Sunshine and bikers on Morning Sun Trail

     What a gorgeous day in the Bay Area today! JAG reunited for a quick commute over Golden Gate Bridge for our hike in the Marin Headlands, led by Greg. We really enjoyed this hike and I'd love to go explore some of the other off-shoots at some point. You can get there by heading North on 101, exit #443 on Monte Mar Dr. towards Spencer Ave. and then turn left on Spencer and park in that little driveway. You can spot the parking area closest to Sausalito on the National Parks map of the area - and I'd really recommend printing out a big map if possible, or picking one up at the Marin Headlands Visitors Center, as there are a lot of different paths to take.

Annie and Greg are pumped at the Morning Sun Trailhead

     We began at Morning Sun Trailhead around 10:45am (bring some water - you'll need it for the uphill trek). The hike starts out in the shaded woods and all uphill - another one with a tough uphill battle to start...but it's all pretty gradual after the long ascent. Put on sunscreen for the rest of the way when the trail breaks out in the sun - and follow it to Alta Trail. You'll see a tall white structure - so just head that way (but not inside the fence, where the sign threatens anyone who tries).

     Then we headed onto Bobcat Trail for a long walk downhill (note that you could instead take the trail up a bit more if you want to extend your hike). We opted to go down, but not before taking in the sweeping views of the city, Golden Gate, Sutro Tower, and the Pacific (my camera phone isn't doing it justice - you'll just have to go).

     Bobcat Trail re-joins Alta trail for a steady uphill climb, where mountain bikers continue to zip past - so heads up! They also kick up a lot of dust, so my legs were covered in dirt by the time we got back to the parking lot. We returned down Morning Sun Trail to the parking lot, ending the hike around 1:30pm - making it about a 2hr 45min. hike. And how to reward ourselves? Bloody Marys at lunch, of course! 

     In probably the fastest ride over Golden Gate any of us have had, we went to the Presidio Social Club where we snagged a coveted table out on the back patio area (again...more sunscreen needed). Kelly (last seen on the Presidio Trail) was with a friend nearby, so they joined us for a drink, too. The Bloody Marys are spicy but refreshing and tasty - but the winning dishes were the burger and herb scramble. Apparently there was also a luau party on Sunday evening with Mai Tais and a roasted pig - wish I could have stayed!