Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Crow Canyon Gardens/Cataract Falls/Gina in SFO
Crow Canyon Gardens are within walking distance to our home.
I hoped to find gardens there like the ones at Heathers Farms in Walnut Creek but there are actually just small community garden plots here. And there is more behind the gardens. Here you can access the Crow Creek and its surrounding greenery. You could nearly forget you are still in the busy town.
I feel someone is watching us and then I see the big birds in the tree above us. I guess they are vultures. They are so close and, considering their size, they make me feel a bit uncomfortable.
They are not happy with our presence either and soon they take off.
The weather is still not stable yet. Sunshine changes with rainy and stormy days so you never know how the weather will be the next day.
I was planning a more challenging hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains for this Saturday.
I think Rob was relieved to hear my friends may join me. But the weather forecast was so bad we decided to cancel.
But Rob and Maarten would go for their Saturday ‘daddy’ hike rain or shine. And despite the heavy rain in the early morning we get plenty of sunshine later that day.
So while the ‘boys’ are enjoying the redwoods near Oakland I take the risk of possible rain and head to Marin again. This time to check out Cataract Falls.
We’ve been here before and it was very crowded then. This is an extremely popular trail. So it's best to come early in the morning to be sure to get a spot because of the very limited parking.
It looks like the bad forecast scared off most of the outdoor fans. I don’t meet any other cars all the way to Alpine Lake and there is also nobody at the trailhead!
Later I meet a few people when I’m returning down again. I’m delighted to enjoy all the beauty in complete solitude.
At first I have to think of the weather forecast and my waterproofs I forgot at home. But here also the sky clears up soon.
After the rainy days the falls are well filled and I find some new pools we had missed the last time. Maybe because especially the pools were occupied by picnicking crowds then.
Some claim this shaded and wooded canyon with its falls when the sun comes through the dense trees to have a Hawaii-like atmosphere. I can’t judge that but anyhow it is really beautiful here.
However there is a little disappointment that day.
The battery in my camera is low so I can’t take any pictures of the last part of the falls.
A good reason to come back again!
~~~
Despite living so close to ‘the city’ we visit San Francisco very rarely. Mostly only when there is a particular reason to do so, like having visitors or visiting someone.
This Sunday we meet there with my cousin from New York. It is already six (?) years ago when Gina visited us in Holland. Her business trip to San Francisco this week is a great opportunity to meet her and her boyfriend Ryan. Yet Maarten is behaving pretty weird. He is trying to get Gina’s attention all the time and I’m not sure if she appreciates his way of ‘flirting’ with her.
Well, I believe we should visit ‘the city’ more often. Considering his behavior today, Maarten has turned out to be a real country boy and his social development may use a bit of the ‘city’s culture’ as well.
I hoped to find gardens there like the ones at Heathers Farms in Walnut Creek but there are actually just small community garden plots here. And there is more behind the gardens. Here you can access the Crow Creek and its surrounding greenery. You could nearly forget you are still in the busy town.
I feel someone is watching us and then I see the big birds in the tree above us. I guess they are vultures. They are so close and, considering their size, they make me feel a bit uncomfortable.
They are not happy with our presence either and soon they take off.
The weather is still not stable yet. Sunshine changes with rainy and stormy days so you never know how the weather will be the next day.
I was planning a more challenging hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains for this Saturday.
I think Rob was relieved to hear my friends may join me. But the weather forecast was so bad we decided to cancel.
But Rob and Maarten would go for their Saturday ‘daddy’ hike rain or shine. And despite the heavy rain in the early morning we get plenty of sunshine later that day.
So while the ‘boys’ are enjoying the redwoods near Oakland I take the risk of possible rain and head to Marin again. This time to check out Cataract Falls.
We’ve been here before and it was very crowded then. This is an extremely popular trail. So it's best to come early in the morning to be sure to get a spot because of the very limited parking.
It looks like the bad forecast scared off most of the outdoor fans. I don’t meet any other cars all the way to Alpine Lake and there is also nobody at the trailhead!
Later I meet a few people when I’m returning down again. I’m delighted to enjoy all the beauty in complete solitude.
At first I have to think of the weather forecast and my waterproofs I forgot at home. But here also the sky clears up soon.
After the rainy days the falls are well filled and I find some new pools we had missed the last time. Maybe because especially the pools were occupied by picnicking crowds then.
Some claim this shaded and wooded canyon with its falls when the sun comes through the dense trees to have a Hawaii-like atmosphere. I can’t judge that but anyhow it is really beautiful here.
However there is a little disappointment that day.
The battery in my camera is low so I can’t take any pictures of the last part of the falls.
A good reason to come back again!
~~~
Despite living so close to ‘the city’ we visit San Francisco very rarely. Mostly only when there is a particular reason to do so, like having visitors or visiting someone.
This Sunday we meet there with my cousin from New York. It is already six (?) years ago when Gina visited us in Holland. Her business trip to San Francisco this week is a great opportunity to meet her and her boyfriend Ryan. Yet Maarten is behaving pretty weird. He is trying to get Gina’s attention all the time and I’m not sure if she appreciates his way of ‘flirting’ with her.
Well, I believe we should visit ‘the city’ more often. Considering his behavior today, Maarten has turned out to be a real country boy and his social development may use a bit of the ‘city’s culture’ as well.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Donner Canyon, Mt. Diablo SP
I know we are quite late, but as I remember our last trip to Donner Falls they were still flowing in mid May.
It is already two years ago when we were here for the first time. We found that first trip pretty difficult with Maarten in the back carrier and the temperature in the high nineties.
Today it is quite warm despite the bad weather forecast and considering it is only early spring.
Maarten hasn’t use the back carrier for several months already but this doesn’t mean he can manage a 6 mile trip by himself.
Though I believe he might be able to, but also today there are some paths he would not enjoy, I'm sure.
Everything is still so nice and green.
The bubbling creek off to the left adds a nice atmosphere to the enjoyable, slightly climbing road with the view of the imposing Mount Diablo in the background.
After about a mile and a half where the creek crosses the trail we stop to have lunch. From here I continue up on my own. Maarten is delighted of course. Now he can finally completely enjoy the tempting creek.
The first 'mile' to get up to the Falls Trail is quite strenuous and I’m happy I didn’t insist we all go up the hill. I keep looking around since there are nice views in all directions.
Looking back to the north there is the Bay with its surrounding towns. As I continue deep in the canyon I recognize the old places and have to think of our previous trip here. The place we had lunch, the scarce shady places where we tried to hide from the merciless sun, where Maarten was playing in the water (and where we had to wash him since we forgot an extra diaper)...so many memories! I have to cross the streams several times and I think of Maarten. He would love the small path and wading in the water a lot.
But I’m sure he would hate to climb the steep and dry dirt road up. Who knows, maybe next time.
O.K., now about the waterfalls. They are not that spectacular.
But the whole canyon is such a beautiful setting. The creek is greatly hidden in the exuberant vegetation so you don’t see it all the time but you hear the gurgling and splashing water all over the place.
I should be here right after the rainy winter but no need to complain.
I believe this place is stunning in just about any season.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Carson Falls
Maarten is three now and I can’t postpone his visit to the dentist any longer.
But there is no need for postponing. Concerning the dentist Maarten is not such a chicken like me. And he even claims that he likes the treatment!
He has started the new preschool class and I guess he is the youngest of all the children now. This is not a problem for him since he always prefers bigger children. And we both like the new teachers.
Though he was a little clingy the first morning, he was very enthusiastic about the new class when I picked him up.
Even though he is goes to school every weekday, it is only till the noon and then he is obviously tired and bored at home. So it’s up to me to either struggle with his tiredness at home or think of amusing trips for both of us.
We usually go for a stroll along a creek or take a winding path through the woods, observing the wildlife or something similar.
However, last weekend we made a mistake. Even though our trip to the waterfalls should have been a fun trail along a creek, I didn't realize we had to first walk a mile over the ridge. Despite the beautiful views of the bay, Maarten seemed to only pay attention to the boring, climbing dirt path with no fun puddles to jump in or trees to climb up.
His energy returned only at the twisting path down to the falls.
The series of the waterfalls falling into a rock canyon were very tempting to him and it took a big effort to keep him away from the rocks and bring him to one of the small streams feeding the falls. Here he could fully enjoy the water.
I went further down following the steep path along the creek.
When I returned Maarten’s pants were completely wet but this didn’t seem to bother him or disrupt in his serious water activities.
Unfortunately one climb to the canyon’s rocky walls, ended up with a small hole in Maarten’s palm.
As usual he wasn’t crying at all but this time you could see pain in his face.
But there is no need for postponing. Concerning the dentist Maarten is not such a chicken like me. And he even claims that he likes the treatment!
He has started the new preschool class and I guess he is the youngest of all the children now. This is not a problem for him since he always prefers bigger children. And we both like the new teachers.
Though he was a little clingy the first morning, he was very enthusiastic about the new class when I picked him up.
Even though he is goes to school every weekday, it is only till the noon and then he is obviously tired and bored at home. So it’s up to me to either struggle with his tiredness at home or think of amusing trips for both of us.
We usually go for a stroll along a creek or take a winding path through the woods, observing the wildlife or something similar.
However, last weekend we made a mistake. Even though our trip to the waterfalls should have been a fun trail along a creek, I didn't realize we had to first walk a mile over the ridge. Despite the beautiful views of the bay, Maarten seemed to only pay attention to the boring, climbing dirt path with no fun puddles to jump in or trees to climb up.
His energy returned only at the twisting path down to the falls.
The series of the waterfalls falling into a rock canyon were very tempting to him and it took a big effort to keep him away from the rocks and bring him to one of the small streams feeding the falls. Here he could fully enjoy the water.
I went further down following the steep path along the creek.
When I returned Maarten’s pants were completely wet but this didn’t seem to bother him or disrupt in his serious water activities.
Unfortunately one climb to the canyon’s rocky walls, ended up with a small hole in Maarten’s palm.
As usual he wasn’t crying at all but this time you could see pain in his face.
Monday, February 25, 2008
3rd Birthday at Heavenly Tahoe
Our last ski trip was a big success and Maarten often asks when he is going to put the little skis on and do wjooooo again.
Besides his muffin party at the preschool we considered a party for his birthday at home or somewhere the American way. But since according to him Miss Robin is his best friend and I believe the birthday boy should choose the way of celebration we decided to follow his wish – we go up to the snowy mountains again!
Well, we didn’t expect that this would be followed that literally.
We had already had a several rainy days and the forecast for the Sierra’s promised snow as well.
In Placerville the heavy rain becomes snow and we are forced to put on the snow chains. We always have them with us but this is actually the very first time we really need to use it. There is a chain control on the highway already at Pollock Pines. When we finally get the still brand new interlaced chains apart a hooded man appears behind us offering his help.
Ooh yes, pleeease!
Where are you from? He asks and I can hardly understand him so I ask the same question.
I’m local. I’m a Native American!
Oops!
Later we understand why it was so hard to follow him. When we buy him a beer for his help we know this is not going to be his first one.
Anyway, we continue up and the snowfall is getting even heavier. We are crawling very slowly but we enjoy the beautiful scenery all the time.
After six hours of driving (should have been 3!) we finally arrive at our destination.
Maarten is thrilled about the amount of snow and asks to go skiing immediately. It is late already but fortunately we can comfort him with our snow sled.
It's almost dark when he and Rob build an artistic snowman.
Saturday is the big day! Maarten is turning three! We are all so fortunate to celebrate this wonderful day in such a beautiful snowy setting.
This morning is not snowing and I’m already pretty much healed from our last ski adventure. So, let’s go for it!
We go to the nearby Heavenly Ski Resort. I guess, this is the largest one in the Tahoe area. The ski-runs look challenging and even the sun is coming through the clouds. Though I know there is another challenge for me other than the steep runs...
Unfortunately this ski paradise is also extremely popular and because it is Saturday it is very crowded. Rob and Maarten disappear in the Ski Rental Store. They seem to be there for ages and when they finally come out Maarten is obviously out of patience.
And so am I by the way.
One of the nice guys at the Rentals tries to comfort me that it just looks kind of nasty but the crowd is not that bad for a Saturday!
Once at the lift our mood improves and the view of Lake Tahoe is beautiful. But the sun is completely lost in the clouds again and it starts to snow. We are optimistic and get on another lift to go higher.
But this is a wrong move!
The snow starts falling even harder. Maarten doesn't appreciate the snowflakes falling on his face and he keeps spitting at them.
But to get back down again we actually need to first go up to the very highest trail. (Don't you find this logical? ;-))
We are above 10,000 ft and it gets really stormy up here. Normally the easy trail would be ideal for our little skier who is already skiing so well today, but, unfortunately the weather is teasing him and makes him very angry.
We join all the other red faces and have lunch at the East Peak Lodge.
Poor Maarten hopes he is safe now.
But we still have to ski down...
Ehmm...and we succeed at last!
Is Maarten happy with his birthday adventure? Back in the chalet he seems to forget the annoying snowflakes and keeps talking about his skillful skiing.
The wind is stormy and the snow keeps falling the whole night. We are a bit concerned about our trip home tomorrow.
We wake up to a fabulous white morning.
Maarten can’t stay inside and explores all the huge snow-drifts and piles.
Well, he still doesn’t get enough snow even after yesterday.
Even though the first mile of our drive home took us almost an hour we continue in a reasonable pace over the mountain.
We have to use the snow chains of course and sure we make use of the wonderful chain installers.
For only 30 bucks they put the snow chains on and within 5 minutes we are ready to set off again!
Besides his muffin party at the preschool we considered a party for his birthday at home or somewhere the American way. But since according to him Miss Robin is his best friend and I believe the birthday boy should choose the way of celebration we decided to follow his wish – we go up to the snowy mountains again!
Well, we didn’t expect that this would be followed that literally.
We had already had a several rainy days and the forecast for the Sierra’s promised snow as well.
In Placerville the heavy rain becomes snow and we are forced to put on the snow chains. We always have them with us but this is actually the very first time we really need to use it. There is a chain control on the highway already at Pollock Pines. When we finally get the still brand new interlaced chains apart a hooded man appears behind us offering his help.
Ooh yes, pleeease!
Where are you from? He asks and I can hardly understand him so I ask the same question.
I’m local. I’m a Native American!
Oops!
Later we understand why it was so hard to follow him. When we buy him a beer for his help we know this is not going to be his first one.
Anyway, we continue up and the snowfall is getting even heavier. We are crawling very slowly but we enjoy the beautiful scenery all the time.
After six hours of driving (should have been 3!) we finally arrive at our destination.
Maarten is thrilled about the amount of snow and asks to go skiing immediately. It is late already but fortunately we can comfort him with our snow sled.
It's almost dark when he and Rob build an artistic snowman.
Saturday is the big day! Maarten is turning three! We are all so fortunate to celebrate this wonderful day in such a beautiful snowy setting.
This morning is not snowing and I’m already pretty much healed from our last ski adventure. So, let’s go for it!
We go to the nearby Heavenly Ski Resort. I guess, this is the largest one in the Tahoe area. The ski-runs look challenging and even the sun is coming through the clouds. Though I know there is another challenge for me other than the steep runs...
Unfortunately this ski paradise is also extremely popular and because it is Saturday it is very crowded. Rob and Maarten disappear in the Ski Rental Store. They seem to be there for ages and when they finally come out Maarten is obviously out of patience.
And so am I by the way.
One of the nice guys at the Rentals tries to comfort me that it just looks kind of nasty but the crowd is not that bad for a Saturday!
Once at the lift our mood improves and the view of Lake Tahoe is beautiful. But the sun is completely lost in the clouds again and it starts to snow. We are optimistic and get on another lift to go higher.
But this is a wrong move!
The snow starts falling even harder. Maarten doesn't appreciate the snowflakes falling on his face and he keeps spitting at them.
But to get back down again we actually need to first go up to the very highest trail. (Don't you find this logical? ;-))
We are above 10,000 ft and it gets really stormy up here. Normally the easy trail would be ideal for our little skier who is already skiing so well today, but, unfortunately the weather is teasing him and makes him very angry.
We join all the other red faces and have lunch at the East Peak Lodge.
Poor Maarten hopes he is safe now.
But we still have to ski down...
Ehmm...and we succeed at last!
Is Maarten happy with his birthday adventure? Back in the chalet he seems to forget the annoying snowflakes and keeps talking about his skillful skiing.
The wind is stormy and the snow keeps falling the whole night. We are a bit concerned about our trip home tomorrow.
We wake up to a fabulous white morning.
Maarten can’t stay inside and explores all the huge snow-drifts and piles.
Well, he still doesn’t get enough snow even after yesterday.
Even though the first mile of our drive home took us almost an hour we continue in a reasonable pace over the mountain.
We have to use the snow chains of course and sure we make use of the wonderful chain installers.
For only 30 bucks they put the snow chains on and within 5 minutes we are ready to set off again!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Spring Idyll
When we returned from the snowy Sierras last Sunday the spring has already arrived in San Ramon.
We have sunshine and high sixties the whole week. Just sometimes in the morning thick fog from the bay crawls over the surrounding hills.
Due to a trail closure a stroll around the little Cull Canyon Reservoir turned out to be a challenging hike through the streets of Castro Valley and was not that pleasant easy walk I’ve planned for this Sunday afternoon.
Unfortunately this spring idyll is teased by our demanding son who seems to be intractable for several weeks already. There is a reason for that at least I believe so. Maarten doesn’t get enough sleep. (And me neither!)
He gets up at 3 a. m. turns the lights on and reads his books! It doesn’t help if we hide his books. He would climb wherever to look for them and get them. I even tried to loosen the light bulb in his room but as you know I can’t loosen the bulbs all over the house every night.
I’m not going to describe all his ‘clever’ moves and tricks since there will be no end to this list.
At this age he is coming into his own personality and, looking on the bright side, he is an (extremely!) enterprising little guy and we should be thankful for that. However, it takes a lot of effort to keep him and his environment safe enough.
PS: We DIDN'T pluck the poppies!!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Donner Lake (7–10 February)
It’s been a while since I last skied, maybe even 5 years?! Maarten is almost 3 and I just couldn’t wait any longer to put him on skis as well.
Here in the Bay Area we don't get snow but I told him that he is going to ski like Krteček (Little Mole from his favorite cartoon) and he got very excited.
We rent a cabin at Donner Lake. It is a nice little cottage overlooking the lake. Like nearby Lake Tahoe there are hundreds of cabins hidden by the pine trees all around the lake. The cabin is very cozy a homey furnished. Very romantic though unfortunately it is not quite pristine because of the highway noise.
We all can’t wait to go to the nearby ski resort. Maarten wants to ski immediately. He screams with joy as he goes up on the ski lift. But then we have to ski down the hill again.
It seems Maarten didn't realize that.
After a few meters he falls and loses his ski boot. I try to put it on and I fail again and again. Maarten is already out of patience and I’m trying to keep calm. I always say Maarten never cries much but now he roars so loud that we get a lot of attention from other skiers. Well, not of our dad who skis down untroubled...
Later he doesn’t even succeed in putting the boot on and he rushes down again to get a bigger size. Maarten keeps on screaming all the time. We couldn’t wish for a ‘better’ start!
Bigger ski boots make a big difference and we can begin again.
On the way up, we are both aware of the absence of the safety bars on the lifts. I’ve already heard that the lifts in the U.S. are not equipped with the safety bars. We don’t even dare to look down and we hold Maarten firmly the whole time. I would like Maarten to attend ski school but just can’t imagine him on the ski lift by himself with other toddlers! Or am I being hysterical?
We ski at Donner Ski Ranch and there isn't any (toddler) ski school anyway. And besides that it has always been my dream to teach my own child to ski.
To be honest, Rob has to remind me of that all the time now.
Even though Maarten is doing so well, it is a really difficult task to explain things to such a little one.
As soon as he manages to stand on his skis he would bomb down the hill no matter where without controlling his speed or knowing how to stop. He doesn’t care about any dangers. He visualizes whales!, counts potatoes (rocks), is fascinated by the snow going so fast under his skis and tries to touch it while rushing down the hill.
There is no consciousness of fear in our little guy. (Does this sound familiar, mom?!)
You would understand that the helmet is not an unnecessary luxury equipment in Maarten’s case.
I agree that a parent should not be the one to teach his or her child but we still did pretty well.
Anyway besides all the hard work, we had a lot of fun ...
Honestly I only hope there is a suitable ski school for Maarten next time.
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