Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Golden Gate Bridge

Who can resist the majestic beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge? I certainly can't. Last Sunday as the temperatures edged near 80 degrees, I decided that a walk across the GGB would be a perfect way to enjoy the balmy weather. And so my walking partner and I braved the heavy traffic across the Bay Bridge, snaked our way along VanNess and Lombard Streets, and miraculously found a parking spot at Fort Point. From there it's just a short jaunt up the hill to the vista point next to the toll booths. That's where we began our afternoon stroll. It took forever to reach the other side, though, since the scenic views beckoned us to linger and ooh and aah at what unfolded below, beyond, above, and all around us.

Come take a look at what we enjoyed that warm, sunny afternoon...



















Some interesting facts: The color of the GGB is called "International Orange," a mixture of cyan, yellow, black, and magenta. The name of the bridge actually refers to the "Golden Gate Strait," the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Signs of Autumn

Autumn arrived late here in San Ramon, much later than usual. Warm temperatures, soft breezes, and sunny blue skies prevailed day after day. It seemed that proud Summer would never give way to her patient sister, Autumn. The leaves on the trees changed colors very slowly and only now are they beginning their earthbound journey. Here are a few captures of some of my walks around the neighborhoods in San Ramon as I searched for signs of my favorite season, autumn...

Hiking trail in the western foothills...

Blue and Gold, the colors of California...


A family of liquidamber leaves...

Mulberry leaves enjoying the late afternoon sunshine...

A row of golden Sycamore trees...

A lone leaf casting a giant shadow...

Decomposition...

Fun at the baseball diamond on a warm afternoon...

Changing leaves against the brilliant blue sky...

Wispy clouds passing by...

Interesting cloud formations...

Dreaming of faraway places...
How is the season unfolding in your neighborhood?