Two Sisters, 48 Hours

How much fun can two sisters have in 48 hours? Recently my niece surprised my sister with a weekend trip from Portland, Oregon to the San Francisco Bay Area. We don't see each other often, so decided to make the most of our time!

Ready for adventure

After coffee and cereal on Saturday morning, our first order of business was a trip to a local nail salon for manicures. One must look sharp while on an adventure, and a little pampering and luxury after a long work week doesn't hurt!

Picnic in the shade at Point Pinole

With nails sparkling, we spent the afternoon at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline near Richmond. (Recall that my aunt, husband I visited last year, see Point Pinole on a Blustery Summer Day). We hiked out to the Group Camp near the pier for a picnic of croissant sandwiches, crackers, grapes, and shortbread cookies. We had a fantastic view of the San Pablo Bay, and its shipping lane that is kept busy with a continual flow of barges, tugs, ferries, and ships.

The new pier to the left, and remains of the old pier to the right

After lunch we walked to the end of the pier to watch folks monitor their fishing lines, and haul in their catches, including a skate, small tiger shark, and bass. According to the brochure and website, one can fish from the pier without a fishing license, as long as all other regulations are followed. Nice way to catch dinner!

Looking back at the bluffs from the pier

The views of San Pablo Bay and the surrounding area are spectacular, and the Whittell Marsh and old pier attract many birds. A brisk wind keeps things cool, which is welcome relief when the temperature soars inland, but the wind wasn't as bone chilling as it was for our visit last year!

Standing on the bluff overlooking the pier

Photo op from the bluff

We hiked up the small bluff for the views from a different vantage point, and then followed the Bay Trail around the point. The allee of eucalyptus trees provided a lovely fragrance, rustling leaves, and the occasional groaning of branches.

Golden grasses and oaks at Point Pinole

Allee of eucalyptus trees on the Bay View Trail

We cut across the point on one of the small trails to the parking lot at the Atlas Road Staging Area, and then headed over to pick up my aunt for a delicious dinner of souvlakia, kebabs, and baklava at the Troy Greek Restaurant on Solano Avenue. We recalled fondly our time together in Southeast Alaska a year ago (see Rambles in Drizzly Juneau and Eagle River and the Crab Feed). Back at my aunt's house, we had a phone call with my mom in Alaska (a 2x2 sister call)!

Two generations of sisters (with Mom on the phone)

After all the exercise, fresh air, and fun, my sister and I slept late on Sunday morning, and then enjoyed a long leisurely breakfast on the patio. We finally launched our day with a quick tour of the Farmer's Market and a few shops in Montclair, and then headed for Redwood Regional Park. This is a favorite park that is minutes from Oakland but feels like it is in the middle of nature (see Redwood Regional Park for a post on a rainy winter visit).

Stream Trail through the deep shade of the redwoods

The next generation

Photo op in the redwoods

We found a picnic table in the shade, and enjoyed our sandwiches, fruit, and cookies; and people watching. This is a wonderful park for families of all walking abilities (we saw poles, wheel chairs, and strollers)! Fortified with our lunch, we took a long leisurely hike in the deep shade of the redwood forest along the stream trail, all the way up to the Eucalyptus Trail where it meets the East Ridge Trail. On the way home we stopped at the Merritt College parking lot for grand views of Oakland, the Bay, and San Francisco.

Intrepid hiker

Recording the creaking of eucalyptus trees

At home we ordered pizza from Cybelle's Pizza, and watched a few episodes of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, set in 1920s Melbourne, Australia. We had a great time together, getting caught up on each other's lives and enjoying life in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. We are already planning more get-togethers in the future (maybe San Francisco by BART or ferry, a whirlwind tour of the top 10 tourist spots by bus, and a visit to Fort Mason area for views of the Golden Gate Bridge). I think my niece has started something big!