3 Tips: Hiking the Bay Area before 2013

Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Black Sand Beach at Mori Point Hiking Guide

Are you looking for a breath-taking way to wrap up 2012? 

Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Hiking Guide Pacifica California

Instead of the usual New Year's Eve festivities, why not treat yourself to hike to a place you've never seen before?

Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Hiking Bay Area

My SmartyGirlTravel Hiking Guide recommended Ano Nuevo, Mori Point and Big Basin.

Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Mori Point Pacifica California

So I limbered up and tested a trail at Mori Point and jogged the black sand beaches.

What are 3 tips that I'd share with SmartyGirl Travel Readers?

1. Bring your jogger's mace, as a safety habit, because there are cement structures and dark areas shaded by trees even during the day.
2. Wear moisture-wicking tech long-sleeves and cap. This is better than cotton that traps sweat and keeps you cold and damp.

Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Hiking for Women

3. Build up for the steep hike and the Bootleggers' stair climb by skipping rope for 2 minutes per day. Reward yourself with an orange at the top!

What are some things you'd like the sea to wash away?

Photo Credit: Renee Marchol Hiking Bay Area

It can be healing to write something in the black sand and let the waves wash it away.

For example, maybe you'd like to let go of something such an old hurt, a bad relationship, a negative habit. You may have heard it recommended to write a letter that you never send. However, I like an outdoors activity.

Draw the words (i.e. grief) in the black sand. Sit next to the phrase and wait patiently for the waves to make it a blank slate.

I wrote my phrase with a dried reed I found on the beach. Then I listened to the watched the white foam of the sea bubble away my words on the black sand. It felt fantastic!

Happy Trails! Happy New Year 2013!