Archive for the ‘Why I love Marin’ Category
I just returned from trick or treating with the kids. Along the way, we saw lots (and lots, and lots!) of Giants fans, beards and the like. The energy and excitement over the Giant’s game was thrilling. I was concerned about missing the World Series, yet people had brought large screen tvs into their front yards, invited us in for beverages and an inning, and generally cheered and updated us on the score. I loved this pumpkin we found.
The Giant sense of community (pun intended), was clearly felt.
And this, is why I love Marin.
If you are up for a good day hike, the Matt Davis/Steep Ravine loop is one of the best in Marin. The half way point is Stinson Beach, where you can relax for the day at the beach or grab lunch at one of the quaint cafes in town. I did this hike over the weekend and had forgotten how beautiful the redwoods and mossy trees can be. The single track trail hugs the creek so that you hear the trickling of water as you walk. There are fallen trees that you’ll need to duck under and a ladder to climb makes it fun, especially if you have kids with you. Although there are many people on the trail, it’s very relaxing and at times you’ll find yourself completely alone. The quiet and tranquility are amazing.
I can’t stress enough the importance of dressing in layers because it can be very cool under the shade of the redwoods (which is 60% of the hike) and then can become very warm once you get into the open and closer to Stinson Beach. You also never know what you will get once you get to Stinson, as the restaurant was sunny when we arrived there but the beach was foggy–only a couple hundred yard difference. The trail to Stinson is mainly downhill so also be prepared for the hike back up. For those who just want to go downhill, you can always take the bus back.
We saw a wide variety of people on the trail, from kids to grandparents, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable hike. It’s a great outing any time of the year and really under any weather conditions. The water level is higher in winter and spring but during the summer the creek is still active.
- Where to start: Park at Pantoll parking area (there is a fee of $8)
- How to get there: From Hwy 101 exit W on Hwy 1 for 3.3 miles, right on Panoramic Hwy for 4.9 miles to the Pantoll parking area. From Mill Valley, go up Miller and take a left on Montford to Molino to Edgewood to Panoramic Hwy then 4.9 miles to the Pantoll parking area.
- Distance: 7.0 round trip (it takes about an hour downhill and hour and half up)
- Difficulty: Steep in some places and one area has a ladder to climb
Peace, sustainability, reggae, and fire dancing will all be in the mix at the Good Festival, happening this Saturday in downtown Fairfax. Sounds like a great opportunity to channel your inner hippie and see a side of Marin that sometimes gets lost amid the Range Rovers these days. It’s on from 11-6 on Saturday, August 7th at Bolinas Park.
To beat the heat this summer try heading out to Heart’s Desire Beach at Tomales Bay State Park, just North of Inverness. It’s about 40 minutes from San Anselmo and well worth the drive, which in itself is quite relaxing and beautiful. Since it’s located on Tomales Bay and sheltered from the ocean the water is usually calm, making it one of the best beaches in Marin for families with small children. We also found that the shallow water in the summer is fairly warm, so swimming is much more pleasant than most beaches in the Bay Area. Bring your buckets and build a sand castle or bring your favorite book and just relax.
We went on a weekend and found a great place to set up our blanket and umbrella and stayed for more than three hours. It’s a good idea to bring a picnic and just make a day of it, with BBQ areas and a nice bathroom facility with showers, perfect to wash off the sand before you leave. The lower parking lot is really close to the beach so you don’t have to trek too far, but if it gets full there’s another overflow lot which is a bit more of a trek.
To get there just head out Sir Francis Drake past the town of Inverness and hang a right on Pierce Point Road until you see the sign for Tomales Bay State Park. Turn right into the park, pay the $6 fee and head down the hill to the parking lot. This is a great place to bring friends or have a playdate for the kids. We brought an extra layer of clothes just in case the fogged rolled in, which turned out to be a good idea.
Why I love Marin
Today I was driving in the car with my sunroof open. The bay sparkled in the background and the sky was beautifully blue and clear. As I soaked up the sun, I thought to myself- this is why I love Marin. Sunshine. Moderate temperatures. Gorgeous landscape. No snow shovels or snow plows.
Being able to open my sunroof in December….priceless
Why I love Marin
I am starting a new series for this blog titled “why I love Marin”. These posts will sometimes be my own insights, and sometimes the insights of others. This why I love Marin post comes from Mike Simonsen, CEO of Altos Research. I use Altos Research’s market data every day in my real estate practice and on this site. I was thrilled to get his feedback on why Mike loves Marin County. Check it out!