BTC Research on Fri., Dec. 4

I rode my bike from home to the Ferry Building in SF, crossing the Richmond-San Rafael and Golden Gate Bridges along the way. I then took the SF-Richmond Ferry and rode back home.

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I took advantageous of a beautiful day and got in 50 miles. I love discovering “virgin Bay Trail territory,” meaning places on the Trail that I haven’t before visited. I have been riding in Marin for 33+ years, and some of the areas I covered are ones I know very well. But I actually did find virgin turf, including areas in a part of Mill Valley called Strawberry that are along US-101.

There are some pretty fancy communities in these parts. If we do a topic, I’d be tempted to call it “Lifestyles of the Rich, if Not Famous.” I couldn’t help thinking about how 40 years of reducing taxes on the wealthy may have impacted this area. But it also has areas along the Bay that are in pristine condition. I can’t help being glad about that. And there are some pretty swank places that look like they’re totally off-limits but actually do have public spaces you can visit.

 
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One I found and really liked is on the Bay right next to a placed called De Silva Island. There was a “No Trespassing” sign prominently displayed at the entrance. But then I saw the “Public Shore” line on a narrow sandy path and decided that meant it was accessible after all. In the may above, that excursion is the squiggly line jutting out near Mill Valley.

My original plan had been to visit the Wave Organ in SF. But I got so entranced by the places in Marin I visited that I decided those parts were better places to focus.

Announcing the Bay Trail Confidential BLOG

I get a lot of my best ideas on my frequent visits to the Bay Trail. I have committed to going once a week to scout out the areas we’ll discuss and come up with new topic ideas.

I hope everyone who experiences Bay Trail Confidential (BTC) feels the deep enthusiasm I have for this wonderful amenity we enjoy in the Bay Area. There are so many fascinating places to discover, rich with interesting history, wildlife, architecture, views, etc. The Trail is a terrific place for anyone who, like me, has rather boundless curiosity.

I’ll be updating the blog after my Bay Trail visits, which are at least weekly. I’ll also try to provide some behind-the-scenes information on the show we do on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm. Like many blogs, this will be a diary for my own benefit. But I can’t help hoping it will be of interest beyond that and will help to further inspire those who like the program to deepen their connection to it and, of course, the wonderful Bay Trail.