By Rick Rodriguez
On a bright sunny Saturday, I took a moment to stop in and check out Crystal Springs Reservoir in San Mateo County. The reservoir, an artificial lake, is located west of the cities of San Mateo and Hillsborough. The reservoir is nestled adjacent to I-280 and 92 Freeways extending along a portion of the San Andreas Fault. There are several points of entry. I used the one I'm familiar with and one that appears to easily access the reservoir.
I've passed this entrance hundreds of times usually on my way to Half Moon Bay, or somewhere else on the California coast. On this day, however, I decided to stop and discover this part of the San Francisco Bay Area for the 1st time!
Sawyer Camp trail, a paved 6 mile trail, is one of the most popular in Bay Area and perhaps the most frequented in Crystal Springs Reservoir. Today, however, it was about introduction and adventure. So, after grabbing the nearest trail, we were off to see where it would lead us. Often, for me, these are the most memorable experiences and on other occasions, I miss out on the most popular stuff. However, soon after strolling onto the benign trail situated adjacent to the reservoir, isolation ensued. About the only intrusion was a man-made fence abutting the trail; ostensibly the fence isolates the reservoir from intruders, and it works well. It doesn't, however, destroy the scenic beauty that developed as we strolled along the trail. Not only was it a perfectly still day, but it was quiet and while the trail was very moderate in difficulty, on occasion a slight grade added to the calorie burn! We walked for miles along the trail noticing coves, tree canopies, and trespasser warning signs. The latter enough of a detriment to encourage us to stay the course.
Only infrequently did we notice anyone either on the trail or on the adjacent road. It was an incredible treat to find a quietness so closely to the bustling suburbia nearby. Interspersing run and hike techniques, we soon found ourselves at the limit of our water supplies and decided to turn back. The trek back was equally as pleasant as the initial journey. Very soon we found ourselves within seeing range of our transportation and my thoughts turned to lunch.
So, as we headed back, I already had an idea of our next stop. Continuing west onto the 92 thoroughfare toward Half Moon Bay, we headed to one of my favorite spots, Barbara's Fish Trap. Situated across from the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, another popular spot, Barbara's is a great place to relax along the California Coast. It's just north of where 92 intersects with Highway 1 heading toward San Francisco. Barbara's Fish Trap has great seafood, and great views of the surrounding Half Moon Bay.
I had the Captain's platter, a plethora of unfried seafood, and I couldn't resist a glass (2) of Cabernet; despite the wine connoisseur faux paux (mixing Red with Seafood), it went over well. The place is usually quiet crowded and relaxing over at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is a good way to enjoy the wait for a table. Parking is a bit sparse, too! But, undoubtedly, the food makes it all worthwhile.
Afterward, we drove north on Highway 1 toward San Francisco. Highway 1 has some amazing scenery, and the road was recently improved making the trek north somewhat easier to navigate turns; some sections of Highway 1 are situated very near the precipice of steep cliffs, and the views add to the challenge of remaining road focused!
So, after carefully negotiating our way into Daly City, one last stop was in order to cap off a great day. Perhaps, a cappuccino and dessert, at a hidden San Francisco gem? Yes, that's exactly what was in order, so we shot into Glen Park's--Chenery Park Restaurant--and capped off the day with a calorie busting treat--so much for our earlier work!
I first noticed this restaurant in 2006. Back then, I worked in Glen Park on a couple of real estate transactions. I had never had dinner at the restaurant but had longed to stop in. The place was crowded and the reviews are great! Check it out sometime when visiting San Francisco!
It was the perfect place and a great ending to a day of discovery here in the San Francisco Bay Area. There is certainly more to see at Crystal Springs Reservoir and I doubt it will take me long to adventure off into this part of the Bay Area again!
