Tennessee Valley

The Tennessee Valley just north, in Marin County is another magical spot that makes the Bay Area such a special place on the planet. The Tennessee Valley trail is a 3.4 mile hike (r/t) between rolling green hills, a few meadows, and stunning wildflower that lead the way to the coast where black sand and rock cliff meet the cold Pacific Ocean.


The valley is about 40 minutes from our house. Because our family tries to reduce the car seat time and as well as our consumption of fuel, we have not been there in a few years. It may have been when I was pregnant with Amara that we last took a hike amongst the beauty and awe of this sacred space.

Yesterday we took the opportunity to take a family hike there as part of a trip to pick up something from our dear friends Danya & Dirk, who live just down the road in Sausalito. We got lost for a minute along the way but eventually made our way to the trail head parking lot (thanks to another close friend, Lani, who we called for directions!).

And of course, the warm, sunny weather that was in the East Bay was nowhere to be found as the afternoon fog was rolling itself in from the Ocean. We all bundled up the best we could, packed up our picnic dinner and set off due West. The colder weather was a blessing in disguise; there were few people on the trail and at times, we we were the only humans. The only sounds were the wind. What a gift!

I took a ton of photos which can tell the rest of the story. I think the camera captured the mood of the fog that was surrounding us. I am still learning settings so the pictures could have been better. But like parenting, if they are good enough, they are fine!

Homemade quesadillas & a bunch of other snacks helped keep the girls warm.

The fog carpet rolling in. Amara was a little frightened by it.

Even the most simple plant is beautiful.

We came upon three deer along the way.

Powerful Deer medicine literally in our path, just before crossing a bridge. Symbolic?

The ocean and fog look the same in color. This is where I need to learn better settings.

Amara brought Luvey, "to protect me."

 Here the girls are with their Aunt Danya. A great way to end a great day!

Giving Auntie Danya some lovin!

Havana's turn!

(http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm)