Just like that, after a week-long relocation journey, I am in the Bay area. Never would I have thought that I would end up here. In fact, if I were to be asked if I would ever move to the Bay area, I would have said, "Absolutely no! It's too expensive and overrated." I have to say I still think that way, but somehow fate or whatever you believe in brought me here. I am now a resident of Napa, CA.
My first hike was Big Rock Ridge Trail located near San Rafael, about an hour away from where I live now. The hike was scheduled with a Meetup group for 8 AM, but I was planning to pick up an area rug for my new, cold apartment nearby, so I left at 6.30 AM and successfully got my rug by 7.45. Unfortunately, I would not have made it to the hike gathering spot by 8 AM, and I did not want for everyone to wait for me, so I sent the organizer a message saying that I would catch up. Honestly, I did not think I would, but hey, who knows!
I arrived at the trail head and parked on the side of the road. The parking was minimal, but that early in the morning on Sunday there were only a few people, most of them from my group. I started the hike and knew the views would be spectacular. California golden hills were as green as they could get after a few weeks of on and off rain.
The elevation gain was gradual, but certainly got my cardio going, especially after a long period of several months with almost no exercise. I stopped to take a few pictures, but continued at a higher than my normal pace in hopes to catch up with the group.
In about a mile, I finally saw the group and joined them. I was glad they were hiking at a slower than my pace so that I could catch my breath.
The wildflowers were just emerging on the hills. Only a few here and there poppies and some other white and blue flowers were spotted on south hills. In a few weeks this place would be in full bloom!
Soon enough we reached the top where I could see San Francisco in the fog (one of the pictures above). The way back was much easier (downhill!), and by the time we reached the trail head, there was no parking at all available. I was glad to have had arrived early!
It's one of the best seasons in California - March, April - when everything is stunningly green. I hope to explore more of the area to capture photos of this beauty.
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