Road To Bolinas

Wetlands stretching from Stinson Beach to Bolinas.

Bolinas, as seen from the south, across the bay.

My first time to set foot here.

Fascinating looking beaches. Will have to return. Hardly anyone around today.

Mushroom Hunt

We've been getting regular rain for the first time in five years, so we decided to look for mushrooms yesterday in the East Bay (no dice), and then again this afternoon in Marin County, along the coast.

Down there somewhere is the Pelican Inn, and beyond that, Green Gulch Zen Center, a place that greatly impressed me upon my first visit to the Bay Area in 1992.

Looked for mushrooms around this area, but nothing doing. Still relatively dry in some spots.

Robin knew the secret entrance to the road to Rivendell. That's what this looked like to me, but it's actually a state park called Steep Ravine.

Right away I could smell the fermenting leaves. Unmistakeable smell of a wet temperate forest. That water was running fast and clear. Probably ideal for drinking.

Right about here the camera indicated low battery. All the following shots: running on fumes.

Bingo: Oyster Mushrooms. These particular specimens were a bit too old and dried out, but we found others. You can pick up to 5 lbs. per person each day in State Parks. I doubt we got more than a few ounces. Plenty for dinner--much better than any oyster mushroom I've ever had.

Gnome habitat.

Bridge to Rivendell, protected by well-hidden High Elves.

Colossal boulder icon the local gnomes worship. Their rituals were parodied in Return Of The Jedi.

Wild Goose Chase at Lake Merritt

Wait--you don't have food for me?

Little Gem Handcrafted Belgian Liege Waffles on Telegraph in Berkeley

Best waffle I've ever had. This one with Strawberry marmalade.

Just happened upon this place earlier today in Berkeley. I'd been shopping for CDs, while Robin walked Frances around. When I was done, I could see her sitting in front of this place that just opened up next door to Moe's Books.

Here you can get an idea of the selections they're offering during their Soft Opening.

Impressive set up. They've got dough portioned out on plastic trays pulled from the fridge. Once they are done, they are all topped off. I usually don't eat bad carbs, but something fresh & hot like this is perfect, and way more interesting than a crepe, doughnut or beignet any day. Frances was begging for a piece.

Grand Lake Farmer's Market

Here's some highlights from my November 10, 2018 visit to Grand Lake Farmer's Market.

Grand Lake Farmer's Market is in Oakland, on the east side of Lake Merritt.

Here's one of the revelations. Pepper Cress, similar to Water Cress, but with an Anise flavor component.

The greens vendor.

The sprouts folks I met a few weeks ago at the Berkeley Farmer's Market. These folks are all set up near Harbin Hot Springs, which experienced a heart-wrenching wildfire a few months ago. About to have some of their Purple Sprouts with the Pepper Cress as my post-dinner salad.

Amazed at the varieties of chiles and tomatoes still growing here this time of year.

Local ribs. Had to resist the urge to ask him "How much for one rib?"

Organic free range chickens. I can guarantee these taste way better than the Health-Food "Mexican" place in Alamo Heights.

Persimmon & citrus season here still, though you can see the Hachiyas are bursting at the seams.

Local cheese.