Marin Headlands 24k loop

It is easy to be seduced by the Sierra, to think of them as not only the pinnacle of out-of-doors enjoyment, but also as the only possible place for such enjoyment. The fact that they are a 4ish hour drive distant really puts a damper on that.

Fortunately for those of us who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, truly sublime trails are only a fraction of an hour away.

Today, case in point, a lovely jaunt with the Berkeley Running Club up in the Headlands. Above, two of our crew cruise along Middle Green Gulch, with cloud islands to the north and the Pacific hiding underneath. OK, those aren't really cloud islands, the picture framing just gives them that appearance; BUT! Redwood Peak in the East Bay was a genuine cloud island today, viewed from Cardiac Hill.

Above, pausing for a group photo on top of Cardiac Hill. This, the aforementioned cloud island, and a brand new water fountain are one's reward for scrambling up the Dipsea Trail. Speaking of which, the Quad Dipsea race is coming up soon... are you people mad? :)

A few miles to go, flying down the Heather Cutoff trail (aka 57 switchbacks). The clouds were chilly but the sun was warm.. its a great combination, until the sun goes away. Below, enjoying hard-earned fish'n'chips and a pint at the Pelican Inn.

All of these photos were shamelessly borrowed from the BRC Meetup page. Thanks Chris and Drew for snapping.