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Watch this video clip from the never aired 1966 pilot of Batgirl. I particularly love the care with which she hangs up her civies before taking on the bad guys. I'm also amazed that she takes the time to dye her hair while she's out. Of course, I can't fault her color choice. Redheads are truly bad-asses!
Could someone please explain how I could live in Marin County for 8 years and never have hiked the Tennessee Valley Trail before? How did I miss this one? Other than the obvious answer that Steve and I don't get the chance to go on hikes very much.
But this weekend was different. It was 3 days! Saturday we did our chores, shopping at Target and Costco and the the like, Sunday we did our usual shift at WildCare and came home to collapse in a sweaty, exhausted heap. But Monday, ah Monday. After sleeping in and making waffles for breakfast, we headed out for a hike. I had heard once or twice about this trail, but never in much detail, just a passing comment. And Steve and I almost hiked it last spring, but, in spite of the sun shining at home, this trail, just on the north side of the Marin Headlands, was foggy and cold and drizzly and it was the first sunny day of the year, so we headed off for a warmer walk a bit further north.
It was a tad on the chilly side Monday when we started on the trail, but not too bad, and we brought layers, so off we went. And I'm so glad we did, because within 20 minutes the fog had burned off and it was gorgeous. The Tennessee Valley Trail is 2 easy miles to the beach. The upper trail is a little more difficult (really just a couple of smallish climbs), but it is worth it with fantastic views of the ocean.
The trail ends at Tennessee Valley Beach. The beach is on the small side, but it was not at all crowded and it is beautiful, with brilliant rock formations. One would think that on such a beautiful Labor Day it would be packed, but I think most people headed out to Stinson. I wonder if Tennessee Valley Beach is always so peaceful. Not to say that there weren't plenty of people hiking out to the beach for a picnic, but no where near the swarms you get at other beaches.
One wonderful thing about this beach is the sound of the waves leaving the shore. Half of the beach is sand, but the southern half is all ocean pebbles. When the waves retreat, there is the coolest sound of the pebbles rattling around, kind of like one of those rain sticks.
We were totally unprepared - we brought something to drink, but no food. I think it has been so long since we went for a hike that we forgot how to provision ourselves. Steve and I agreed that we'd have to come back with a picnic lunch sometime soon. We took the lower trail on the way back which doesn't have the great views, but is level and an even easier hike for the end of the day. Hooray for the 3-day weekend!