marshall beach

 we pulled off the side of the road where we saw a trail heading down to the beach - marshall beach - a fluke find and just what we were looking for last weekend in san francisco.  i am in love with the golden gate bridge and wanted to get the best view and pictures of it that i could find.  this may just be the best place after all...

 we actually bribed the kids to go along on this hike because the rest of the family had headed for home because of the cold.  but, when steve walked out of the car and saw the amazing view from the street, we knew we just had to go down the trail.  afterward when we got back to menlo park, steve bought the kids each a stuffed animal.

 looking west over to baker beach

 hanging out at the bunkers

 trying to stay warm on the trail

 this is a bald eagle we saw on our way down.  the wind was so powerful but this bird was so strong it was able to hold still in mid air.  i wish i had zoomed in on it, but didn't realize it was a bald eagle until zooming into my picture after taking it, although when we were looking at it eva and michael said, "is that a bald eagle?"  did i mention i'm near sighted?

i took this picture at the bunkers for ren, blog pal and lover of graffiti.

my little sister is growing into such a beautiful little lady

and with her own cool sense of style i might add...

 and there it is...

steve being silly.

 it was such an amazing view.

i won't show you the naked guy (bottom half only) we saw on the other side of this picture. 

that was a little disturbing actually.  turns out this little known beach is a place for nudists.

our memory of this day was of the fresh forceful winds blowing on us on our descent to see this spectacular view.  the power of the waves crashing along the shore, the chill that was blown off the ocean onto our faces, seeing the beautiful cypress trees at the top of the precipice and the wildflowers along the trail, not to mention the bald eagle flying overhead - these outdoor adventures are always my favorite experiences in life.  i receive so much from the earth's bountiful beauty.  these nature expeditions are spiritual events for me and i love sharing them with family.