Memorial Day Weekend BBQ at Eckley Pier

My friend and I decided to have a picnic in a park during on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. Initially I wanted to go to Crockett Hills Regional Park, but I missed my turn. We ended up at Eckley Pier of Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. Unlike the day I came here after work on a Friday evening, the place was packed with families picnicking. There was one grill that was not occupied, so we quickly mosey over from the parking lot. As I started dumping charcoal under the grill, another family had arrived and was obviously also looking for an empty grill. The father asked whether he could share with us. We cheerfully invited them to joining in and share the bench and table with us, too. Maybe it was the strong wind next to the pier, we were having a hard time get the charcoal to start burning. They would burn for a few minutes and then the flame would go out after a few gusts of wind.  We all started to gather little twigs. My friend thought eucalyptus barks, which the park had plenty, would be helpful. She was right. We all got the charcoal going after sticking in small pieces of eucalyptus barks.

Kelsey and new friend Woody

I totally forgot to take photos of our awesome picnic food. I grilled some steaks, asparagus, and king trumpet mushrooms. We also had some salad, hummus, yogurt, dried mango, freshly picked loquats, and dark chocolate.  It was a feast!

After we ate, we packed up everything and went for a quick hike up the fire trail. It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Another Awesome Park in Crockett

Since I had such a great time at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline yesterday, I was compelled to go back to Crockett to check out Crockett Hills Regional Park, which is pretty close to Carquinez Straits Shoreline. I headed over around 8 a.m. I am really starting to like getting out early on weekends. Everywhere is quiet and peaceful. There are very few cars on the freeway and on the streets in general before 8:30 on weekends.  When I got to the park, there was no other car in the parking lot. Near the entrance right next to the parking lot, there are some nice picnic tables and benches. There is also a very nice big grill that still looks almost new. One of these days I need to have a barbeque in a park! I think I will pick this park.

A friend with her two German Shepherds met up with us on the trail. The German shepherds are a lot younger than Kelsey. They were bouncing and running all over the trail.  Kelsey even got a little excited with those two young dogs around.  There is a tunnel off the main trail. Once we passed through the tunnel, it's just acres of open space with cattle grazing on the field. The German Shepherds even ran after a big cow. Kelsey also ran with them. We got worried and called them off. Kelsey came back right away, but it took a lot longer to get the shepherds to turn around. When they finally came back, they were wet. They ran all the way to where the big paddle was and took a dip. The grass was very tall on the open space. When the dogs ran off the trail, we couldn't even see them.

Kelsy and friends

We continued on to where there are some picnic tables and benches. We took a water and snack break there.  I took the opportunity to take a photo of Kelsey with her German friends.  Although Kelsey was having such a great time, she was limping on her bad leg.  There is no shade on the open field, and it was getting hot.  I decided to turn back while our friends continued on.  On the way back, I encountered a few more hikers who were just getting started. I was ready to go home and make a brunch for myself after a nice morning hike.
 

The tunnel to open space

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

As the school gets to the end of the year, the days are increasingly stressful. After I left work today, I had the urge to go on a hike in the open space where I can see green grass and endless sky.  I took a short drive to Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline in Crockett.

There were only a few cars in the parking lot when I arrived, and I didn't see anyone in sight. I felt that I had the park all to myself. It was a great feeling. I had some snack on a bench before taking Kelsey on the trail.

The view from the hill was amazing. We did eventually encounter a few people with their dogs. We all greeted each other. Some of them asked me what breed Kelsey is. One of them said that Kelsey looks like a Hovaward.  I get that from time to time.  I like what the man said, "It doesn't matter what she is, she is YOUR dog."  Yup, that is right! I always enjoy chatting with other dog parents.

On the way back we passed by quite a few cattle. We all looked at each other.  I love being outside in peaceful open space.