Now that I’m madly in love with my Oru Bay Kayak, I’ve been looking for new places within day-tripping distance to explore (from San Jose). My criteria are that I want places that are scenic, not too crowded, and have access to quiet paddling zones (not just open water). I mainly look for bays, lakes, … Continue reading Belden’s Landing – Kayaking
Spring is in the air - and in the water! One of my favorite springtime activities is to go kayaking at Elkhorn Slough; this year rather than being stuck with clunky rental kayaks and gear, I was able to take my new Oru Bay Kayak out on her maiden voyage. My graduation present: Oru Bay … Continue reading Elkhorn Slough
This summer, I was fortunate enough to have a client event at the Oxbow Public Market, so of course - I immediately volunteered to attend. Lowepro was celebrating their 50th anniversary, so in order to mark the occasion, they hired professional photographers around the globe to lead informative walks in stunning locations, giving participants tips … Continue reading Oxbow Public Market – Napa
I just adore Pescadero, this quaint little fishing town just south of Santa Cruz is filled with charming activities and stunning backroads. Last weekend I tried a new 31 mile bike loop here recommended by a 7X7 article, and it was just as lovely as the article alleged. After picking up a lovely coffee at … Continue reading Perfect Pescadero Bike Loop
I can’t believe I’ve lived in the South Bay for six years and only JUST climbed Mission Peak. This seems to be a rite of passage for locals. I can’t even tell you how many dating profile pictures I encounter on a weekly basis taken on top of the monument at the peak. I woke … Continue reading Mission Peak
Every summer I look forward to the abundant seasonal activities our region has to offer. One fantastic free event that I enjoy each summer is going to the free music in Vasona Lake Park in Los Gatos on Saturdays during June and July. Held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., these concerts, dubbed "Vasona Vibrations" are … Continue reading Vasona Lake Park
Yesterday I had a chance to revisit one of my all time favorite hikes, the Sunset/Skyline to Sea loop in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This scenic route through the redwoods features a series of waterfalls and is the perfect shaded hike for a hot summer day. This hike covers approximately 9.5 miles and traverses … Continue reading Berry Creek Falls – Big Basin
This town is famous for two things: the mission, and the shops. Mission San Juan Bautista is a beautiful mission, unobstructed by urban development. Built in 1719, this mission was an integral part of the California Missions Trail, which leads from San Diego to Sonoma and is comprised of 21 missions. The mission is extremely … Continue reading San Juan Bautista
Out in the western Sierra Nevada foothills, there are a series of amazing adventures to be had, including several great spelunking excursions. Moaning Caverns allows you to rappel 165 feet into an amazing cavern for their adventure tour, and California Caverns offers a “Middle Earth” tour that cannot be beat. I highly recommend going to … Continue reading Moaning Caverns
We have some lovely swimming holes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. One of the best known, is the Garden of Eden swimming hole off Highway 9 in the Henry Cowell Redwoods. This little piece of heaven can be tough to find, but is well worth it. There are a few parking spots along the road, … Continue reading Heavenly Swimming Holes