Can you imagine taking yourself next door to the airport to look for some peace and quiet? Well, per Lisa's recommendation I did. Improbably situated, the MLK Regional Shoreline ringing the San Leandro Bay is the eye of the storm, surrounded by the Oakland Airport, industrial complexes, and Downtown Oakland. Take a stroll up the ramp of the Observation Tower above and look out over Arrowhead Marsh with binoculars and a bird ID book in hand. Calm...
I loved the long dock the best, though. The seemingly endless journey to the end of the dock and middle of the marsh can be a treasure hunt for sharp eyes. Birds rustling around in the grasses below with piles of mussel and clam shells peeking through the mud. At high tide you can spot gigantic rays fluttering their way to a meal. At low tide the birds easily outnumber the tiny handful of human park patrons. I love that the birds aren't what I'd see in my landlocked backyard only a few miles away. Look up and the Oakland skyline looks downright romantic.
I can't wait to go again and sit for awhile, taking in the quiet solitude as the world (and the rampant ground squirrels) scurry frantically around me.
