). I still find it amazing to find new things in my backyard. Here is pic from a hike along the Marin Headlands that goes near the crest of Tennessee Valley called the Miwok trail. The views in the setting sun are a sight that I think everyone needs to see.