rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 1, 2016 18:15:35 GMT -8
Our boys are hosting a few friends--sort of a Pickle Gulch for 17- and 18-year-old geeks. One is from Vancouver BC, two from Missouri. So we figured a little backpacking trip to Angel Island (in the middle of SF Bay) would be a nice outing. Another local boy who is part of their internet group joined us, so my husband and I took 6 teens off for an intro to backpacking (the very easy way). We've meant to do this trip for a long time, starting by just walking out the front door. A bit of transit is involved. Boarding the bus in front of our house.  Then climb aboard BART:  Finally, onto the ferry   We left home at 7:30 a.m., and by about 10:10 a.m. we were on Angel Island, and after a quick look at the visitor's center, we headed up the trail to camp. Looking back down at the bay where the boat lands.  We set up camp, ate lunch, and the kids all took off to explore, while others of us sensibly took a nap (and then went to explore). There are some really cool old buildings at Fort McDowell on the east side of the island.  Inside:  Looking out the window  |
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 1, 2016 18:28:46 GMT -8
Of course, a big part of the excitement about Angel Island is the view of San Francisco from the summit, so we hiked up there after dinner to watch the sun set over the City.  Yeah, that's the top of the TransAmerica tower. It and two other buildings poked out now and again. Good thing the fog itself was beautiful and fascinating:  Sunset over Sausalito.  Still foggy at 6 a.m. Part of the experience was hearing fog horns and ships' horns sounding off all around us.  Then time to pack up and walk the rest of the way around the island and back to the ferry.  This one was smaller than the one we came over on, and it was rougher. Back past Alcatraz.  And then a mile walk along the waterfront to get back to BART (the morning ferry left from a point 2 blocks from BART, but the boats return to Pier 41, a mile away). Kind of fun to backpack through the crowds of tourists. What was most surprising was that no one paid any attention. You have to go farther and try harder to stand out as weird there.  We were home again by 1 p.m.--plenty of time for me to wash up and get to work at 3:30. I'm happy to report that Second Son had dinner nearly ready when I got back from work, too. A great trip--but we'll have to go again in September when we can see the City! |
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grace
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Post by grace on Jun 2, 2016 7:40:16 GMT -8
This is amazing! What an incredible adventure, so close to home. I may need to copy you, and go spend a night out there. If you're looking for company in September, let me know!
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zeke
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Peekaboo slot 2023
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Post by zeke on Jun 2, 2016 8:47:23 GMT -8
Nice!
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Post by immadman on Jun 2, 2016 11:02:40 GMT -8
Nice report and trip, Rebecca. I am sure the young ones enjoyed it! I especially liked your commentary!!  |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,688
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 2, 2016 21:14:43 GMT -8
This is amazing! What an incredible adventure, so close to home. I may need to copy you, and go spend a night out there. If you're looking for company in September, let me know! Yes! We could meet up there. I definitely recommend it. I especially liked your commentary!! Thanks. |
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