After such a long, cold winter and spring, we have finally achieved full summer. Last weekend the thermometer insisted on staying over 100 degrees for two full days. When the summer fog finally blasted the heat away, I was glad to see it go. When it gets that hot, the only solution is to hike in the woods, under the tall canopy of leaves, and as close to a creek as you can get. Over the long fourth of July weekend, we hiked in Samuel P. Taylor State Park. The trail that meanders along the creek is useful for dipping your toes every once in a while, and it leads to the "Inkwells", a famous Marin county swimming hole.



There was a gaggle of teenagers who were jumping from the trestle and the rocks into the cool, deep pools. The boys would stand there on the rocks for a long time between jumps, getting up their nerve, and then suddenly go. The girls provided scenery and did not seem impressed. We provided an audience for a while, and felt a bit maternal as we worried about the kids' recklessness. I remember jumping like that off the old locks that crossed the Barge Canal in Brockport. But that was at night, into the still blackness that was the water. Teenagers believe themselves to be immortal.

Under the bridge that carries the road, there was some fabulous graffiti.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 9:23 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.