The Trail // The Dipsea

A few weeks ago I set out to run from Stinson to Muir Woods and back on the famous Dipsea Trail in preparation for the race I ran at Armstrong Redwoods.  The total distance was just under 13 miles, with a total ascent of 2800 feet.  I love the trails on Mt. Tam, you get to see so many different micro climates in such a short distance.  The trail winds through open grassy fields, redwoods, bay and oak forests, and panoramic views of the Bay.

I had never done this trail before, despite being a native, so I looked it up on ProTrails.com.  I would suggest if anyone wants to try this trail, however, to start at Stinson rather than Muir Woods because on weekends it is virtually impossible to park in Muir Woods and usually you have to take a shuttle in.  I opted rather to park at Stinson beach, run the distance and back, and then had a relaxing couple hours refueling, re-hydrating, and sun-soaking on the beach.  Oh, and napping.  Always nap when you visit the beach.

If you aren't game for a mega-hike, you can also break this trip down into smaller legs.  I sometimes really enjoy starting at Pan Toll at the top of the mountain and hiking Steep Ravine trail down to Stinson.  It's all downhill, and at the end you can either hike back up, take the bus back up, or hitchhike.  Don't forget to get a soft serve at The Parkside.

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Go Far // Bolinas

Okay, so I guess technically Bolinas isn't "far" from Oakland.  Only about an 90 minute drive from The Town, Bolinas is one of my old haunts from teenage-dom.  I was getting up to no good back then, as many kids growing up in rural west Marin are apt to do.  It's a very different place for me now, although I usually go to Stinson when I need a beach day.  The little extra drive was worth it though, Bolinas is significantly more laid back which was just what my best friend Lynsey and I needed.

Laying out on our big beach blanket (that I always keep in my truck for just-so purposes), I felt transported back to what the beach felt like when I was a kid-- lots of families hanging out, naked kids everywhere, dogs running and playing in the water with little to no supervision, big over-sized and dangerous holes dug near sand castles.  It feels less structured, less worried, more trusting.  There must have been at least 50 surfers in the water too which makes for good entertainment.  I had myself a pretty good sun-soaked snooze which was absolutely heavenly.

My bud brought her dog Adeline July with us, and she had herself a good old time digging with her ball, trying to scavenge food from other beach-goers, and running wild and free in the water.  She was a beautiful sandy, exhausted mess at the end of the day.

Here are a few outtakes from our day.

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