Everyday Escapes

Last Wednesday I took the kiddies to Coyote Hills.

Here they are checking out the map above and Gigi asks me where we are.

I show her and she says excitedly, "Here we are!"

In case you want to make your own visit or use their toilets instead of the porto-potties on your run/hike or are hungry and need a snack/drink, this place has it all.

Pleasantly surprised, we found the Visitor's Center to be visually stimulating & museum-ish. Definitely a good thing in my opinion :) Gigi will be four in June and Gavin two, so our "tour" needed to be brief and hands-on.

Here go the dynamic-duo opening drawers and learning a little bit about Native Americans.

They really appreciated the nature displays of animals in their habitats, most especially Gavin!

He would shriek in delight at the sight of an animal, point at them, and ask me what they were..that alone made the trip worthwhile ;D

I picked up my 2012 Trail Challenge t-shirt and picked up a couple of granola bars and water for our hike.

We chose a kid-friendly uphill stroll that had wooden steps.

Of course we were going at the pace of turtles because stepping up each one of those wide wooden planks was not easy for my boy.

We had ourselves some fun making the slow trek up with Gigi singing her hiking song...

and Gavin a total champ making his way up those planks...

And finally! We get there and make some memories ;D

My kids are definitely getting used to all my picture-taking because they sat themselves down and posed here on their own with only verbal prompting from me.

A definite scrap-bookable moment :)

And, he's off!!..

Impromptu-photo shoot coming to a close.

They take in the beautiful views....

..learn how to enjoy nature...

..and enjoy an active lifestyle while spending time with mommy :)

***

Here's the thing. I don't believe in waiting until the weekend or vacations or special occasions to celebrate. With some creativity, energy, and resourcefulness everyday escapes can be found very close to home and can lead to extraordinary adventures. 

Here's to livin' it up! One turtle step at a time.

Happy Monday Friends! 

Coyote Hills Regional Park

I've grown up in the southern part of the east bay and the first time I went to Coyote Hills was early January of this year. Ever since my discovery, I have been coming back to these hills, week after week. Rain or shine, for six straight weeks, I find myself here to run, hike, enjoy nature, and the beautiful scenery. 

The trail I've gotten to know the most is Muskrat Trail. Check out the Muskrat-ish looking creature I met above. Was it following me or was I following it? I don't know. All I know is I got lost (a handful of times.) But, I eventually find my way back. As an fyi, GPS does not work here, I tried it. Please PAY ATTENTION!

This is Bayview Trail which I discovered last week. Can you say beeee-yoooo-ti-ful! Ah... And the feeling you get walking/biking/running this trail is serenely exquisite.

This is Bayview trail heading toward Soaproot Trail..on my way to get a nice incline run :)

Words of advice: the best uphill workouts are off the beaten path. Literally. You have to get off the pavement and find the trails hikers have trodden upon. First of all, these paths are visible and have already been laid out for you. All you have to do is follow it. It's a little safe and a little scary because you're not sure where they'll lead. All of the ones I've chosen have led to very cool, hill top vistas. I highly recommend this!

CAUTION: Running uphill is tough but running downhill, can be scary! Really. BE. CAREFUL.

My "hill days" are usually Sundays. This weekly ritual is not only something I look forward to, but now crave. Being out there just feels right. You know: and Good. Tough. Scenic. Fun. That's all me baby!

Plus, it is a fantastic way to start off the week. I feel like if I can jog, run, climb these hilly beauts, I can accomplish whatever pops up during the week..with strength and a smile :)

Here's to creating happy and healthy rituals!

I hope you have yours and if you don't, please CREATE ONE! You'll thank me later.

Have a charmed & blessed week friends!

= )

For you Yelpers out there, here are more reviews about my new favorite place in town:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/coyote-hills-regional-park-fremont