Nature, Point Isabel, and Albany Bulb

One of the great things about living in the Bay Area is that we are about a 10 minute drive from what I refer to as "nature." (For informational purposes, I'm a born and bred city girl and any area that doesn't have paved roads and a starbucks is what I refer to as "nature.") Some people like to go hiking. I like to shop. Some people like lush green scenery when they drive. I like to see city lights and building that's more than one story.

Two years ago, my response to anything that required me to be outdoors surrounded by trees, on a dirt trail far away from any kind of retail establishment, was a resounding "oh hell no." Then we got Ender. That was when I began to familiarize myself with the great outdoors. This is not to say I now like nature. But I now tolerate it.

Here are some of the places we've tried:

1. Joaquin Miller Park
This is an Oakland park nestled next to the Redwood Regional Park. Perfect for "nature" newbies like myself. It has a a separate big dog and small dog fenced in play area and paved walking trails that connect the north and south end of the park. It's close enough to the Redwood Regional Park so that when you get serious about this nature business, you can hike unpaved trails. That are like, dirt.

2. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
I believe this to be the most popular of doggy spots. It's a place you can bring your dog and let them off leash. They have a cafe and a dog wash area for those times you forget the mountain of towels. The best thing about this area is that there's a part where you can only access with a pedestrian bridge. Which means, if your dog runs away, there's only one point of access to really run away. That is unless your dog is a swimming superstar. Then theoretically they can swim across the channel and really run away from you. The bad thing about Point Isabel is that sometimes there seem to be an inundation of douche bag owners. Just be prepared.

3. Albany Bulb
Interesting fact - this use to be a landfill and I believe still is somewhat a shantytown filled with homeless people who make cool art. I haven't ventured far enough to actually find said town or art but many people have. This is also an area where you can let your doggies offleash. The most awesome thing about this area is that there is something for everyone here: open fields, trails, and beach. Yes, a beach with sand. The bad thing about Albany Bulb is that if you have a crazy dog like Ender, he will want to run away from you to go play with the doggies on the beach. Oh, and you will occasionally run into some random homeless person who may or may not be on drugs while you are on a trail. Other than that, this place is pretty awesome.

Non Nature Extra:

4. UC Berkeley Campus
All hail the alma mater! The campus has the greatest fenced in soccer field where you can really work your chuckit!