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Valentining with Muir

Tis the day when the roses find premium pricing - these days a dozen of the finest fetch a cool $40...only to wilt in a day.

But the family felt like being outdoor - it was 75 Degrees Fahrenheit at the beach - literally a heat wave in the middle of a California winter.  Thusly we decided to commune with John Muir - a 19th century naturalist and lover of wilderness as well a legacy in the Northern California region.  A national park is named after him called Muir Woods - up along the coast where the redwoods stand tall - few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

While the park itself proved to be a challenge what with many like minded citizens finding the soothing shade of the giant redwoods inviting, and parking situation to rival a Maroon 5 concert we drove a few more miles to hit the beach and the surf.  Along the Pacific coast we found another spot honoring John Muir - this one a rehabilitated stretch of sand called Muir Beach.

Waves crashing yet with a low tide taking over a lot of real estate lay exposed and ready for wandering.  A hill that drops down to the coast also provided a much needed respite in the form of a long hike.  Views were spectacular from the south where vestiges of the City of San Francisco and its high rises loomed to the north with the town of Muir beach and cute bungalows hanging on cliffs for dear life.


Looking south from the hill along Muir Beach - Sutro Tower faintly in the distance

Muir Beach looking north from the hill

Mouth watering Huarache

Crossing from San Rafael in Marin County to Richmond CA

On the way home east over the Richmond - San Rafael bridge (which turns 60 next year and pictured above), we dined on some amazing Mexican food in Larkspur, CA - a hip neighborhood oddly few miles from the famous San Quentin prison, California's oldest that houses death row inmates.

More appetizing part of the narrative was the fresh corn bread in the shape of a sandal or Huarache  (its Spanish name), topped with Queso Fresco (fresh cheese) and salsa (cilantro/onions and tomatoes) washed down with a Modelo Especial - a fine lager from down under (Mexico City).

It was a good start to the 3 day weekend - what with Monday honoring some eminent personalities that shaped this nation - Georgie boy Washington and Abe Lincoln - President's day.
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