Layers

So, winter has arrived in Oakland. This is what it looks like:

Seriously. Simon has found aaaaallllllll of the sunny spots in our apartment and is hibernating. We're laughing our heads off because people are talking about how "freezing" it is. Yesterday the low was 46. However, last night there was a crazy storm that involved high winds, torrential rain, and very dark skies - nothing unusual for Midwesterners, but Californians think it is time to batten down the hatches.

Today the clouds broke and after we went to the farmer's market (pics to come next week!) Aaron rode up the mountain for the first time (despite my protestations about his broken arm). Um...these mountains are harder than Minnesota hills. We both have a lot of training to do. We also rode out and back on the path that I'll take to work last Thursday. My commute to work is 5 miles and approximately 58 times harder than my commute was in Mpls. Basically, I have to cross 3 major sets of hills ranging from a 5-9% grade on each incline. For those of you who don't bike, that's pretty hard. But, I've found a safe route through very pretty areas of Oakland and Piedmont (more on Piedmont another time) including one street that is called Trestle Glen. Apparently, the amazing homes on this street used to be summer homes for richie-richies from San Francisco. The weather is better in Oakland, you know ;)

Anyway, Oakland's proximity to unbelievable natural beauty is pretty incredible. If we walk about 30 minutes from our apartment up Ocean View Terrace to the top of the hill, we can survey the entire Bay. It is gorgeous. We don't have pics of that yet but we do have some of today's walk to Lake Temescal Regional Park. It is a 1.8 mile walk (according to google maps) from our front door and you can't believe that you are only 4 miles from downtown Oakland. So, enjoy some of the sights of our neighborhood...

Our street and our Miami Vice building (not our car):

The Claremont Golf Course, a few blocks from our apartment. The walking path goes right through this area.

Broadway Terrace takes us directly to the park. It is a very, very steep climb near the end. You can just see the Bay in this picture. If I was a better photographer, you'd be more satisfied.

The south entrance to the park:

Some pictures of the park from the walking path. The lake is man-made (by damming Temescal creek) and is in a tiny valley formed by one of the many fault lines that "decorate" the Bay Area.

The swimming beach:

The birds have found a pretty fantastic viewing area:

The view on the way back down the hill into Rockridge:

See that city over there? That's San Francisco. And the Bay Bridge.

We've had a fantastic weekend. Heard Kites and Crows in the city atVelo Rouge Cafe on Friday night after a great dinner at Pizzetta 211. Went to 2 wineries on Saturday and had a fabulous time. This is our kind of town!

Can't write anymore right now because I start my job tomorrow and need to get organized tonight! Wish me luck - I have my commuter bike lights all set to go! :)