Mission Peak, Fremont, CA

There is this iPhone app All Trails - which is the reason behind compulsory weekend hiking. Apart from listing all the places to go hiking around you, it provides with an array of details like number of trails/loops, distance, GPS tracking, offline topo maps, camping/biking options, a couple of photos, amazing description for each trail and reviews!

I was perplexed when I learnt that there were enough of trails within 50miles, that would last for a few years, even if all weekend were hiking weekends. What more?
Saturday is the much awaited day of the week and all you need is the camera, hiking shoes, water and some emergency supply of energy bars.

Place: Mission Peak, Fremont, CA
Trail length: 6.5 miles
Elevation: 2100 ft

It was interesting to see people of all age and experience levels, trying to hike to the peak.

This trial was pet friendly. So, the doggies and horses can hike too!

A view of the Bay Area from the peak.

Half Moon Bay, CA

 A fine summer evening,  its 7ish and the hubby calls up only to announce that, there is a beach 30 miles away, and would take us 30mins to reach the destination and the sunset is at 8:15ish. What more?

Courtesy the crooked and broken coast line - Living in the Bay Area, we were looking for the 'nearest' beach for months and finally the search had succeeded. How splendid it is to stay close to the coastline and venture out to the Beach for morning jogs and evening walks. Well, it does come with some negatives too.... Like you have the entire family and friends in the world calling you, and asking you to flee, when the Tsunami waves in Pacific starts traveling towards the West Coast of US. The west coast also means, that you are devoid of resplendent sunrise, but you are blessed with Sunset.

Its 7:30ish while we reach there. Although small, Half Moon Bay is a pretty little town - the houses splendid, the town peaceful and the beach breathtaking!

We walked around for sometime exploring and admiring. The only complaint about North Pacific Ocean is that, the water is mostly cold throughout the year and you will need a wetsuit to venture out.

Its cloudy and the sun is playing hide-and-seek....

At the other end is completely foggy.

Finally at 8:30ish....

Sacramento.....

Previous posts Old Sacramento and Gold Rush Day ......

The first foreign city you experience attracts you for a life time. Its always that first city you remember, recall, quote, compare and talk about while the journey continues. While it was London in UK, it was Sac in US.
The last set of photos clicked during our last few day in Sac.

California State Capitol

Living in the state capital, was a unforgettable experience. Unlike other capital cities which is well known and touristy, Sacramento is non-touristy. The capitol turned into a hot spot after people gathered only to get a glimpse of the then governor Arnold Schwarzenegger!

The Ziggurat - Head Quarters of California Dept of Services. On the banks of river Sacramento, this charming structure adds to the beauty of the city.

The Tower Bridge -  yes, this bridge raises/opens-up for the river traffic. But, how can there be another Tower Bridge?!  But, the promenade presents a scintillating experience for a evening walk.

The Crocker Art Museum

A river meandering through the city surely adds to it character and charm.

PS - All photos from iPhone.

Afternoon Siesta - II

During my initial months in California, I was super excited about getting a chance to see Seals. There was even this instance where I made the Hubby drive miles and then walk a couple, only to catch a glimpse of Elephant Seals, which were visiting the West coast of US for their breeding season. But soon, the Seals became such a common occurrence all along the coast, that I have outgrown the fascination.These pics were when I got to see them for the first time ever.

Bacchanalian? The sign board was confusing, not sure as to who they are addressing.

 

This one was huge, slimy, awkward and was enjoying its afternoon siesta on the scaffolds of the bridge, and it reminded me of our ex-PM from Karnataka. And I have named it after him too :)

Standford Walking Tour - II

Even after numerous visits, we have never got a chance to visit the church at Stanford. We have always witnessed a sign ' The Church is closed for public access. Keep silence, Wedding celebrations in progress'.

What a place to get Married!


The wedding gang at Stanford Oval at the photo shoot.

The Church entrance.

One other interesting aspect in the above picture are the copper tablets inlaid in the flooring. A tablet is laid commemorating every graduating batch. Starting at the entrance of Stanford Memorial Church this runs all around for the place. Another interesting bit is, as to what goes under this tablet? A piece of memorabilia from that batch, which the student community get to choose themselves.


Wedding Photography