Point Pinole

And they're off on another fun hike, this time through the Point Pinole woodlands.  Unlike many of our hikes, Point Pinole is relatively flat.  We started out meandering through the woods. During our first (of many) snack breaks, we saw a bunch of monarch butterflies fluttering all around.

Hidden in the woods, which were planted as protection for explosions, is the remains of a black powder press.  The boys were very curious about the press and how it worked.  It helped that it ran on train tracks.

The next section of the hike broke through the woods and we continued along the marsh.  We found this cool bat house along the way.

The marshland ends at the beach.  The old pier is still visible, and the new pier is equally long.

The beach was a bit difficult to get to, the path was very steep.  It was also small, but the boys enjoyed looking at all of the rocks and shells.

Even though we didn't remember going downhill, the end of the hike involved a long haul up a steep hill.  Zachary was a tired boy, but he was also a real trooper and made it all the way to the top of the hill.

Of course there was a carrot at the top of the hill, a fun playground. With an incredible view!

On the way back to the parking lot, as we were crossing the railroad bridge, the Amtrak train rumbled under.  Alex and I were standing on the bridge when we heard the train coming.  We called to Zachary and he ran to the bridge so fast I thought for sure he was going to fall.  He made it in time to see the train go under the bridge.

And there the train goes to Sacramento.

Point Pinole was a really fun place to hike and explore.  It is definitely a place we need to return to.