62.16 California: Fremont-Newark: Mission Peak, the high point of the surround, another fascinating day.

Sometimes when one sees such a beautiful scene with what looks like an impossibly steep climb such as this, one may have to pull out all stops and even 'wing it'.
As mentioned, even if one has to 'wing it'.
  We have enjoyed the Bay area very much in the past and especially, recently. Of course, we are not talking of San Francisco but rather the rural areas and small towns. In fact, between San Ramon, Dublin, Fremont, Newark (not NJ), and a few others, the developments of the region have captured the beautiful surrounding mountains, the lakes and views by establishing many parks encompassing mountains. The sights of the bigger cities, from distance (always), are impressive. 

  I do show my prejudice, but I do not have a desire to visit Central San Francisco. However, I easily concede that observing the bridges, buildings, and bay from distance, especially where open spaces and forests exist between our position and the City, are magnificent. What a wonderful paradox. One is able to feel and be completely safe from the violence of the big cities, not hear any noise at all and yet, view the beauty of the metropolis and surrounding water, admire the amazing bridges, enjoy the dunes while avoiding traffic completely. It almost feels artificial, but there is an important requirement or restriction though: One has to hike to the various peaks to attain great views. Well, for us, that’s a real pleasure and our main objective. 

  I might have exaggerated by dismissing the dangers outside of the cities in dealing with traffic and thugs. I did not mention that one comes into contact frequently with cattle—some of those cows get a little aggressive when caring for their calves. As for bulls... Of course, placing of feet is critical unless dung-covered boots and ankles are not a concern. Snakes are a general worry, especially for one of us, although the danger can never be exaggerated when in certain overgrown places. 

  It reminds us of an occasion when we came across a couple (rattlers) that appeared to be mating. We cannot swear by it because after all, perhaps they were only good friends. It was most interesting as we had never experienced such a visual. Fortunately, we stood above them although less than thirty feet distant and as they moved toward us, following coitus interruptus, struggled to grip the surface, thus hampering their advance. It had obviously been a vigorous session. We derived no pleasure at disturbing them but how does one explain this and apologize to a slithering couple. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always easy copulating...um...coping on the slopes. 

Part-way up the trail as we head down through the forest and continue the ascent thereafter.
San Francisco Bay (extension) in the distance.
San Antonio Reservoir from Mission Peak.
Approaching the peak, a beautiful view of Fremont and Newark, California.
Part-way up we changed direction and left the 'granny trail' as one fellow referred to it. We preferred the more difficult route which is a trail rather than a road; it's very quiet and of course, steeper as it has a couple of descending places, adding to the elevation gain. For the record, "'granny trail' is tough in-and-of-itself," says Granny Jenni. (I enjoyed using that form of address as my father's mother was 'Granny Jenny', too.)
At last, the peak.
Near the commencement, we enjoyed the view and especially, the tree.
Enjoyed 'a bird's-eye-view' of the water and surround. The 'pink' water/sand is a chemical reaction to salt and other substances in the soil.
As we headed to the tower, the trail curved away toward the peak, changing our destination for the better.
A view of the bay as we reach Mission Peak.
The I-880 freeway passes through Fremont and by-passes a few ponds.
Many pylons, bridges, road, islands and the odd bit of water, too.
Over the years, the concept of enhanced perspective from height has been fascinating one for us to admire. (The road below is the popular track which we hopped off as mentioned earlier.)
At the end of the hike, Jen summons a li(y)ft.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

62:11/12 California: Vacaville: Lagoon Valley Park...local parks and then there are local parks.

Somes colors and their degrees of brightness just pick-up a person. My Mom told me that blue and green clashed, when she dressed me...in my 'early years'.
Sometimes the colors help to pick up the soul and thereafter the feet.
Steep downhills don't need too much motivational color.

Already brunch.

For some, water has practical applications only.

Ho-hum! Another of Jenni's pets. This time it's a baby out in the open...usually the most aggressive of the family.
Heading for the first target. 

 Keeping the back in place or is it knowing its place?

We returned to the park on a rest day and could not resist a walk in a different direction. 

 

Jen going round the bend as she moves upwards.
Brunch-break, view and shade, on a follow-up visit.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

62.30: Morro Bay. Birds of and in Paradise, includes Brown Pelicans and People, too, sharing a little Heaven at the Colony.

'Hallelujah'...seems to be the stance of 'Lil Peli'. (Can it Peli!)
More of an earthly stance.
The choirmaster shows the way: "C'mon guys, once more with feeling."

  We returned to Morro Bay, another wonderful location. Notice I did not use the term ‘favorite’ as I’m barred from listing further favorite places of mine. We stayed here 2 months earlier as we made our way north heading to the Bay area. Instead of going on a formal hike, we headed to the local bay and morro where we always expect to see something of interest. 

  We dropped down to water level and made our way over the rocks which separate the bay from the ocean. Lo and behold, we came across a haven or colony of California Brown Pelicans and the occasional seagull. It was overwhelming. As we approached, we wondered whether the hundreds of creatures would fly off in panic. After all, Jenni can be intimidating, especially should she give them the ‘eye’. As a precaution, I suggested she keep her sunglasses on despite the dull weather. We also walked slowly and quietly, not wishing to startle the crowd. We kind of melded in with the flocks like we were birds of a feather, should you catch our drift. 

  The birds closest to us flew to different perches but overall, we did not seem to lose our audience. As we moved along, others returned to fill the vacant rocks. It was an incredible experience, a photographer’s dream and a period filled with both excitement and serenity. It was another period of not knowing what to expect of the day but being rewarded with a unique and entertaining experience, educational, too. 

  Jen noticed earlier that the water level of the bay was low, much less than we’d noticed in the past. A while later, while on the beach sand and upon the rocks, we heard gentle waves. After a while, we realized the tide was returning. Oops! Too much birdbrain thinking. The return hike over the rocks became challenging and very wet which, unfortunately, included a slide and fall on the rocks. Jen thought she heard the one wise guy remark to a friend: “Brains and prayers may be a good thing but in such a situation, nothing beats a wing or two.” 

The 'Quad Qids' prepare for a quartet performance.

'Okay, fellas, let's take that from the top. Squawk in unison.'
A dainty landing, like a dancer, Ellie, whom we know and love.
Meantime, down at the 'Pelican Publican', the kids dive into the fish and...hold the chips. Perhaps, Muizenberg, Cape, circa 1955.
'You wanna see me wing it, guys.'
'Hey, cool it fellas, let's have order here...preferably, order of fat fish wings. 'Wiseguy!'
'Man, what a curve. Pity it's in the wrong position.' 

The coast line from way out in the water.
'Where to now, Jen?' "Probably leaving and heading back to Morro." (Jen, right bottom corner).
'Hey, hurry it up. We forgot the tide is coming in.'
"Hey, wait for me after the morro." 'Can't. I'll be gone before to morro.'
'That's not white paint that you're following, fella. You should know you're stepping in the real stuff'. A few minutes later, we waded through the water and over the rocks and one of us took a rough 'swim'.
When we began it was dull and gray. What a change although we remain dull and gray.
"Aye, Aye, Sir."  'I'll take the salute next time, M'am.' At least we found someone who shows a little respect...Jen said had I considered it might be a mocking bird.

These are what we term the 'heavies'. We give them space and the occasional worm, too. Notice not much humor amongst this lot.
A definite pattern...perhaps, a pecking order.
The proverbial 'birder' or maybe hunter...Jen tells me it beats 'snakers'.
Organized chaos.
'Oh! So you say that's the little house on the prairie...' as we return to terra firma.
Tweets to all, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Reno: Perspective of an earlier Cover Picture: The mountains behind Washoe Lake, opposite the Carson Range.

Reno, Nevada, opposite the Carson Range. Jen, climbing a treacherous area (bottom right), is about to be rewarded with a pleasant surprise. (See below).
The reward, as we view snow-capped mountains, the land below and for the first time, Lake Washoe from a new position. Usually, one is not high enough to see over the front mountains. Jenni's effort up the extremely steep and somewhat treacherous slope provides a bonus (see bottom of picture).
Height is a great provider of perspective...plus cooler air, inter alia. We passed a colorful quarry (see below) and discovered much volcanic rock, too.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

For much of this Hike-about segment, Jen has felt a need to travel with her pets. Go Figure!