Steep Ravine / Matt Davis Trail - Marin Co.

Ok the weather turned overcast and rainy - the type of weather that usually makes people feel depressed and grumpy. I love having a break from the bright and sunny every once in a while. Coming from the Midwest, I miss the thunderstorms and lighting. We packed up the gear (those of you who have seen that one episode of Portlandia will understand that last line the best - google " Portlandia Gear") and headed up through Mill Valley up to Panoramic Highway to the Pan Toll Ranger Station.

Its not that difficult once you've done it a few times, but for those of you who have not come to this location from Mill Valley - I'd recommend stopping and asking for directions. Bring some cash with you - the parking is $8 - but I'm sure that is about to go up.

When we got there, there was a bunch of people filling up the parking lot in a California style tailgate party - lots of wine and crackers and cheese etc. . .

We started down Steep Ravine trail and made it past the ladder to Stinson Beach - here we stopped and had some food and a beer at the Sand Dollar restaurant. Granted the food isn't exactly the best - but the beer was excellent and the people who work there are really sweet.

Making our way near the Stinson Beach Fire Dept, we made our way up past the community center to the start of the Matt Davis trail. Its difficult to find and you really need to keep your eyes open for the trail head.

Then the uphill switch backs begin as you ascend through a series of ecosystems to the open expanses above. This is actually one of my favorite hikes in the sunshine, but for the first time, I was doing it in a heavy fog / cloud bank. The clouds gave the forest an erie but ethereal glow. At times the moisture would accumulate under the trees and it would begin to rain on you - just under the tree.

The hike itself is about 5-6 hours depending on your speed (and how long you stop for beer). However, its definitely worth it in the rain or sunshine. 

Now its time to start planning our trip up to Portland, OR!

Angel Island - San Francisco Bay

Angle Island is marked with history. It was here in 1775 that the Spaniards landed when the San Francisco Bay was first discovered by the Europeans. The Spanish explorers stayed long enough to explore and map the bay before returning to Europe. 

 Getting here is rather easy, albeit expensive. Ferries come in from San Francisco, Tiburon, and even Oakland. As soon as you get off the boat, there is a visitor center and overpriced crappy food to be had. I would recommend bringing your own. BTW, the coffee here really sucks.

 There are tours of the Island - which In my opinion is a true waste of time. The best way to explore the island is on foot - its the only way to get to the out-of-the-way hiking loops that give you spectacular views of the bay. There are two civil war and post civil war camps on the island that are worth exploring - granted they are a bit creepy. There is also a civil war canon firing ceremony that occurs by Fort Reynolds.

 This was also considered the Ellis Island of the west coast and was a quarantine area. There are stories of people waiting up to two years for clearance to make it to the main land. - I think if I had to stay on this place for that long I'd easily go nuts

 Take a good camera with you - the photo ops are excellent

 If you have the time, make it a point to go to the summit of the island - the 360 degree views of the island are excellent. Bring a jacket, a hat, sun glasses, and sunscreen - there is little shelter and shade at this point.

The north ridge trail that goes to Mt Livermore from the ferry dock. It is perhaps the best hiking trail on the island - however it is also the most difficult.