November 23 to Dec 1 – For the first time in many years we did not host Thanksgiving at our home. Instead, we drove to California to share the holiday with our daughter, graciously hosted by her partner’s family.  We stayed in a nearby hotel, and hiked outside four of the days of our visit.

Southbound – We drove as far as Red Bluff, CA on Saturday, Nov. 23. There had been road-closing snowfall earlier in the week, but we made it over the Siskiyous with no problems, and had beautiful views of Mt Shasta.

The next day, we continued south in the Sacramento Valley, through the Tule fog. We turned west near Williams, and as soon as we left the valley, the blue skies shone through.

We drove to Forestville, Ca, to meet some friends for lunch and a rainy walk through Armstrong Grove, then continued south to Corte Madera by dinnertime.

Monday, November 25th – The next day, my good husband tested positive for rebound Covid….drat! We quickly arranged separate hotel rooms, and he had to stay quarantined most of the visit. Fortunately, it was a mild case, but we did not want to spread it around!  He was able to join the family in their outdoor spaces – they had a good array of Covid-era heat lamps. And he could join in outdoor hikes and walks, so all was not lost, and no one else there became ill, so in that respect it was a successful visit. I tested negative every day, so was able to join the family for a lovely Thanksgiving dinner, and several walks and hikes.

Dawn Falls – This was a completely rainy walk up to the falls, through redwoods and forest – quite beautiful and authentic!

The Corte Madera Bike Path was close to our hotel, and a good place to walk to see birds.

The Shore Marsh Wildlife Area was also nearby – flat, and with scenic views across the North Bay wetlands.

We hiked around Phoenix Lake on Black Friday – just one of the many trails around Mt Tamalpais on the Marin Peninsula.

Northbound – November 30

We drove across the north end of the San Francisco Bay on a clear day. I took photos from the car as we drove – so the framing may be a bit blurry. We transitioned from flat watery views, through the foothills and into the central valley, from which we could see the Sutter Buttes and the snow-covered peaks around Mt Lassen.

We stopped for lunch in Redding at the Sundial Bridge across the Sacramento River, a good place to stretch out our legs.

After lunch, we continued north to Medford, Oregon, over frosty passes.

Home to Portland, December 1st – We drove north from Medford, once again over frosty passes, reaching our familiar Mt Hood scenery by midday.

We had a lovely visit with our daughter, and with her partner and family.  I enjoyed revisiting some of our old stomping grounds in northern California. I didn’t realize there were so many great trails around Mt Tam – I hope to visit again and hike more of them.