Travel: Point Reyes - Tomales Point Trail

As part of my New Year's Resolution I wanted to be more outdoorsy. Taking quick hikes whenever I can. Today was one of those days.

Despite the rain, decided to go hiking with my friends Nicole, Dan and Lucy at Point Reyes.

Though it was pouring on the drive, turned out to be a beautiful day in Point Reyes.

Even with a little rainbow!

Lucy (a non-Californian) was very excited to see her first live snail.

The Tomales Point Trail is the perfect quick hike, it's pretty flat and offers a great view of the coast. Though it is a little windy.

And there's Elk along the trail, but thankfully mainly at a distance.

Though some were a little close as we were driving back!

When the rain started coming down a bit, we were able to huddle under some trees and eat some tasty treats prepared by Nicole.

But the rain quickly passed as we were back in action, champions!!

Thanks so much to my buddies who helped me make good on my resolution... I'm so outdoorsy!! ;-)

Benicia Community Arts - Port Costa

Headed over to Port Costa to be a substitute teacher for my buddy Karl Neilsen's photo class through Benicia Community Arts program.

For the day, the photo class was taking a field trip through Port Costa.

A town just on the side of the Carquinez Bridge past Crockett, and despite being just 40 miles from San Francisco, it's the town that time forgot.

We walked around and I tried to explain different camera settings, what things I look for, like light wrapping around leaves.

And how I frame certain things.

Near the end of the class we went inside the Warehouse Cafe and old dive bar that is just too cool!

They had blues playing and random decorations everywhere.

Including a stuffed polar bear!

Fun day for me and hopefully some of my insight was useful to Karl's students.  http://www.karlnielsenphotography.com/

Muir Woods

 

Took a fun little day trip with my parents to Muir Woods.

I love how the light sneaks in between the trees and creates all kinds of unique shadows.

I also love photographing bark.

Even saw a very friendly caterpillar.

And some other strange creatures ;-)

Drove home via Golden Gate Bridge. The San Francisco side unsurprisingly covered in fog. But the northern span open and clear.

And beyond the bridge looked like an ominous scene from a pirates tale.

Days like these make me realize I could probably never permanently live outside of the bay area =)

Trapped in the bay area ;-)