Angel Island ... finally!

Mary and I have been saying that we are going to check out Angel Island, from our first hikes in Tiburon. If nothing else, the ferry ride would be fun. So, we invited Sam's friend Cameron and made plans for today. Mary, Sam, and Cameron took their bikes from the apartment to the landing, while I drove (being anti-bike) with the backpacks full of picnic. At 11 am we boarded and headed out:

Mary was showing the guys where we were headed, and Sam showed Mary how cool the water looks off the back of the boat...
it was kaleidoscopic...
Although they brought bikes on the island, everyone decided that hiking up the trails would be a better activity than biking along the paved Perimeter Road. We first got our blood sugar up with some fruit.
The vistas were great, and I am glad we waited so long to go, because getting the views of things that were so familiar to us, from a different angle was refreshing.
The night with Tucker gave me a good excuse to crash when I had the opportunity.
The boys shared their passion for sticks.
and trail-blazing (and discussing which super-power they would most like to have, the personality assessment begins.)
Mary took a great shot of January wildflowers.
Everything was green, and we got some sunny light showers towards the end of the hike. It was much appreciated ... we have been dry, dry, dry...
The hike was strenuous, I was really proud of everyone for keeping a good pace so we could make the ferry schedule.
Nothing like a picnic to give you that extra boost.
The boys played in what they termed "The Dead Forest"
Mary approaches the precarious trees...
Our bridge
our city ... and our prison, turned national landmark, another must-visit on our list.
On the island, we felt a bit like Skull Island, leaving felt more like Jurassic Park.

Sam continued to enjoy the wake.
The Harbor seals were active. We could hear them barking from the island and they waved our ferry into the landing.
We'll be back soon ...

Saturday Night Special

What a great night last night. I tried not to let the scooter problem get me down and we started making some summer camping plans.

We went to Reserve America and secured camping weekends for:
Samuel P. Taylor State Park - This park is in between home and Point Reyes, so we drive through it often, but have yet to stop and explore. It is supposed to have several creeks and we have already noted how impressive the trees are. We'll hit this park early, hopefully before the creeks have dried up.
Salt Point State Park - Our first real California camping experience together was here. However, we did not have Sam. Also, we did not make it out to the "underwater park" and explore the tide pools.
Sugar Pine Point State Park - A return to Tahoe (again the first time was sans Sam). Also, now we can actually explore the trees more and actually swim in the alpine lake, rather than concentrate on getting the cats and a full U-Haul from Chicago to Marin.

We have further plans to do an extensive camping trip at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park this summer, but more on that later...

After planning the summer, we had a visitor ... a ghost of Christmas past to the ultimate. Tucker Orr, an incredibly good friend of mine from 3rd-6th grade.
In the summer after 6th grade, I learned that Tucker would be moving to Venezuela, so I proceeded to stay at his house for the three weeks before he left. My mom actually dropped clothes off for me and I handed off my dirty clothes. Then he was gone ... and I mean gone. I wouldn't see him again for several years and then it has been another decade+ since I last saw him. We both noted how our memories of 1986 were much better than 1996 .. thus the reason for this blog ... a transfer of memories. It was such a fun evening. (and yes, I try to coordinate my wardrobe with out furniture.)

scooter darnit.

So the scooter came in. They didn't drop it at our home, because despite not requesting it, X-Treme decided to make it a signature-required delivery. I had to contact Fed-Ex and have it rerouted to work. Then we had to load the box in the back of the Honda. It was a bit of an ordeal...
but, I was just so happy to get my scooter! See, happy!
The building began... I was a bit troubled that it wasn't pre-built and folded...
Hey wait, the directions say I should be unfolding the scooter ... not building it. And the 'Figs' don't match the words.... wait, what 'folding handle'???
This head unit is fixed not hinged for folding!!
Sure enough, I went to the owner's manual (pdf) online and it does not match the one I got! So, I have to enter a tech support ticket. I don't want to ride it, because I am afraid they won't take it back then ... or at the very least, it may be difficult to get rid of the gas to ship it. ugh. I was supposed to go to work this week on this thing! FYI - do not order an X-Treme XG-499 ...

Movies that won't go in my queue -2007

Here are the 10 movies coming out in 2007 that I don't anticipate "making my queue. " Not because they aren't worthy, but because I just plain think we'll have to check them out in the theater. I am pretty sure you can count on one hand the number of movies we saw this year in the theater, that used to be my quota for the month. So this is a bold proclamation. (Alphabetical order)

1. 300 - (March 9) - Everyone keeps saying "it looks like Gladiator crossed with LOTR crossed with Sin City." Which I think was my answer to what would be the ultimate mash-up of three movies. This movie looks incredible: from Frank Miller's story/tone to the film's epic action and devouring style.

2. Beowulf - (November) - This cast is absurd. It is like some movie nerd got to do his "dream cast for Beowulf." Ray Winstone was so incredible in The Proposition, (and Sexy Beast, and from what I hear The Departed). I can't wait to see him team up with this cast and glorious story.

3. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - (June 15) OK, the first one was difficult for me. I mean, the Fantastic Four is just one of those thing that people "know" about me. I am a fan, big time. Not overtly, just the story has always appealed to me. Anyway, the first one was disappointing, but not embarrassing. The Silver Surfer in the title and trailer give this one a lot more cred in my expectations. (Silver Surfer should be shiny, Dr. Doom should not.)

4. Ghost Rider - (Feb 16) - This makes the list mainly because Anthony will be here two weeks after this releases. As long as it is good enough to hang around, we should be checking it out. Ghost Rider was one of those characters I always expected more from, the movie may accomplish that. We'll see.

5. Grace is Gone - (???, Award season probably) I am a sucker for a good cathartic movie, and this seems to be it. This film is getting a lot of buzz from Sundance. Despite every other movie on this list, I am a big fan of the movies that put real-life events in perspective. They just normally end up on the small screen for us (even though they are so much more powerful on the big screen.)

6. Hot Fuzz - (April 13) "From the creative team of 'Shaun of the Dead'" - SOLD.

7. Pirate of the Caribbean: At World's End - (May 25) If this list had gone to 10 people, Jack Sparrow would have made it. I am concerned about the rushed filming, I seriously could have sat on Dead Man's Chest for another year. Of course Sam thought they should not have released DMC until they had #3 ready ... he is not a fan of the cliffhanger.

8. Spider-Man 3 - (May 4) - duh. FYI - Spider-Man 4 will be on the 2009 list, Spider-Man 5 will be on the 2011 list, etc...

9. TMNT - (March 23) - Without Sam, this movie doesn't make it. However, knowing his love for sticks and swords, as well as his irrepressible laughing at slapstick, I can't imagine not having the time of my life taking him to this movie.

10. Transformers - (July 4) - I thought this was going to be a fun trip to my childhood. But thank you Paramount and Dreamworks for deciding to make a great robots from space action film instead (an Independence day mash-up?, thus the release date). All of those nerds out there that are disappointed about how unlike the original Transformers this is, well ... SHUT UP ... gosh!

BONUS: 11. The Bourne Ultimatum (August 3) - After writing this list, I came across this one. The first two Bourne films were great, gripping action flicks. I am excited about seeing the last installment of this trilogy. I am so out of the loop on films these days, I can't believe this wasn't on my radar!

The Flickr of Lost America

I knew it!!

"American spokesman John Hotard called the Dec. 29 storms "one of the most unusual weather circumstances we've seen in 20 years" and said the airline's first priority was safety."

He's talking about this storm, from this story about people who had it much more rough than we did.

Thanks Pablo for sending the article. Thanks to me for the airport waiting face.

a pleasant stroll and roll

Saturday morning, we had a few errands to accomplish. We tried to find me a commutomobile, but did not have much luck on the retail side. So, I went online and I'll be getting this puppy in soon, sans seat. We'll see. We did get Sam a kick-scooter!

We then grabbed lunch at one of our favorite spots in Strawberry Village. Crepes for all! Sam went with cheese, Mary with California and me with Greek. I was feeling quite vegetarian after reading (WARNING: Distracting and gross jump) this. My vegetarianism is more mood than practice.

Sam wanted to try out his new wheels, so we crossed 101
and took a nice stroll and roll along Richardson Bay under the watchful eye of Mt. Tam.
Sam tested the off-road capabilities of his new Razor. (They have one of those stupid flash sites which makes linking to worthless.)
Sam would shoot ahead and then wait for us at crossroads for our recommended direction. (Which really is all we ask for as parents, isn't it??)
We found a great floating dock/pier.
From which I could point out my office.
This overpass in the middle of the pic is this overpass I see from my office. I can't believe how close work, home and play all are right now.
The helmet was for scootering, not tree-climbing, but it worked out nicely...
This Palm was absolutely Ent-ish. Has anyone seen a depiction of a Palm Ent??
Out on the mudflat, Sam stopped to observe birds and toss a few stones.

Mary joked that she would get my "high school graduation shot"

Good follow-through kid.

It was January 20th! It was sunny and warm and just wonderful! We saw something on the news yesterday describing the Bay area's microclimate. We learned how up in Marin, those fabulous mountains and hills keep the cold air at bay (or at ocean, I guess).
I continue to enjoy the bird watching, especially now during the winter migration:
Mary and Sam discuss the safety of "Stick-jousting" on a scooter.Before crossing back over 101, we took a break to soak in the setting sun
Sam requested the "rest" but decided hanging 10 would be a better way to spend the time.

On our trip home, we explored the Strawberry Recreational Center (whose site seems to be having problems currently.) They have an outdoor pool. Spring/Summer membership for the three of us would be $480! Which seems high ... but if we do the breakdown. Take off $40 if we do early registration. Its Feb 24th-October 21st: so 8 months. 3 people.... about $18/month/person ... Not so bad, I guess ... for the self-described "cleanest and friendliest pool in Marin!!" There are a few pool options we are investigating, but a walk to the pool (dim red line in image below) would be nice.
OK, time to shower, pack for a third try to Austin tonight and enjoy the game I NEVER thought could happen!