Bay Area Boasting

So as a relative newcomer to the state that rivals Texas for second biggest, there are some very apparent differences both in surroundings, customs, and the just plain 'ole everyday. Yes, there is the obvious: Tex-Mex errs more to the Mex than the Tex; gas prices hang closer to the European than the U-S-of-A averages; and pasta or tortilla chips in the shape of the Golden State are nowhere to be found. But what stands out most is what you see outside....people!

Walking, talking, biking, hiking, riding, sliding...Northern Californians love the outdoors. And for good reason. With perfect weather, picturesque surroundings year-round, and day-trip
options when the former don't please, there is no reason to hide inside. Case in point:

Less than 50 feet from our townhouse is the historic Iron Horse Regional Trail. Named for the iron tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad that used to occupy the now-asphalt surface, East Bay residents from surrounding areas loiter and exercise daily along this 40+-mile trail. Walkers and runners, bikers and even horse riders hailing from the homes nearby come here to celebrate the reason why they live where they live.

Just up the road, lying west of Danville and Alamo (our new home-away-from-home in the East Bay), Las Trampas offers numerous hiking trails up to its summit at 2,000 feet. For those inclined toward more adventure (and more athleticism) try hiking Mount Diablo. Just east of Danville, this state park allows hikers and bikers to climb bottom to top and even stand on its actual summit (which is exposed inside the visitor's center).

Even for those who prefer sliding down hills rather than hiking up them, Lake Tahoe is just a few-hours drive away. With slopes traversing state lines, picturesque views of the lake from above, and A+ skiing and snowboarding (and those are just the winter activities), it's no wonder the Bay Area has over 7 million people living here.