Roses at Bishop Ranch

Roses thrive in the hot inland environment of San Ramon, Dublin and Pleasanton. Hot days are cooled somewhat at night by marine breezes that come in through the passes, and the tri-valley uses potable water, so roses never lack for water.

Lovely pink, rambling sidewalk roses

Hot pink roses in a shady planter

Roses are planted liberally at Bishop Ranch, both in planters and along sidewalks. It is a treat to encounter them while out walking in the late afternoon (when the temperature is a little cooler). The intoxicating perfume of roses hangs in the warm afternoon air.



I've never had success growing roses (I've always lived where it is too shady, too cold, or too dry). But I am fascinated with the colors, varieties, and fragrances, and love to see them thriving in the right environment.

White roses flourishing in the shady heat

Roses perfume the sidewalk

From the brief reading I've done, roses from China (which bloom continually, but are very tender), have been hybridized with roses from Europe (which bloom once, but were very hardy). The resulting varieties are tough and bloom continually through several seasons, depending on the climate. One day I'll learn more, in the meantime, I'll just enjoy roses of all kinds wherever I encounter them, whether Bishop Ranch or beyond (such as Woodside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, and Spokane)!

Lazy Daze of Summer

There is nothing better than a lazy summer afternoon. Or a slow start to a busy day. Or taking a new route home and discovering something new. Sure, summer doesn't change much for most working folks, but taking a little time to enjoy summer can only benefit your heart, mind, and soul. Here are a few favorite lazy summer moments.

Therapy llama at Redwood Park	Passion Flower (Passiflora spp.)
Water sports	Mint iced tea
Independent gosling	Blue Sage (Salvia clevelandii)
Cars at the Blackhawk Museum	Blackhawk Plaza water feature
Summer fruit	Support your local farmers

Hope you are enjoying summer, and taking time to explore, try something new, read a book, or just do nothing! 

Point Pinole on a Blustery Summer Day

Point Pinole juts out into San Pablo Bay, with fantastic views of the bay and brisk marine breezes. My husband, aunt, and I made an excursion to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, near Richmond here in the San Francisco Bay Area, to experience Point Pinole on a chilly summer weekend.

View of the shoreline at Point Pinole toward Crockett

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline

We parked at the Atlas Road Staging Area, close to the Park office. Our goal was to follow the Owl Alley Trail out to the tip of Point Pinole, and then to the end of the fishing pier.

Bench with a view of San Pablo Bay

Shipping lane through San Pablo Bay

Over the years, Point Pinole has had various uses including Native American fishing grounds, cattle ranches and farms, fishing village, and dynamite manufacturing plant. In 1963 the East Bay Regional Park District acquired the land from Bethlehem Steel, and in 1973 the park was opened to the public.

Wetlands pond, still green

The old pier

Point Pinole includes multiple picnic areas, a campground and playground, marshlands, woods, beaches, and a network of trails.  The terrain is fairly flat, which makes it an ideal destination for bicycles, kids, and families. The park provides daily shuttle service from the parking areas to the fishing pier and campsite (check the website for the schedule). The beach trail is included in the ambitious 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail project, which circumnavigates the San Francisco Bay.

The new fishing pier

View toward Point San Pablo and beyond

The weather was cool and blustery the day we visited, and we were grateful for our windbreakers (this may be the place to be when our Bay Area temperature soars). Afterward we headed for Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers in Albany to warm up over delicious burgers, shared milkshakes, and great conversation.

Intrepid, though chilly, hikers