8/28 - Pt. Richmond

It's been hot inland, so Bay breezes beckoned! Ten of us started from the Park across from the Natatorium and made a CCW loop thru the streets of Pt. Richmond. This is the opposite of the way we have gone in the past. Our last visit was August of 2016, so a bit has changed. We had an early lunch at the Wave Garden and made our return through the Tunnel. Only a bit over 2.5 miles, but it really felt like more.

If you care, our route was W. Richmond Ave, L on Tunnel Ave, R on Nicholl Ave, L on Santa Fe and R onto Piedmont Pl then left up a path to Summit Pl, R on Golden Gate Ave, L on Marine St, R on Western Dr.which becomes Ocean Ave. Straight ahead to the dead end steps which go up to the Wave Garden. Leaving the garden follow Grandview then R down the steps to Cliffside Ct and straight ahead on Western Dr. until it dead ends at a dirt path which goes up to another section of Western Dr.; Past Keller Beach to the Pt Richmond tunnel. Thru the tunnel and back by the Natatorium to the cars.
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https://www.flickr.com/gp/momcat_ksw/yoa1b8

08/21 Martinez Regional Shoreline

It was a beautiful day to be out along the waterfront...bright, breezy and pleasantly warm. This is just about Phred and Elaine's "backyard" and they served as our leaders today. We made a clockwise loop from the Grangers' Wharf  parking area at the end of Berrellesa St out thru the marsh, then to Ferry Point, back to shaded tables near the bocce courts for lunch and finally thru the edge of town to see the progress of the new County building and several of the mini gardens of CA natives that Elaine works on. Total distance just about 3 miles. Everyone agreed it was a great walk.

Questions answered:
    the old rail station was built in 1876; the new one in 2001.
    Martinez-Benicia ferry service began in 1847 (the first and longest running ferry
       service in the Bay area);
    the last run was in Sept 1962 after the bridge was opened. This was always a Martinez-
       Benicia route, not Martinez to SF.
    Heliotropium curassavicum var. oculatum (Seaside heliotrope) is a native perennial.
    Dodder is in the CONVOLVULACEAE

Now for the bad news. When I pulled out my camera, the batteries were dead and my spare set was in my other pack. It was only after lunch that I realized I could have used my phone camera :-(  Oh well, we will walk there again and Phred will have pictures.