New Visions of Marin

One unexpected benefit of training for the Camino has been walking new trails and finding new perspectives on Mill Valley and Marin. For the first time, we summited Ring Mountain and looked down on the Tiburon peninsula.

We also learned why Turtle Rock is called Turtle Rock.

And saw wildflowers that turn your head and help you understand the significance of spring.

Of all the hikes we have done over the past six weeks, I think the 13 mile walk up (and down) the Railroad Grade to the East Peak of Mt. Tam was my favorite. The slow reveal of breathtaking views as we rounded the hairpins, and looked out to the south and to the west brought me back to a 1920s gravity car slipping down the grade with squealing brakes.

I expect the outlines of their views were similar to ours -- without today's built environment.

It's an amazing place to live. And you can get there from the Marlin fire road.

JRM

Two days to go

In Marin, everyone knows someone who has done the Camino. People tell us the Camino is life changing. I have my doubts. And yet yesterday, I felt some of the Camino magic.

We were in REI (for the 4th time). They were out of blister pads. We browsed sale items in different locations. I looked for down vests; Jessica looked for hiking pants.

A salesperson came over and asked Jessica if she had any questions. Conversation ensued. Then the salesperson wandered over to me. She answered one of my questions, and then realized my partner (her words) was over in the woman's section. Turns out, she had done the Camino last year.

With both of us she strongly urged that we have a substantial "base layer," something we had thought about and left behind while worrying about mail holds and Picasso Museum tickets. She said we should beware Galicia: "They don't even heat the hotels there." With a smile and "Buon Camino" she headed toward the shoe department.

So we bought wonderfully soft marino wool long underwear (bottoms and tops), and are now ready for the worst Galicia can throw at us.

Here's a Google Map view of our walk.

If interested, you can find a more detailed itinerary here and here.

Tomorrow we pack. And then off to Barcelona, and a Gaudi orgy, punctuated with pixtos.

JRM