Angel Island

We had a wonderful day! It started early this morning, leaving the house around 7:30 to drive up to Oakland to catch the ferry to Angel Island. Our good friends L&L carpooled with us. On the ferry stop at San Francisco we met up with more friends L&M. The weather was warm but overcast.


Once we got to the Island we wasted little time and embarked on our hike. It was the perfect conditions for the hike. Rosie napped in the carrier with DaddyO. We remarked a few times how amazing it was to be weaving in and out of the wooded areas and clearings where we got to see remarkable views of the bay.


Once at the top we got a 360 viewaid the bay area, smack dab in the middle of it. By this time the clouds let up and the sun shown down on us and made the view even more spectacular.


There were sailboats and barges, hawks soaring overhead (not to mention seagulls dangerously close), and beautiful blue waves below. We picnicked at the top to refuel for the trip down. L&M gave Mommy ninjabread cookie cutters for her impending ascent to her 30s and sweet Dartmouth socks for Rosie.


We then began our descent along the north ridge of Mt. Livermore headed toward the detention barracks used between 1910-1940. The poetry carved on the walls by Chinese detainees "left discontent in our bellies" (to use some of their own words).





Then we hightailed it back to the port where we had some beers and ice cream before boarding and then had to say bye to L&M who were heading back to SF on a different boat. The ride back was refreshing and photo-filled:









Back on dry land we rested our feet at Lake Merritt and snacked. Rosie enjoyed her spring roll. So much so that she had to keep an eye on the nearby seagull who might have stolen a bite.


We then reminisced and drove around Oakland to our favorite spots and views. We ended the day with a tasty dinner at DaddyO's favorite restaurant, Spetro. It was a quiet and peaceful ride home once fatigue and food coma hit. The sign of a satisfying day!!