Through the Redwood Forest....

On day four, we said goodbye to the city for a little while.  We rented a car (literally a block from the hotel) and headed over the famed Golden Gate Bridge.

The bridge as we drive over it

We were told by a few people to check out Muir Woods and Mt. Tamalpias which are not too far out from the city.  Very much worth a stop to both.  Since it was still National Park week we got into Muir Woods for free as well.  Muir Woods is a protected redwood grove.  I have never seen trees so big in my entire life.

So big, they didn't fit in one shot, this is the bottom half

These are the tops

Rob standing next to a tree that is as old as he is.

Point of view from side of tree straight up

 The park was really nice with the occasionally loud group that went through.  We just waited for them to blow by us and then we would move ahead.  Along the main trail there are markers which can be decoded with a $1 information booklet.  At one point said noisy tourist came by to ask us what #7 meant.  Rob being nice generalized what we just read to them.  I would have charged them $1.  :P

It took us at least 3 tries before this shot came out at all.  :)

After we had wandered around enough, we made our way up to Mt. Tamalpias.  We could have hiked, but in the interest of time, we drove around to the top and hiked the last half a mile.

Rob enjoying the view as we hike.

View from the top, I believe that's Saulsalito below

Hazy view of the city

Zoomed in shot of Alcatraz

View of the coastline

Rob at the top

The views were worth the stop.  I can't imagine how far you see on a clear day, but we were impressed with what we got.  The weather was absolutely wonderful for hiking around.  Warm enough, but cool breezes.  

After we had seen enough, we got in the car and headed to Calistoga where we spend the next 3 days tucked away in a fancy cottage at The Cottage Grove Inn.  Totally delightful place and we were glad we splurged to pamper ourselves.