A word from "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

San Francisco, California China Beach May 17, 2009

As a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, it would be easy to take one of the world's greatest cities for granted, but I never do.  Often I marvel at the spectacularness of the City by the Bay, and it never disappoints.  The diversity is depicted clearly in the neighborhoods designated throughout the city.  And while I've been crossing the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges since I was a kid, I still find an undiscovered spot in the city nearly every time I visit. 

It is not untypical for us to go over to San Francisco just to ride the cable cars.  I often marvel at how many native Bay Areans skip this San Francisco Treat.  The tourists never do as evidenced by the languages spoken on board.  My kids love the ride as much as I did as a kid, and now as an adult, I can remember my folks taking us over to the city to ride the cable cars.  We usually catch the Union Square trip out to Ghirardelli Square.  And either head over to Fisherman's Wharf or the Buena Vista near the square. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of eating at Scoma's; a true depiction of an excellent seafood San Francisco restaurant.  The restaurant is slightly tucked away off the Wharf and away from the main tourist thoroughfare.  The food is excellent.  And, the venue is slightly family style dining with many seafood specialties!  The restaurant can get crowded and at times there is a wait.  But, if ever in the area, I recommend a stop at Scoma's in the city!

Today, we stopped in at China Beach near Sea Cliff.  Juxtaposed with Baker Beach (another favorite), China Beach would easily be skipped for its smallness and rocky beach.  Yet, while the crowds will flock to Baker Beach, there is always a chance that a coveted parking space might be had at China Beach.

Nestled below the mansions of the Sea Cliff neighborhood, China Beach is a land mark of San Francisco history, and a great place to cool off on a summer day.  The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands are some of the best in the city.   Of course, if sand is what you are looking for you might be better off heading to Ocean or Baker Beach.  China Beach has some rocky outcroppings probably due to its proximity to the entrance to the Golden Gate.  There is a nice set of steps that facilitate the descent to the beach, and not a lot of room for large crowds.  So, this is an excellent option in order to avoid the crowds when a day in San Francisco calls for a day at the beach!

San Francisco, for me, is quite easy to figure out and I could drive aimlessly throughout the city and never get lost; eventually I'll run out of land except in the southerly direction.  So, most of the major streets are laid out in north/south and east/west directions.  At least, that is what I've come to know it as in all my years visiting.  And, while there are treasures to be found in every city, these few have brought many a happy memories for my family, and me!  I hope they do the same for you, too!

Healdsburg, California Healdsburg Half-Marathon October 25, 2008

By Rick Rodriguez

I spent last weekend up in Northern Sonoma County.  My main reason for the trip was to run in the inaugural Healdsburg Half Marathon.  And, the race went well, but I also got a chance to discover an excellent Italian restaurant in Santa Rosa's historic Railroad Square district, and took in a couple of wineries, St. Francis and B.R. Cohn.

I haven't spent much time around Santa Rosa, and I was looking for a restaurant to grab a carbo load meal prior to the early morning Saturday run I had planned in Healdsburg.  So, as I was driving aimlessly around Santa Rosa, I caught a glimpse of a crowd outside of a restaurant.  I wasn't immediately able to find a parking space so I looped around the block, parked, and sauntered over near the restaurant.  As I peered over the small crowd at the door and briefly glanced at the menu, I flirted with the idea of trying the crowded sushi place next door, while simultaneously mulling over the possibility of getting a table for one in the crowded restaurant.  While I stood in the street, I noticed a wine bar two doors down, and tried to reason a glass of wine as an appetizer.  As the notion of the vino subsided to the importance of a carbo load meal, I made a request for a bar seat at the restaurant and luck was on my side as I landed the only available seat.  Seated close to the kitchen, the area bursting with activity, a gentlemen next to me busily conversing in Italian; I sat scanning the menu for the perfect pre-race meal.  Quickly, a bread basket appeared accompanied with an olive oil garlic concoction that was just scrumptious.  I asked for a glass of house red, and as I merrily enjoyed each, a conversation ensued with my neighbor, Carlo.  Carlo claimed that this was an excellent Italian restaurant, and based on the off the menu order he placed, he seemed to know what he was talking about.  Very shortly, other people came by to greet Carlo, and he introduced me to Harry & Loretta, and we sat and shared short stories.  Loretta happened to know someone I know back home in Danville, proving the theory that we're always eight people away of having something in common with others.  I had a delicious entree of Rigatoni and meatballs, a recommendation from Joe LoCoco, the owner of the establishment, and after a wonderful evening, I retreated to the confines of my hotel room and rested up for the next day.

The next morning I rose early and headed off to the start line.  I enjoyed a brisk morning run along with about 2000 other runners.  Afterward, we were treated to live music, wine tasting, and a relaxing post race finish at the Lake Sonoma recreation area. 

I made my way home through the Sonoma Wine Region and stopped at two wineries.  The first was St. Francis in Santa Rosa.  I caught it on a busy Sunday afternoon, but very quickly found myself in the Reserve Room.  There, my host, Elliott, poured me a sampling of his finest vino.  I caught an early interest in a Zinfandel he poured, and later a Cabernet, as he schooled me on the idiosyncrasies of the wine and the region.  He told me that St. Francis sells its special wines to its wine club members; and having had St. Francis wines in the past--I had to concur that I had yet to taste something as fine from them as I had this day.  I spent about an 1 1/2 hours in Elliott's tasting room, and as the afternoon was quickly skirting away, I made my way back on to the road. 

I had time to stop at another winery, and after passing little known contenders I happened upon B.R. Cohn.  I chose this winery because of my familiarity with their Cabernet Sauvignon.  I recalled the tremendous value I received when I first had a bottle at Amber Restaurant in Danville.  On that night, we celebrated my wife's birthday, and B.R. was a big hit.  The retail section of this winery is small yet comfortable.  They were quite busy, but I had a nice time sipping a flight of their reds.  In contrast to St. Francis, the tastings here are free if you buy a bottle; I bought two.  I selected a couple of their Cabernets and was on my way as quickly as I got there.  The ride home was pleasant and uneventful.  In just under two hours I was back home with my family.    

I'd recommend both wineries in that they contrast each other.  The St. Francis winery has a beautiful setting as does B.R. Cohn.  As a wine aficionado, it would be difficult for me not to find anything I didn't like in my wine experiences or my quick jaunt up to Healdsburg for the half-marathon.  I've been to Healdsburg with the family, and while it's geared to fine dining and wine, a weekend with the family in this area is a great investment in time!  On a previous trip, we discovered one of the best candy stores in Healdsburg that I've ever seen. As a runner, the experience was marvelous and I plan on returning next year for the 2nd annual Healdsburg Half-Marathon!  For a full report on the race, go to www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/Running_with_the_Rocket.

The Dipsea Trail Mill Valley, California

By Rick Rodriguez

We did it!  A Double Dipsea.  That's a trip to Stinson Beach (7.1) miles and back to Downtown Mill Valley.  We started off at Old Mill Park at 8:30 AM on a cool crisp morning.  I was looking forward to hitting the locally famous Dipsea trail steps, and it didn't take long before we were tackling each one of the 676 steps (or so) that it takes to reach the trailhead.  The steps wind through and around homes and as we moved up the three flight of steps, I marvelled at the beauty of the surroundings; and also at the singular beginning of this hike.  The Dipsea trail is the host of one of the longest running trail races on the West Coast. 

As a runner, as we climbed, I visualized competing in the Dipsea, and the how the beginning of the Dipsea must humble many runners.  I had a trail map (good idea!) in hand so as to not get lost, and it sure was handy.  The directions were excellent and very soon we found ourselves out on the Panoramic Highway (1) ready to descend.  The views from here are priceless, and as we began the descent we were able to capture where the trail ultimately leads--the Pacific Ocean!  In no time, we were down in Muir Woods (1 mile) parking lot, and there the trail starts to climb.  We followed the trail until we hit "Cardiac Hill" and here the test gets difficult.  The trail is softened by the moistness of the air, but there are rock outcroppings everywhere just inviting a careless hiker/runner a sprained ankle with any lapse of concentration.  There certainly isn't much looking around as a result.  We're focused on our work and now isn't the time to gaze at the beauty yet it's captured nonetheless.  As we leave the confines of Cardiac Hill, we crack the open expanse of the trail, and again recapture a sight of the Pacific Ocean.  We'll move along an open trail area until we get to get to the Deer Park Fire Trail road that puts us into dense woods.  We can't resist running joyously through this area.  The ground is soft and the canopy of the trees refreshens us as we head to a steep set of stairs that will intersect us with the Steep Ravine Trail.  We arrive at the steps, and even though we are heading downhill, the number of steps add discomfort to the knees joints (by now we're 5.6 miles into the Dipsea) and muscle fibers.  We cross a short wooden bridge and head out to Insult Hill.  At the top of the Hill, Stinson Beach comes into sight. And, as I gaze over the horizon, on one of those days that God reserves for a place like this, I marvel at the cost of the scenery--the effort of my legs, lungs, and will.  From here we descend over rolling hills; retreat into a canopy of bush; descend a series of wood and stone steps, and slumber onto the Panoramic Highway, and the town of Stinson Beach.

The Dipsea trail ends at Arenal Avenue in Stinson Beach.  We stop in at the Paradise Cafe for a delicious muffin.  We walk a short way to the local market for a water bottle for the trek back. 

With 7.1 miles in the bag, I wasn't exactly pumped up for the massive hike back up 2200 feet and another 7.1 miles.  Surprisingly, Donna was anxious to get going; her usual countenance once we get to Stinson Beach!  We head back and start out sluggishly but then as if by magic or a muffin blast of energy, we pick up the pace.  We're back at the bridge in a short time and ready to climb the steep staircase.  We tackle these steps with authority, and just like that we're back in the woods.  Our legs gather the strength to run as we mount an attack on this segment of the trail.  Things go well and we make it back to the Muir Woods parking lot.  We've now hiked/ran 12.3 miles and we've got a 1 mile climb back up to the Panoramic Highway. 

The last segment of the Dipsea is straight up and it attacks my quads mercilessly. Donna has surged ahead: she usually let's me lead.  But today, she moves ahead at 12+ miles.  As we near the peak at Panoramic Highway we're asked for directions, then we cross the road, and climb the last set of steps.  I'm dragging my feet, but encouraged because I know we're close to the top.  Once we make it back to Bay View Road I know there is no more ascent.  I congratulate Donna, but we're not finished.  We still have the steps, and believe it or not, descending them is just a tough ending to a tough day on the trail.  As we enter Old Mill Park, children are playing about and dogs are running around, we cross the street to the relief of my parked car.

After the run/hike, we head to The Toast restaurant, a long-time Mill Valley establishment for a well deserved hardy breakfast. I go for an egg white omelet with avocado, jack, mushrooms, chicken-apple sausage, and rye toast.  Donna goes for her favorite--eggs benedict.  Along with a piping hot cup of coffee, we enjoy a wonderful breakfast; a just reward for the accomplishment of a Double Dipsea!

The Dipsea trail begins in Old Mill Park in Mill Valley, California, and ends on Arenal Avenue in Stinson Beach, California.  A Double Dipsea is a round trip.  The Double Dipsea took us 4 hours to complete.

The Dipsea trail ends at Arenal Avenue in Stinson Beach.  We stop in at the Paradise Cafe for a delicious muffin.  We walk a short way to the local market for a water bottle for the trek back. 

With 7.1 miles in the bag, I wasn't exactly pumped up for the massive hike back up 2200 feet and another 7.1 miles.  Surprisingly, Donna was anxious to get going; her usual countenance once we get to Stinson Beach!  We head back and start out sluggishly but then as if by magic or a muffin blast of energy, we pick up the pace.  We're back at the bridge in a short time and ready to climb the steep staircase.  We tackle these steps with authority, and just like that we're back in the woods.  Our legs gather the strength to run as we mount an attack on this segment of the trail.  Things go well and we make it back to the Muir Woods parking lot.  We've now hiked/ran 12.3 miles and we've got a 1 mile climb back up to the Panoramic Highway. 

The last segment of the Dipsea is straight up and it attacks my quads mercilessly. Donna has surged ahead: she usually let's me lead.  But today, she moves ahead at 12+ miles.  As we near the peak at Panoramic Highway we're asked for directions, then we cross the road, and climb the last set of steps.  I'm dragging my feet, but encouraged because I know we're close to the top.  Once we make it back to Bay View Road I know there is no more ascent.  I congratulate Donna, but we're not finished.  We still have the steps, and believe it or not, descending them is just a tough ending to a tough day on the trail.  As we enter Old Mill Park, children are playing about and dogs are running around, we cross the street to the relief of my parked car.

After the run/hike, we head to The Toast restaurant, a long-time Mill Valley establishment for a well deserved hardy breakfast. I go for an egg white omelet with avocado, jack, mushrooms, chicken-apple sausage, and rye toast.  Donna goes for her favorite--eggs benedict.  Along with a piping hot cup of coffee, we enjoy a wonderful breakfast; a just reward for the accomplishment of a Double Dipsea!

The Dipsea trail begins in Old Mill Park in Mill Valley, California, and ends on Arenal Avenue in Stinson Beach, California.  A Double Dipsea is a round trip.  The Double Dipsea took us 4 hours to complete.

A day well spent in Marin County

By Rick Rodriguez

Some days stand out more than others!  For me, today, was one of those days.  Why?  Well, once again, I took advantage of the beauty that resides here in the Bay Area, and by 9 AM this morning, Donna and I were capturing the stunning beauty of Marin County hiking over the Dipsea Trail to Stinson Beach.  Yes, we've been here before, and I do see many others immersed in the activity as we momentarily pass on the trail, but it's really amazing to capture such quiet serenity here in the Bay Area. 

At one point on the trail, we were surrounded by tall redwoods shrouded in mist and fog, and the scene was straight out of a Hollywood film, Braveheart comes to mind.  It was a mystical moment, and one I waited until today in my life to capture.  Meanwhile, the trail was working my legs and heart, but with somewhat less stress.  I guess I was lost in the beauty of the place and wasn't noticing my effort.  I came away with the feeling of wanting to return, but also finding and exploring other venues that I haven't visited, or a re-visit perhaps to Yosemite!  Yes, definitely I'll return to the Dipsea Trail and when I do, I'll know it will be another day well spent!

Stinson Beach, California

By Rick Rodriguez

There's plenty of ways to get to Stinson Beach in Northern California.  But, if you are the adventurous workout type try the Dipsea trail. Though the effort will make you work up a sweat and appetite, the trade off is wonderful scenery, incredible views, and a chance to get away from it all in a rugged and refreshing atmosphere. 

On our recent trip there, we parked our car at Muir Woods early Saturday morning.  We packed a few essentials and were off as quickly as we arrived.  We caught the Hillside trail to the Ben Johnson Trail and then grabbed the Dipsea Trail.  While the Hillside trail is fairly benign, the blood pressure gets elevated on the Ben Johnson trail as it is nearly a straight climb up. 

We were fortunate to have caught the trail on a cool slightly foggy morning. The further we climbed the more we engaged the precipitation of the dripping fog.  Once we got to the Dipsea; the ocean breeze took over, and we were offered another cooling sensation.  As the trails rolls through this area, we were treated to mostly fair climbing until we reached Pantoll Road; here, we decided to head down Steep Ravine Trail and were rewarded with a 1.5 mile downhill trip through dense foliage, and one of the rarest places for a ladder I ever encountered. 

I'd suggest moving slowly down this ladder, but we moved pretty briskly through this portion (and up) of the trail.  The sense of isolation is pretty remarkable.  And despite us catching the trail while a 50k run was taking place (yes 31 miles), most of the time we were alone until we left the Steep Ravine trail and recaptured the Dipsea Trail.

As the trail moves toward Stinson Beach, we encountered some inclines and declines, but all the while my thoughts kept turning back to the retreat to the car and Muir Woods.  That's about 6.5 miles if we retrace our steps.  Once we got down to town (Stinson Beach), Donna, my wife, said "let's go," so I didn't get much time to hang out (rest) before we ascended back up the Dipsea to Pantoll Station.

The hike back wasn't as tough as I anticipated but was equally as enjoyable.  I will say, however, it was a pleasure to see my car parked close to the front entrance.  As we exited the park, we headed to the infamous Dipsea restaurant for an excellent breakfast.  A great way to cap off a wonderful trip to Stinson Beach!

Our trip from Muir Woods to Stinson Beach counting some detours was about 12 miles round trip and took about 3 to 3 1/2 hours to complete. 

Muir Woods & Muir Beach, California

We usually visit Muir Woods in Marin County a few times a year.  Yesterday (7/26/08), was one of those times.  Going to Muir Woods gives me a chance to get away from the world because of the serenity of being in a Redwood forest.  There's always a sense of quiet paradise, and the allure of a mystical environment that keeps me coming back year after year.  I'm always amazed that such a place could exist surrounded by what seems like urban chaos!  Fortunately, my wife and kids feel the same way. So, if you have kids, take them there.  It is a great way to spend a day or a weekend! 

While yesterday's trip was one of the few times we visit during the Summer, we enjoyed it nonetheless. The crowds were heavier than normal, and we got real lucky finding a parking spot near the front entrance. Friends that we were with were not so lucky; they had to walk nearly a mile to the front entrance.  There is a shuttle that can help with parking, and if you've got the time, and it's during the busy season; that's probably a good idea.

We took the Hillside trail minutes from the front entrance for a loop around Muir Woods.  The loop is about 2.2 miles.  The Hillside trail is fairly benign, and aside from its narrowness, it will give you an immediate sense of what Muir Woods is all about.  Despite my many trips to this area, I was, once again, captured by the essence of the environment.  Perhaps the joy, mitigated somewhat, by sharing the path with other enthusiasts; the place delivered an excellent day for us, and our companions.   

After a child shortened visit, we headed to Muir Beach located a short distance for Muir Woods.  Here we found similar parking issues, but once again the parking gods were with me.  Once situated, we encountered a fairly small beach, with a decent surf, and crowd of sunbathers.  While the kids dashed off to challenge the waves, I took a short hike up a steep hill that overlooks the beach.  I climbed about 10 to 12 minutes up a steep incline, and stopped to overlook the beach and the Pacific Ocean.  The views were breathtaking, and though I was breathing heavily, the cool ocean breeze refreshed me.  I climbed still further until I reached the precipice of a cliff.  There, I gazed down at a man sitting having lunch.  He had an enviable position, perched at the edge of the coastline admiring a view of San Francisco (Twin Peaks), and the rugged coastline.  I stood, unnoticed, admiring my favorite city in the world, and then I retreated for the trek back downhill.  

Muir Beach, California, located about 2 miles (3 km) from the entrance to Muir Woods National Monument, is a community and beach located 16.5 miles North West of San Francisco in Western Marin County. The beach is about 300 yards (274 m) wide and 100 yards (91 m) long, with coarse sand and several large boulders. There is a parking lot at the beach, which is then accessible via a rustic footbridge

Mount Diablo Danville, California

On a crisp, cool, sunless morning we headed up Mount Diablo for our 2 hour morning hike.  We've been hiking the South Gate trail up past Rock City, and then over to Macedo Ranch for some time now.  The trail begins gradually over grass covered meadows with many switchbacks along the way, and then meanders over to the Summit trail.  Here, the trail, begins testing the lung capacity and leg strength of the hiker.  Though manageable for most fit people, I've seen a few people turn back at this point; as the trail proved to be a formidable foe for would be hikers.  The Summit trail is wide and accommodates hikers as well as  mountain bikers, some whom travel extremely fast downhill, much to the dismay of some hikers.  Nonetheless, the scenery allows hikers a respite from the world below, and often I lose myself in thoughts: I wonder "what man, woman, or machinery cut this trail, wedged along side a mountain made of solid rock in many places?"  Also, since I know a bit of the history of Mount Diablo "where and how did the previous inhabitants of Mount Diablo live and how did they survive?"  Many more thoughts whirl in my head, I glance upward and gauge the upcoming terrain "will today be the day I see a mountain lion?"  I sure and the heck hope not!

The trail eventually splits at a campground, and we turn left and back toward the trail up to Rock City.  Rock City is a series of rock formations pushed upwards by earth movement when Mount Diablo was formed.  We pass Rock City as we climb the most arduous segment of the 2.12 mile trek up to the fire trail that intersects the Summit trail that will take us over to Macedo Ranch.  Here, my gasps for air increase along with my enthusiasm for concluding this portion of the hike.  As we slumber onto the fire trail, we catch our breath, then Donna, my wife says "up for a run?"  "Of course," I grumble.  Then, we're off for a run that will see us traverse over a varied terrain up and down a lovely expanse of Mount Diablo.  Occasionally, I'll sneak a peek at the horizon and gaze over the San Ramon Valley, but I'll never stray too long as each step I take invites the danger of a sprained ankle or damaged limb.  Along the way I wonder about my fitness, its improvement and the discovery of a new found enthusiasm for it, and I think back about the gal behind me and her goals for the New York City Marathon, and how she has become the runner I once was. 

I drive my legs up another ascent, and think to myself "I can do it, again, I can get back in peak shape and get this feeling of vibrancy, buoyancy, and health back into my life."  As we descend toward Macedo Ranch, we see others engaged in similar experiences, either on foot or bike, they smile and greet us; we know intuitively that we are experiencing something special. 

We descend to a gate.  I push open the gate.  Donna passes in her familiar trot.  She smiles perhaps because she knows the end is near.  We pass grazing cows, and a smaller black cow rises to assess the passersby.  There's a herd of cows adjacent to the trail, and despite their docileness, I skirt past them gingerly.  Donna hardly notices.  One more ascent and we're out of here!  I run up and keep focused on the ground so as to not think about the remaining ascent.  We make it down and out to the street.  It's 1.1 miles to Stone Valley Road.  I run with enthusiasm down the asphalt paved road.  I stop and see Donna rounding the last bend.  The perfect end to a perfect day up on Mount Diablo!