A January Hike in the Bay Area Hills

A clear Saturday in late January, 2011. We went for a short hike somewhere in the East Bay hills. It was that time of year when everything is green from the winter rain, and the views across the valleys were sharp in the bright sun.

We started out near the trailhead where the kids immediately started climbing on the lichen-covered rocks. My daughter, in a very pink outfit, balanced on top of a boulder before rejoining us. It was a family outing, with a new addition in tow.

This was one of the first real walks for our new puppy. Once we got onto the paved path, the kids were more interested in the dog than the hike itself. My older daughter tried holding the leash for a bit, while the younger one toddled alongside. I spent a good amount of time kneeling on the pavement, trying to manage a tiny, energetic dog and two small children. It was a simple afternoon spent close to home.