About 10 miles north of San Francisco, I hiked with a local friend to West Point Inn - a 110 year old cabin maintained for public use by volunteer inn keepers. On the upper south slope of Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley, the wood cabin towers above Marin County with vistas including Mt. Diablo, San Francisco skyline, Sausalito, Richmond Bridge and blue skies. Kind'a made me feel like an eagle soaring above it all.
We arrived to the West Point Inn on a rather gentle trail with a semi-steep switch back only on last 1/4 mile. Native flowers, trees, and deer were seen along the way. At one point, my friend slipped and fell on the trail because of either an untied shoelace or tree root, which I only mention to remind you to be careful where you step when hiking. And make sure your hiking boots have excellent tread!
In addition to beautiful views, we were met by friendly locals who'd brought their lunches to enjoy and this week's local inn keeper, Don.
I'm on a hiking kick, learning what my body needs on trails depending on weather, duration, and conditions. The most important gear are sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and the right backpack.
The Sirrus woman specific Osprey backpack has a special Air Speed Ventilated back panel. I bought this 24 liter pack because of all my hiking under California's sun - I need to keep cool! And while I love my Tempest lightweight backpack, on hot days my tee-shirt becomes a clingy wet rag against my back. Whereas after two back-to-back day hikes with the Sirrus on warm days, I felt a much drier difference. Weight feels evenly distributed; the waist belt and adjustable straps kept my shoulders and neck from getting sore. Ditto with the Tempest pack, which was initially why I switched to Osprey - great technology well-thought out.
Until next time, breathe easy and make life an adventure!
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