Part 1 of this series covered a historical site in Shoreline Park Mountain View which my husband and I visited on a warm April morning this year. Last week after another bought of rains and cold in the Bay Area we had a little warmer weather in the mid to high 60s and so we returned so I could complete my tour of Shoreline Park Mountain View for you. Below are a couple Google maps that show the general San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula section and where Shoreline Park Mountain View lies.

(click to enlarge)                  San Francisco Bay Peninsula Area                                                      Shoreline Park Mountain View

When we came back last week to Shoreline Park Mountain View we took a longer path closer to the marshlands and bay where I also took a picture of the bay. It was warm enough we started removing clothing. Bikers and walkers passed us happily. I think everyone was so glad to have some warmer weather and sun. When we crossed through on a path away from the marshes and into the grass covered area the lake came into view. I stopped to take a couple lake pictures.

(click to enlarge) Bay view from  marsh path                                         Shoreline Lake                      Cormorants on a small dock

As we approach the hub by the boat rentals we noticed there were a lot more people hiking the numerous trails, riding around the lake in their paddle boats and sitting at the Lakeside Cafe than our first visit in April. We were delighted by the Canadian Geese running after their goslings as we approached. The little guys were running all over the grass next to the colorful boats for rent. They were soaking wet and digging their heads into the grass. The geese settled down when they saw no one there was going to harm them.

(click to enlarge)                                               Canadian Geese and their Goslings

We spent quite a bit  of time watching and photographing the geese and their young then we walked over by the Lakeside Cafe where we sat on the grass and watched  the paddle boats on the water, the people eating in the cafe and generally got woozy from the sun and negative ions. This is the way to relax!

(click to enlarge)        Cafe         Cafe portico through to canoes                   Paddle boats for rent                  Paddle boat on lake

Our leisure time was coming to an end and we had a long walk back in the sun which was heating up, so we left our grassy perch and headed back out to the marsh trail. It did take us quite a while to get down the trail because there was so many interesting plants I had to photograph. Here are just a few. In the first row I call these plants the "green aliens" - please excuse my artistic license as I don't know what they are. The second row are all made up names by me as well. First, a luscious little plant with red-like berries on it; then what looks like a Thistle to me; the third one I call a "Red Weed;" and finally a "Hay Weed."

All in all a satisfying and relaxing way to start the day. I finally said no to anymore pics and we finished the trail and reached our car, driving home thinking that we have found our new favorite close place to hang out this spring and summer. I definitely want to try the canoes and paddle boats...