Hike in Martinez

 

 

 

Our first outing as the kids got settled into the new classrooms…we hiked along a closed road along the water in Martinez. The various cracks have been painted and is slowly turning into one long artist canvas. Afterwards, we had lunch at the Creek Monkey for beer, salads and….their deep-fried Oreos. (YUM)

First Day of School

 

Harley Goat Dairy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For our last summer outing, we toured the Harley goat dairy in Pescadero, a farm town 40 minutes south of San Francisco on the coast. We walked in the field with the 168 goats and four llamas (who protect the goats), and then made cheese before eating our way through the sampling room. The goats were friendly, nibbling on our shirts and rubbing their heads against our pants. Afterwards, we picked blackberries at another farm before heading home to make our pie. 

Busy Bakers

 

 

A kid's cookbook from the library served as inspiration for cookies & healthy bread creations with no (or very little) help from Mom & Dad. I'm liking this trend.

Calistoga

 

 

On a whim we drove up to Calistoga to see the Old Faithful Geyser (one of only three in the US), feed some four-horned sheep & fainting goats, and then stop at a very nice winery for a tour & tasting. 

Gina's Birthday at Sea Ranch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our last big summer hurrah -- Sea Ranch, at a new house Gina somehow scored right on bluff and only a few feet from the main trail. Sunshine was abundant only for the first day, but enough to see a sunset on Friday and watch the sky drenched with stars that night (sadly, we missed the meteor shower by one day). Highlights this trip included going to Bowling Ball Beach and our favorite bakery on Gina's birthday; playing tennis; Nate picking up a giant crab and the Julie grabbing the tiniest of lizards; and all the animals around the house: large hares, deer during the evening and night, and at some point a family of raccoons slipped through the Acura's sunroof to eat dinner and leave muddy paw prints all over, and also pull out some Canadian money we had lost under our seats!

Sunrise

Around 6:00am a few days ago, looking out to Mt. Diablo in the background.

San Francisco days…

 

Just a quick jaunt to Park Chalet restaurant in Golden Gate Park where the kids could play in the trees while we watched the fog drift overhead. Then a stop by one of the restored windmills and new children's playground before scuttling home before rush hour traffic.

Angel Island - Bike Loop

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angel Island - ferry ride & Immigration Center