A Couple of Photos

A windy day at Stinson Beach:



Driving through Marin County, near Olema:

Stairway to heaven - the Dipsea Trail

From the examiner.com:

As Bay Area hikes go, the Dipsea Trail is probably the most well known among local hikers and runners. While it's notoriety stems mainly from being home to the oldest footrace in the US - The Dipsea has been run every year since 1905 - it's equally known for the 667 steps that greet casual hikers at the start of the trail in Mill Valley. But don't let the stories fool you, the end of this hike is even more impressive as it offers unparalleled views of Stinson Beach as you descend to the coast. So if you're in the mood for a helluva workout while experiencing the best hike within 100 miles of San Francisco, read on.

The first decision you have to make is whether you want to do the hike as a round trip or one way. If you're doing the round trip, buck up for a long day. At a distance of 14.2 miles, the numerous climbs and descents will defintiely take their toll. So rest up, carbo load, and take plenty of water because the only place to refill is Stinson Beach. Most first timers opt for the more manageable 7.1 mile one way trip. That of course requires you to leave transportation at Stinson before you start, so it's a decision that you need to make in advance.

When you're ready to get started, make sure you leave ample time for a pre-hike breakfast at the Dipsea Cafe. It's a favorite among locals and is on the way to the trailhead if you're coming from San Francisco or points south. The pancakes are fantastic and huge...and highly recommended. When you're finished, make your way to the trail near downtown Mill Valley. For complete directions as well as a great description of the entire course, go here.



Read more here.

Uni-flipper turtle gets it straight with swimsuit

Not exactly Stinson Beach material but we do have a lot of sea turtle fans who visit this site. So check this out:

"Allison, a green sea turtle with only one flipper, has been going around and around and around for most of her life.

But swimming in tight circles is tough for a 5-year-old turtle whose life expectancy is about 150 years.

Allison was set straight Wednesday, when researchers outfitted her in a black neoprene suit with a carbon-fiber dorsal fin on the back that allows her to glide gracefully with other turtles.

'That's a sea turtle doing what a sea turtle does,' said Dave Cromwell, a worker who watched the turtle's new moves at Sea Turtle Inc., a Texas not-for-profit group that rehabilitates injured sea turtles."



Read more here