Paddle boarding/SUP

Every time we go out stand up paddling I can't help but feel like it's a really good metaphor for life. Everything you have to do, or should do, echoes real life. Stand up, but be flexible. Keep your eyes on the horizon. Don't get too distracted by the little things and small waves beside you. Focus on where you're going. Wear sunscreen. Stay strong, but loose. Learn how to swim. You're on your own, but it's way more fun with a friend. Check in with each other to be sure you're all safe. You will fall in, so try to laugh, it's half the fun. The water's not that deep, and not that scary. You get what I'm saying... It's such a great activity! I always think how much my sister and friends would like it. And now, Tocco surprised me by buying us our very own board, so now we can do it more often and you're all invited yaaaaaaay! :)

Crown Beach Restoration

Saturday's amazing sunset was too good not to share. That's San Francisco on the right. Sometimes it's even prettier to see it from a distance, all at once, than to be inside of it. 

Alameda just completed a major sand restoration project on this beach. Erosion had wiped away the majority of the sand over the years so the beach was really just a sandy cliff with a little strip to walk on. It's also a popular spot for kitesurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking so sometimes it felt a little crowded just hanging out there. Since we've lived in the area we've seen ships in the distance pulling up sand from the Bay floor. Now they've put that sand back onto the beach, and recreated it. The improvement is stunning! The water is so shallow for the first 100 yards or so that reflections from the clouds just pop against the water. My new favorite spot.