Monster sturgeon tows kayaker across bay

This fisherman got a bit too lucky in San Francisco Bay, off San Rafael:



"A fish weighing more than 100 pounds towed the 38-year-old Presidio firefighter for 90 minutes the other day, cutting a zig-zag pattern along the bay as it zipped along at about 3 knots at times. The sturgeon pulled the kayak from China Camp toward the Pumphouse and back, at one point turning abruptly, just missing a dredge barge stationed offshore."

---from the Marin Independent Journal. They have a nice outdoor section too.

Three of the best hikes for April

From the San Francisco Chronicle, here's the three best hikes for April.

Marin: Coastal Trail
Pantoll trailhead, Mount Tamalpais: Pantoll is high on the west flank of Mount Tam, a launch point for a half-dozen hikes. It is one of the best trailheads in Marin County. From Pantoll, the best trek for spring is the Coast Trail, which provides eye-popping ocean views.

Peninsula: Ridge Trail Loop
Sam McDonald County Park: In less than three miles, you get it all: canyon redwoods, ridge-top views and grasslands.

East Bay Hills: Grass Valley
Chabot Regional Park: If you hit it right, the entire valley can be alight in blooming wild radish, blue-eyed grass and poppies.