Regional Park Trails – Open (Six Foot Rule)!

I am yearning for the day we can return freely to our favorite East Bay Regional Parks. Many parks are currently closed. In other parks, the trails remain open for hiking, but the parking lots and visitor centers are closed. Gathering in groups for parties is not allowed, the 6-foot social distancing rule applies, and masks or bandanas must be readily available in case of close contact. If you can walk, bike, or bus to a park, you can get some exercise in the fresh air. If you're not as mobile, it may not be a viable option.

The Beautiful San Pablo Bay from Point Pinole Regional Shoreline

Before heading for a park, you can check the East Bay Regional Park website to learn its current status. Even with all the closures and limitations, I remain optimistic, and renewed our East Bay Regional Park membership for another year. Surely we'll have access to the parks again for long hikes and spectacular views! If not soon, the money goes to a good cause – maintaining green zones that serve as beautiful places for  exercise and contemplation, for our active urban population.

Cathedral of Redwoods at Redwood Regional Park

In the meantime, I can dream about some of our favorite spots, like the windswept shores of Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, the rolling hills and grand views of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, the majestic stands of redwood trees in Redwood Regional Park park, the geology of Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, the botanical treasures of Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, and the sand and coal mining history of Black Diamond Mines. And many more just waiting to be explored!

Farmer's Markets – Open (Six Foot Rule)!

With so many venues and activities shut down and canceled, the highlight of the week is a trip to the grocery store! My husband and I gear up for early morning shopping with bandanas and our shared electronic grocery list, and tackle the task. We each have our specialty areas, and both are on the lookout for certain scarce items (we finally learned where to purchase rationed hand sanitizer).

Grocery stores have adapted to the situation with new strategies for crowd management, keeping the shelves fairly well stocked, and protecting checkers and baggers from customers with clear divider panels. They've also found ways to support the six-foot rule, by limiting store entrance to small batches of shoppers, establishing one-way shopping aisles, and marking off six-foot intervals at the check-out line.

Farmer's market in Montclair

Farmer's markets are still open, and also hold to the six-foot rule. The one in Montclair is much smaller than usual, but doing a thriving business in artisan breads, nuts, and beautiful produce. Other businesses are still open, such as Colonial Bakery and the EM Deli and Catering market (yes, donuts and rice are essential). A variation on the farmer's market is signing up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription, and having seasonal fruits and vegetables delivered. Grocery stores are convenient for one-stop shopping, but I also like to support our local farmers and businesses as much as possible.

Stay safe everyone, and look for ways to meet the challenges of the pandemic – six feet apart!

Filoli, Gardens, and Tours - Canceled!

Many of our favorite spring garden activities here in the San Francisco Bay have been canceled. Filoli Gardens and its spring blooms; Mountain View Cemetery and its tulip exhibition; U.C. Botanical Garden and its blooms from around the world; and the annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour are all shuttered. This is not surprising as we continue to shelter in place to protect our families, colleagues, and community from the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, I miss enjoying spring in our beautiful Bay Area, in the company of fellow nature and garden lovers!

Ornamental cherry tree

Flowering tree

For some of us, sheltering in place has its silver linings. It means more time home with family, a chance to slow down, less time on the road, opportunity to fit it weeding and pruning between other tasks, and a chance to count our blessings. Another upside is seeing all the creativity that folks bring to the situation. The internet, virtual events, Zoom calls, texting, phone calls, YouTube, and Facebook sustain us until we can return to "normal". Our technology and inventiveness can be used for good!

Pleasant stroll in the dappled shade

I'm using my extra time to take long walks and observe the spring transformation right here in the neighborhood. I'm also brushing up on some of my "Zombie apocalypse" skills, like learning how to sew face masks using what I have on hand. Take care and stay well!

Field of greens