Nice photo logs

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jensenl/visuals/album/2007/olympic/

Mexico Trip suggestions

From a friend for a friend.

"Your friend needs to purchase Mexican Car Insurance. It can be obtained beforehand or at one of the border towns. As always, they want to maintain full tanks of gas b/c there's lots of desert miles between stations.

Be advised that police officers are often corrupt, mostly at the border, so one shouldn't ask them questions or deal with them unnecessarily. If your friend should need directions or something like that, it's a better idea to ask a store vendor. Regarding military checkpoints, they need to keep all the immigration documents handy and not lose them.

A common sense thing is to keep several stashes of cash, in case you ever should need to "pay off" someone.

The small sleepy town I used to vacation at is San Felipe. It has very calm and warm waters. It takes about 8 hours to get there. Rosarito is much closer, and you can get great lobster dinners there.

Above all else, make sure your friend does not drink the local water! Bottled water is a must. And I don't know if it's the season, but there's scorpions.

That's about it. I hope these tips don't scare your friend too much. It's a really beautiful place to be. "

Northern Lights in Alaska

We need the following for good northern lights viewing:

1. New moon
   
2. Away from city lights (can be arranged)
3. Good solar wind activity (http://www.gedds.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/)
4. Clear sky (unpredictable)

Interesting SF Getaways

Best Eccentric Walks (2006)

The Vampire Tour

(650) 279-1840
www.sfvampiretour.com

Gathering every Friday and Saturday night just outside Nob Hill's Huntington Park (across the street from Grace Cathedral), the Vampire Tour is the antidote for those who think the occult can't be fun or irreverent. Tour creator Kitty Burns stars as the 100-plus-year-old Mina Harker. Surely there has never been a more entertaining, comedic version of the legendary vampiress of the dark — certainly not one so friendly with the staff of the Fairmont Hotel (one of the last stops). Elvira should be advised to step aside. Harker is kind enough to refrain from indulging in her nightly feeding ritual until 3 a.m., about five hours after her tour ceases, so birthday party revelers needn't worry they'll become the celebration cake. And fortunately for lazy mortals, vampires don't like to walk too much: This tour isn't strenuous, which we appreciate even though we're not dead yet.

Best Eccentric Walks (2006)

Stairways Across San Francisco

793-0224
www.perfectsites.com/Stairways

Buns of steel await those able to conquer the physically demanding routes offered by Stairways Across San Francisco. More than a fleeting tourist fancy, these tours require a bit of commitment, ranging from several hours to all day, and involve climbing the most treacherous steps the city has to offer. Some stairs feel as close to 90 degrees as possible, which isn't exactly conducive to the well-being of those with vertigo. But the views — whether of land, water, or curious architecture — are just as rewarding as the burn. Stairways proprietor Dennis Macheel offers the antithesis to all those leisurely walking tours in which strolling rarely gives way to flat-out urban hiking.

Best Long Hike (That Ends With a Beer) (2006)

Ocean Beach to Pompei's Grotto

Starting at the Beach Chalet, walk north along Ocean Beach. Bask in that Pacific Ocean blue before climbing halfway up Point Lobos Avenue, crossing an unpaved parking lot just above the ruins of Sutro Baths and hopping onto the Lands End trail. This rollercoaster path contains breathtaking views of our steep, jagged coastline, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. When it ends, follow El Camino Del Mar through ritzy Seacliff and into the Presidio, where, just past the last house on the left, you can turn left onto a rugged, unmarked trail that ends at Baker Beach. Traverse the entire length of the beach, then scramble up the sand ladder, and head north on the Coastal Trail adjacent to Lincoln Boulevard, eventually making your way to the bridge. Here, northeast of the concession stand, is a trail that descends into Crissy Field. You're at the home stretch now: Just make your way across that old airstrip, Yacht Harbor, Marina Green, and Fort Mason, where you'll finally arrive at Pompei's Grotto, 340 Jefferson (at Leavenworth), an odd little joint serving ice-cold beer and sporting heavily lacquered captain's chairs. Perfect. As a final treat, take a cab home.

Best Low-Budget Boating (2006)

Spreckels Lake and Stow Lake

Golden Gate Park, Spreckels Lake [Map]

36th Ave. (at Fulton)

San Francisco, CA

Golden Gate Park

Yacht clubs are terribly overrated, and all of that keeping up with the Joneses is quite a bore. We prefer to indulge in a much more, um, refined activity, a luxurious sojourn away from the predictable Marina masses. We're talking about a bundled-up afternoon watching the motorized sailboats at Spreckles Lake in Golden Gate Park, a tradition that goes back generations. Heck, some of the boats on the water have probably been handed down at least a few times. And those who might want to get their feet (a little) wet can head east to Stow Lake for another mainstay — the cheap boat rentals ($19 an hour for a paddle boat, $14 an hour for a rowboat; both seat four). True, they're a bit old and rickety and perhaps not antiseptically clean (you'll have to wait for five-seater electrics, coming this summer, for that). But you won't have to learn any sailing mumbo-jumbo to use them.

Best Night Kayaking (2006)

City Kayak

City Kayak [Map]

Pier 38, Embarcadero & Townsend

San Francisco, CA 94107

415-357-1010

http://www.citykayak.com

Embarcadero (at Townsend), 357-1010
www.citykayak.com

If you're a baseball fan, City Kayak provides one of the most unusual views of the game. Join one of the company's Full Moon kayaking trips and you'll end up bobbing about outside PacBell Park just as the post-game fireworks go off. You'll literally feel the vibrations from the explosions in the base of your boat. And the colors look very pretty reflected in the inky water. The fireworks display isn't the only marvel you experience on this two-hour nighttime adventure: Paddling out from Pier 38 in a one- or two-person kayak at sunset, the guided tour takes you under the Bay Bridge (avoiding, with a bit of luck, oncoming tankers and passenger ferries) and past the Ferry Building and other landmarks. City Kayak provides all the equipment and expertise, not to mention tasty pizza when you arrive at the other end, exhausted, damp, and exhilarated.

Best Outdoor Swing Class (2006)

Lindy in the Park

Every Sunday the park provides an aesthetic backdrop for all kinds of physical endeavors, from jogging and tai chi to in-line skating and — perhaps most unusually — swing classes. This local swing dance group has been offering free sessions in the middle of the city's longest stretch of greenery every Sunday since 1996. Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a beginners' class at 12:30 that teaches the basic steps, Lindy is the place to go to polish up your Shorty George, Tandem Charleston, and Texas Tommy to the sound of classic big band jazz and twittering birds. Because it attracts a wide cross-section of San Franciscans, the course is as much a social event as it is a physical and musical one. Dancing on asphalt isn't all that easy (the organization's Web site suggests wearing shoes with worn-out soles to prevent stickiness), but the vibe is so groovy that you're likely to forget about such pedestrian issues.

Best Place to Learn to Fly (2006)

Motivity Aerial Dance Classes, Studio 12

2525 Eighth Street (at Dwight), Berkeley, (510) 587-0770

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fly? Studio 12's Motivity classes prove that you don't necessarily need wings or to become a human cannonball to do it. Taught by husband-and-wife team Kate and Phil Weglarz, the beginner and intermediate level courses combine dance with trapeze techniques into an unusual art form that's a cross between contemporary ballet, gymnastics, and circus. Over a typical six-week series, budding flyers learn how to balance on and swing from a variety of bars, hoops, and other dangling paraphernalia as well as how to glide and spin through the air with — one hopes — the greatest of ease. The mix of specific drills and freeform improvisation with partner and group work keeps things interesting. And even though the thought of spinning upside down on a bar hanging 15 feet off the ground might fill most of us with terror, the instructors' unintimidating and creative approach makes it easy to climb to dizzying heights.

Best Place to Play Darts (2006)

Eagles Drift In Lounge

1232 Noriega (at 19th Avenue), 661-0166
www.sfda.net/eagles.html

When you feel the need to throw a small feathered javelin at a circle of cork, propel yourself to this Inner Sunset darts hangout. Every Monday night at 8:30 there's a darts tournament ($5 entry fee) complete with handicapping and trash talking. Single players take on random "shooters" in a best-of-three competition; the top eight winners advance to the semi-playoffs, then the top four battle their way to bull's-eye glory. Eagles also has a pool table, free food on Fridays, and a friendly atmosphere to go with its eight tournament dartboards. If the ambience strikes your fancy, A Darts Central in Ingleside and Dart Doctors of San Francisco at Irving and Funston will set you up. (There's another Eagles Drift In on Bryant, but it has only one dartboard.)

Best Place to Score a Bull's-Eye (2006)

Archery Field

Golden Gate Park, southeast of Fulton and 47th Avenue, 831-2700

Just this side of the Dutch windmill at the western end of Golden Gate Park is a lovely, misty glade just perfect for making believe you're in Sherwood Forest, where joints of mutton trump shiitake risotto and an unwavering skill with quiver and bow is a matter of life and death. At one end of this tree-enclosed, daisy-dappled lawn, backed by a gentle slope and a low forest, are nine bales of hay reinforced with wooden slats and metal tubing. Wannabe Sir Robins are invited to affix bull's-eyes thereon, notch their shafts, set their sights, pull back with manly strength and, if possible, split their opponent's arrows. Even if you aren't the archery sort, the whiz and thwack are pleasantly Zenlike. Bows, arrows, targets, and other necessities are available to rent at the San Francisco Archery Pro Shop, 3795 Balboa (at 39th Ave.), 751-2776. Archery instruction is included in the rental fee.

Best Place to Swashbuckle (2006)

Golden Gate Fencing Center

2417 Harrison (at 20th Street), 626-7910
www.gofencing.com

Before you storm the parapets or raid your next Spanish galleon, drop by the Golden Gate Fencing Center and pick up a few (literal) pointers. The staff of former Olympic coaches and national team fencers trains both novice and experienced swordspersons in the art of the foil (a thin, blunted sword for thrusting) and epee (a heavier, stiffer sword) through tactical drills, footwork, directed bouting, and physical fitness. Men's and women's epee classes are held Monday nights, foil classes Thursday nights, or you can sign up for individual private lessons at $30 apiece, equipment included. (There are also kids' classes and week-long half-day camps throughout the summer for budding buccaneers.) The center features an equipment shop and two gymnasiums with seating for spectators, and if you've really got the blood of Don Diego Vega coursing through your veins, sign up for the intensive year-long Olympic-level training program and you just might find yourself defending a maiden's honor — or at least getting a little booty.

Best City Tour for Locals (2006)

Mundane Journeys

364-1465
www.mundanejourneys.com

This occasional bus tour (check the Web site or call for information about scheduling and cost) wasn't created for Aunt Jane from Omaha, although she'd probably enjoy it. The brainstorm of owner-operator Kate Pocrass, Mundane Journeys is specifically crafted for those of us who live here. The idea is to see the city in ways that we may not have seen it before, and make discoveries along the way. There's no driving to Coit Tower, no pointing to the Golden Gate Bridge. But depending on the itinerary, be prepared to stop at, say, a kite shop in Chinatown, or check out the singing barber of Ross Alley. Did we mention that there's nothing mundane about Mundane Journeys? A book spawned by the company's unorthodox tours (called, logically enough, Mundane Journeys) has nearly sold out of local book stores. A second printing is due this summer.

Best Dance Classes (2006)

Metronome Dance Center

Metronome Ballroom [Map]

1830 17th St. (at De Haro)

San Francisco, CA 94103

415-252-9000

http://www.metronomedancecenter.com

1830 17th Street (at De Haro), 252-9000
www.metronomedancecenter.com

Tucked away in Potrero Hill (but easily accessible by bus), Metronome offers pretty much anything you could want in the way of rug-cutting. It'll set you up with lessons ranging from beginning group Argentine tango to one-on-one ballet instruction, from massage for dancers to lessons on becoming a dance instructor. Some classes are focused on fitness; others (like the ballroom dancing program) can prepare you for serious competition. Metronome offers a men-only beginning hip hop class for boys who'd like a safe space in which to explore their inner freak, and there's even a wedding workshop for couples looking to share a perfect first dance. You can pay for classes in 10-lesson blocks or on a drop-in basis.

Best Eccentric Walks (2006)

Foot Tours

793-5378
www.foottours.com

As we are with those supposed comedy traffic schools, we tend to be suspicious of walking tours that advertise having comedians as guides. Foot Tours has proven itself worthy of exception, attracting a roster of reputable Bay Area comedy talents with an impressive collective résumé, from writing for major late-night network programs to touring with household names. A sampling of tour titles reflects that creativity: Liz Grant's "Where's the F'ing Beach in North Beach?" asks a really good question; Mark Nadeau's "Drugs, Thugs, Crimps & Pimps" peeps S.F.'s former red light district; and Bruce Cherry's "Hobnobbing With Gobs of Snobs" in Nob Hill is particularly fun for those living in more downtrodden neighborhoods who like to sneer at the wealthy.

Commencing rock climbing indoors-Oct 21 2007

Signed up for rock climbing at Planet Granite. Learnt with Ajo, the basics of belaying, tying the rope & climbing. And climbed. Was an awesome experience. Plan to try this outdoors sometime.

Big Basin Redwoods-Berry Creek falls-Oct 13 2007

Windows Live Spaces
Joined an 'Outdoor Adventure Club' with the goal of doing something different, and getting outdoors exercise. That most of my friends are married and gradually growing into unfit 'middle-aged desis' with ponches didn't help.

Considered myself pretty fit, but this was a strenuous hike, with the group working up a good pace. There were some very friendly and garrulous people in the hike, it made the hike enjoyable. And our team leaders, including Richard, were very knowledgeable, friendly & amiable.

Such hikes should help me train for Gaumukh, probably Tapovan, or even the Annapurna circuit.

Overall, a strenuous & enjoyable experience. I was worried whether I had over-extended myself by signing up for two trips in a weekend, but as it turned out, it was a very enjoyable experience.

Spiritual Trapeze: Oct 14 2007

Windows Live Spaces
Oct 14 2007:
Hmm, was this a good idea? Doing it so soon right after the hike? Which was strenuous?

Stretching helped, but still sore from the hike, and knowing from Richard that obedience was all that was required, drove all the way to Sonoma, meeting & picking up a really nice fellow first-timer on the way.

Saw the instructors, and they were all muscular & well-built. Was it really not strenuous, and just about obedience that Richard had told me about? And then it struck me. The experienced flying trapeze artists had a look of calm peace in their eyes. The calm that I would expect from a Yogi after years of meditation. And the energy they radiated was calm, Sattvic and powerful.

Based on my movie-watching experience, I noted that Merek, our primary instructor, had chiseled features that would be considered exceedingly handsome in American culture. Good looks were shared by all the instructors, including our elderly muscular helper. Or was it just the positive aura I had experienced?

There was one practice session on the ground trapeze. There were jokes about identifying the 'analytical engineer', control issues & commitment issues. Or were they just half-jokes, and half-a quick deep insight into the human nature?

I turned out to be the only guy in the group. And I volunteered to go first, it all sounded easy. And as it turned out, I was the most scared. At the top, when I had to hold the trapeze, I simply froze. And felt fear. Fear that I hadn't felt as far as my memory would carry me. And I started bargaining, asking to be let off this time, asking to go later etc. After a lot of help, I finally jumped. Once I jumped, there was no fear, only an exhilaration just to be swinging through the air. And being obedient was the last thing on my mind then.

Future jumps were easier, but the fear of jumping remained unconquered in this session. Our elderly instructor commented that he could psycho-analyze a person just on the trapeze. I told him it was probably true. An unfamiliar environment facing our fears, probably reveals some of the raw aspects of our nature, that can be caught quickly by an experienced trapezer.

Some of us moved on to the next lesson, and got caught by the instructors; others were getting back in shape, and my muscles, sore from the hike, felt a lot better.

In summary, I believe that the flying trapeze is not just fun, it is also a spiritual experience, and if you haven't tried it, you must. It is also a good body workout, esp the Abs and upper body muscles, and you feel it the subsequent days. And with regular practice, maybe one can gain the 'calm' serenity of the others, I don't think it is mere coincidence.

Capped off driving through beautiful Sonoma, seeing the grapes hanging on the vines, visited a winery for the first time realizing there were so many types of grapes, soaking in the fall colors, a nice book on travel getaways, including romantic ones :), a nice early dinner at the 'Mayan' Mexican restaurant and a wonderful chocolate Sundae at some 'Cow' ice-cream parlor. With some interesting chit-chat.

If just one different outdoors experience was so enlightening, how could the others be? I signed up for an annual membership. I plan to be back again at the trapeze, for another attempt to try & conquer my fear. After I try other different activities.

Body awareness-5k

Yesterday, I ran the VMware 5k in 35 minutes 29 seconds. For the first time in my life, I could jog without getting tired. This is the first step in moving towards longer runs.
Me, I was thrilled at this new body-awareness.

My earlier one was in the early Kung-Fu classes, where Jimmy, my demanding teacher, worked on my stances, and asked me to tighten my lower back. It took me a while to become 'aware' of such a body part. :)

Andaman trip memories of...

This was probably written around June 2006. Here are the pix: http://saiswa.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b356919aa415

...’s California Writing Skills Test (WST) Practice Essay-Andaman Honeymoon

Memorable journey

Intro :-

My most memorable journey is our honeymoon trip to the Andaman islands. The Andaman Islands are located near India. Three reasons why this trip which it is the most memorable one is:

1. It was my honeymoon trip
2. It was my the first time I visited an island
3. Our visit was around Nov 25^th, exactly one month before the killer waves tsunami hit the Andamans

Para 1 :-

1. After wedding left immediately landed in mainland Andamans. It felt The air in the island was so so pure and gave a relaxed feeling after the hectic wedding.

Para 2

Our first place of visit a cruise to an nearby small island called Big island near Andamans. It was famous for Corals, Snorkelling – A man helped me as I didn’t know swimming.

Para 3

We planned to visit a limestone cave. The cave was The different structures were very beautiful and naturally formed here was scenic surrounded by green trees mangroves, with the ocean very close, we the it trail was one of the most unforgettable trails I I have ever been. We crossed a bridge with a stream underneath and then suddenly there was a huge open farm. We walked in or in between the open farm and then again into the between the bushes and trees. After a The 2 mile trail it took us to the cave.

Para 4

Beach, light blue, white sand, coconut trees, we lied down in the sand.

Conclusion :-

The places are unforgettable I shocked abt Tsunami. I wonder if the places we went still exist. I later enquired about the Andamans indeed is my the most unforgettable trip in my life.

----------- X ------------

JP Morgan Chase Run

http://saiswa.spaces.live.com/photos/cns!E2CB4DA67D75A9D0!309/

Sep 19 2007: Ran 6K in about 38 minutes. (Clocked 40.55 per the clock but the start was around 3 minutes, I was told). My best personal time for this distance.

While at it, check out the party photos on Sep 15 2007-the 1 year party for Akimbi people at VMware: http://saiswa.spaces.live.com/photos/cns!E2CB4DA67D75A9D0!289/

Yellowstone Plan-Fall 2007

1. Fri Sep 28: Fly to Salt Lake City (SLC). Drive to Idaho Falls (IDA) and stay the night. Booked Comfort Inn.
   
2. Sat Sep 29: Check out of hotel and drive to West entrance of Yellowstone. Explore geological activities in the west side of the park. Explore, driving east. Stay at east of park: http://www.yellowstone-lodging.com/ near Cody, WY. Prefer a Cabin. Booked: Shoshone Lodge: http://shoshonelodge.com/cabins.html
   
1. Lower Geyser Basin/Fountain Paint Pots
   
2. Old Faithful
3. West Thumb Geyser basin
4. Yellowstone lake (Boating: Cruise/Canoening/kayaking/motor boats) http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/boating.htm
   
3. Sun Sep 30: Check out of hotel. Explore north portion of park. Stay in a hotel on North, preferably Mammoth/Gardiner (Roosevelt Lodge?), or North-East at: Cooke City/Silver Gate. http://www.silver-gate-cabins.com/
   
1. Hayden Valley
2. Mud Volcano
3. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
4. Tower Falls
5. Lamar Valley
   
4. Mon Oct 1: Check out of hotel. Explore north-west side of park completing north loop, and start moving South. Find acco near South of park (Flagg Ranch Info Station?). Jackson is an option.
1. Mammoth Hot Springs/Horse Riding (http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/horseride.htm )
2. Norris Geyser Basin
   
5. Tue Oct 2: Check out of hotel. Explore missed South Yellowstone attractions or skip. Explore Grand Teton national park. Cruise. Drive back to Salt Lake City/Boise (depending on which airport we choose) & stay the night. Booked Quality Inn.
   
6. Wed Oct 3: Fly back in the morning.

Telescopes & Observatories

hy dont we buy a telecope / binocular
from cosco and use it tonight from a park - central park santa clara /
benton park / los palmas park.

http://www.foothill.fhda.edu/ast/special.htm
- Foothill observatory should do this once in a while on friday nights 9
p.m - 11p.m - free. It doesnt mention about tonights special event. I
called but goes to a recorded msg...can someone dig in.

http://www.ucolick.org/public/bayarearesources.html
http://www.planetarium.fhda.edu/ - Deanza planetarium
http://www.californiaspaceauthority.org/tourism/spacetour_sf.html
http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/planetarium/ - Berkely planetarium
<http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/planetarium/>
http://www.chabotspace.org/ - chabot space and science center
Lick observatory

Horse riding in the Bay Area

Half Moon Bay:
http://www.horserentals.com/seahorse.html
8AM-6PM (back by 7 PM)
1 hr: $40
1.5 hrs: $50
2 hrs: $60
Check for coupon

http://www.garrodfarms.com/
8:30 AM-4:30/5 PM
.5 hr: $25/30
1 hr: $40
.5 hr lesson: $49

Weekend of firsts

A weekend of firsts.
After work, had spicy eggplant at Amarin Thai with S, H & M. Had Gelato ice-cream for the first time, and the owner actually kept out the one ice-cream without egg by himself. After the ice-cream was my 1st experience in a bar at night. There was muted lighting for ambience, loud but some good music playing, and it gradually got packed as the night went on. Gradually people started dancing, flirty et al. I had a good mix of aerated orangeade/lemonade mix.

Woke up early in the morning for a movie! Then, saw a preview show for the first time of Shrek 3 with R, S et al. Was a very imaginative & creative movie.

Visited Villa Montalvo and walked a bit with S. Villa Montalvo is a nice place to just hang around. Then, visited Saratoga downtown for the first time, had some specialty chocolate (how does Grapefruit honey sound). It is upscale & expensive; a spa store had a very expensive small body wash for $12, a body mist for $15 etc. A nice place to hang around, though.

Visiting Canada from USA

Point Reyes Travel Plan

March 17-18 007 (Saturday & Sunday)
Drive to Ken Patrick Visitor Center located at Drakes Beach and take the shuttle. For people over 16, fees apply. Shuttle tickets are available from 9 to 3.

Year Round Programs

On Shaky Ground: 2:00 pm, Every Saturday-San Andreas Fault-start of Earthquake train (1km-0.6 mile) walk

Kule Loklo Walk: 2:00 pm, Every Sunday-This lesiurely 1.3 kilometer (0.8 mile) tour introduces visitors to the Coast Miwok and their history and culture. Meet at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Lasts one hour.

Lighthouse

A Look into the Lens: 2:30 - 4:00 pm, Thursday - Monday, April through December
See inside the Point Reyes Lighthouse and discover its history and function with a Park Ranger. Access requires a strenuous descent and ascent of 308 stairs. Stairs close when weather and winds are hazardous. The lens room is open with a Ranger present from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Whale and Elephant Seal Season Programs

Journey of the Whales: 1:30 pm Weekends, January through March. Meets at Lighthouse Shuttle Stop if shuttles are operating. Otherwise meet at the Lighthouse Visitor Center. Join a Ranger to learn about gray whales as they migrate past Point Reyes. Learn about their habits and adaptations, and hope for a whale sighting from the Observation Deck. Lasts one hour. May require a 0.6 kilometer (0.4 mile) walk.

Experience Gray Whales: Date: Every Sunday Weekly & Every Saturday Weekly from 12/31/2006 to 4/28/2007 Time: 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM Location: Lighthouse: Details: Weekends January through April, weather permitting. Docents at the Lighthouse Observation Deck 11:00 am - 4:30 pm. View gray whales through binoculars and scopes. Volunteer docents available to answer questions about gray whales.


Woodpecker Trail: Near Bear Valley Visitor Center 1.2 km / 0.7 mi

Pierce Point Ranch and Tule Elk Reserve


Whales and Wildflowers
Date: Every Sunday Weekly & Every Saturday Weekly from 3/4/2007 to 4/28/2007
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Chimney Rock Trailhead

Details:
2 pm, weekends in March and April
Take a moderate 1.2 mile round-trip hike with a park ranger to a beautiful ocean overlook. Watch for gray whales as they make their northward journey and admire wildflowers along the trail. Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars and water. In good weather you must take the shuttle. Inclement weather cancels this program.
Program lasts two hours.
Fees: Free

Contact:
John Golda
415-464-5143

Monterey-Recommended place to stay

SpinDrift Inn.

Go-Karting

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/ssaikuma/album/576460762392912692
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7261472@N07/sets/72157594578288860/

Go-Karting at VMware Team bonding event on Wed, May 8 2006.

Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge

From a friend...

http://www.fws.gov/desfbay/

We have gone to the one in Fremont. It is not too big and is right off Dumbarton, but there are tons of birds there. Baby season is good.

Bamboo Giant Garden, Aptos

15 minutes south of downtown Santa Cruz
Bamboo Giant Garden in a rock quarry
20 acre grove
5601 Freedom Blvd (Aptos?), CA
831-687-0100

Via Magazine: Nov+Dec 2006