Photography

moments that take your breath away

Yesterday, Adam and I hiked to the top of Bald Head Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The park was only twenty minutes from my apartment but we had never been and were finally just getting a chance to explore.

The weather was glorious (sorry snowed-in folks) and it took us about an hour and a half to hike the steep trail to the top. Finally, at 2,793 feet above sea level we paused, looked down and saw the whole world.

And by the whole world, I mean all of Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, San Francisco, the bay bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean and even the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range 130 miles away.

It was a sight that took my breath away. I will never forget it.

We hung out at the top for awhile, taking photos and being goofy. And when we finally hiked down (a whole lot easier than going up!), I felt like I had just woken up from the best nap of my life.

I am so thankful.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! (and go PACKERS!)

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  • Laura
    February 6, 2011 at 8:03 am

    This post is my favorite.

  • Marla
    February 6, 2011 at 8:03 am

    Lovely post-I feel refreshed just from your photos alone 🙂

    Would love to read more about your current yoga journey and experiences.
    Are you almost done your Baptiste month and how has it made you feel?
    Would you ever consider teaching yoga classes “on the side”?I can just
    picture you as a wonderful yoga teacher!

    Namaste on this quiet Sunday (well except for those who partake in Super Bowl
    activities-not I!)

  • Helena
    February 6, 2011 at 8:07 am

    Oh how I would love to see the ocean again! That view looks great.

  • Liz
    February 6, 2011 at 8:10 am

    Yeah Jenna! I am a Milwaukee reader and I am psyched that your allegiance to your Wisconsin ties has you cheering for the Packers. Thanks for sharing pics of your gorgeous hike… I am going to visualize that view on my chilly run today. Go Pack, go!

  • Shannon @ Freshman Yr of Life
    February 6, 2011 at 8:13 am

    Glorious. Good for you girl.

    Now get back in the kitchen! hehe

  • Euniece@innerpeacehealthytreats&runningfeet
    February 6, 2011 at 8:18 am

    ah your pictures are sooooo amazing! im soooo incredibly jealous that the view is only 20 MINUTES AWAY!! luckylucky girl 🙂 makes me want to go on a long run, breathe in some fresh air, then eat something wholesome and comforting in this crisp chilly weather!

  • Erika @ FoodFitnessFun
    February 6, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Beautiful pics! 🙂

  • Emily @ Savory and Savage
    February 6, 2011 at 8:22 am

    Gorgeous photos – I think I will have to go for a hike today 🙂

  • Carly
    February 6, 2011 at 8:30 am

    Two things:

    1.) I would like to have your body shape. And that cute pink jacket. So envious.

    2.) GO PACK GO!

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    February 6, 2011 at 8:34 am

    I think I want to bookmark this post 🙂 It’s so simple but sums up so much of life.

    P.S. Can I come visit? Please?

  • jenn
    February 6, 2011 at 8:36 am

    What a wonderful way of describing this feeling…. waking up from the best nap of your life!

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    February 6, 2011 at 8:43 am

    How glorious… and i love the photos 🙂

  • megan @ blackberries for jam
    February 6, 2011 at 8:45 am

    AMAZING photos! You are so talented! What a beautiful post.

  • Brenna [fabuleuxdestin]
    February 6, 2011 at 8:50 am

    I walked to McDonalds today? Fail. What a wonderful day you had Jenna! Can’t believe you live there!

  • Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
    February 6, 2011 at 8:51 am

    Ahh, Jenna – you make me want to move to San Fran/Sonoma/Napa! This looks like so wonderful.

  • stacey-healthylife
    February 6, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Great pics, sounds like fun.

  • Sarah @ goingongoals
    February 6, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Beautiful! I will be hiking/camping from San Fran to LA off route 1 in March. Any other hiking recommendations?

  • Ameena
    February 6, 2011 at 9:03 am

    I don’t comment very often but I have to say that this post is very uplifting – and you look fabulous!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete
    February 6, 2011 at 9:10 am

    I love it!!! The pics are gorgeous, and the views must have been amazing!! I love hiking, and hope the hubs and can go soon!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    February 6, 2011 at 9:12 am

    And only 20 minutes from your apartment? Amazing.

  • Kay
    February 6, 2011 at 9:17 am

    Love reading your blog and all the great pictures of your cooking! Is Adam and Almanzo the same person?
    When does your book come out?

    • jenna
      February 6, 2011 at 10:28 am

      hahah yes! And my book comes out next year…or some day..whenever I actually finish it!

  • A Teenage Gourmet (Sami)
    February 6, 2011 at 9:21 am

    GO PACKERS. 🙂 . . . I just posted something similar. I hope you have a second to check it out!

  • Amber K
    February 6, 2011 at 9:23 am

    That view looks BEAUTIFUL! Happy Super Bowl Sunday, go COMMERCIALS! 😉

  • Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner
    February 6, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Beautiful pictures!!!! What a great way to spend the day!!

  • Connie
    February 6, 2011 at 9:31 am

    oh my, that is gorgeous. it must have been a very rewarding view!

  • Michelle
    February 6, 2011 at 9:33 am

    This totally gave me the chills. Sounds like an incredible, eye-opening hike.

  • Molly
    February 6, 2011 at 9:47 am

    This morning was insult to injury-more snowing after a blizzard 4 days ago. Continue with the posting of gorgeous (green!) landscape pictures!!

    • jenna
      February 6, 2011 at 10:27 am

      lol! Sorry! Sending some virtual sunshine your way!

  • Marie-JourneytoBodyZen
    February 6, 2011 at 9:56 am

    Looks beautiful! I’m going snowshoeing today :). We got ice last night so it’s a winter wonderland out there.

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Cooking
    February 6, 2011 at 10:01 am

    I am jealous of your glorious weather! I just went for a run in snow that was above my ankles; I guess that storm from the midwest made it’s way to Colorado…

  • Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
    February 6, 2011 at 10:04 am

    Amazing. Reminds me I need to make the time to go on a hike. It’s been too long…

  • kirsten
    February 6, 2011 at 10:05 am

    that first photo is incredible!

  • Susan
    February 6, 2011 at 10:06 am

    The weather is indeed gorgeous out here right now! Just got back from a beautiful, sunny run in Annadel. Bald Mountain is a great hike and run!

    • jenna
      February 6, 2011 at 10:26 am

      today it’s going to be 75! amazing!!!

  • Zerique
    February 6, 2011 at 10:08 am

    what a great feat and awesome experience.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit
    February 6, 2011 at 10:09 am

    California is unbelievably gorgeous.

  • mary (whats cookin with mary)
    February 6, 2011 at 10:18 am

    SO cool Jenna! I know that feeling and have had a it a few times… Gives you the chills and brings some tears to one’s eyes. Yep, some things in this worls are just that beautiful! 😀

  • laine
    February 6, 2011 at 10:28 am

    God, how I long to climb to the top of something again. For now I have to keep tromping around in the snow.

  • Baking 'n' Books
    February 6, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Thank you for sharing that.

  • storiesovertea
    February 6, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Thanks for sharing the photos Jenna. It helps for those of us in deep snow 🙂

    Are you still a “walker” only? I am and having a tough time dealing with it; just wondering if anyone out there like me 🙂

  • Jennifer
    February 6, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Um, Go Packers? I used to like you….

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    February 6, 2011 at 11:11 am

    ah yes, i’m included in the “snowed-in people” crowd…but i can’t wait to go hiking soon! come on spring!

  • Ella
    February 6, 2011 at 11:28 am

    Gorgeous! From the title and voice of the post, I thought you might be coming down the mountain with a rock on your finger 😉

  • Paige
    February 6, 2011 at 11:31 am

    I’d love to see more of those pictures because the two you posted are gooorrrgeous!

  • Susan @ Mom Swim Bike Run
    February 6, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I loved this post until the end! GO STEELERS!

  • Liz
    February 6, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I love Bald Mountain. On a beautiful day, the view is so stunning.

    Have you ever wine tasted at Kaz winery?

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    February 6, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    I love the picture of you in Warrior II !

    And I love the sights from that mountain.

    The 1st time I was ever in Marin County I hiked Mount Tam. And fell in love. If it wasnt for the weather being colder than I wish, I’d live up there! But i love San Diego’s weather 🙂

  • Beth
    February 6, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    That setting is so gorgeous! What a great way to spend a saturday afternoon.

    And go Packers! 🙂

  • Lisa
    February 6, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    how very stunning indeed!

  • Maria
    February 6, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Beautiful!!! That looks and sounds incredibly refreshing

  • Christena
    February 6, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Nice post, Jenna. First picture is beautiful. Adam really is a talented photographer.
    And just for the record, the Nutella cupcakes you linked to (you linked to Cake or Death’s post, original recipe from Abby Dodge) – are freakin’ AWESOME. Seriously. You.must.try. if you haven’t already. Taste like little molten lava cakes melting in your mouth…..seriously, that recipe has made my weekend.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss
    February 6, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    I’d love to take a hike like that. 🙂 It sounds glorious.

  • Jessica
    February 6, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    Totes making your Four Cheese Mac and Buffalo Chicken Dip. My kitchen smells amaaaaaazing. 😀

  • sarah
    February 6, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    ive been trying to get out and enjoy my natural surroundings more, but its hard to start. here in texas we have lots of caves that would be awesome to explore, but its been hard for me to find time. totally forgot about hiking! so much easier. wish i could possibly have the same view as you though!

  • Ali @ Ali Runs
    February 6, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Go Pack Go 🙂

    Love the pictures!! So glad you had such a relaxing time.

  • Livvi
    February 6, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    That sounds absolutely amazing! I hope I’ll get to hike to the top of there one day too:) Your peanut butter and nutella hot chocolates may just be the death of me. Oh lordy, yummmmmm yum yum!

  • eliz@thesweetlife
    February 6, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    wow–your photos are gorgeous. love shots of you doing yoga in pretty places!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
    February 6, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Such a gorgeous view, and such lovely weather! This post is so.. awesome 🙂

  • Sana
    February 6, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    That is totally how I felt as i hiked the swiss alps! Amazinggg!

  • feener
    February 6, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    i love that first photo ……so moving

  • Sarah
    February 6, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    I used to live in Kenwood across the street from the entrance to Sugarloaf and Bald Head is one of my favorite spots in the whole world. In the summer the berries go totally nuts in the park, which is good to keep in mind.
    Reading this makes me smile.

  • Lauren
    February 6, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Hiking always amazes me with the views! Sometimes, going down is the hardest part though, if it’s steep & rocky.

  • Emma
    February 6, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    nothing better than mountain top yoga. the weather looks blissful, lucky you! (GO STEELER’S ;))

  • Lola
    February 6, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Wow Jenna!!! What a great weekend, and your description of the view from that mountain, must be truly mind.blowing!!! I hope to go some day!
    Hope you have a great week 🙂
    xoxo
    Lola

  • courtney
    February 6, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    Such a lovely day! By the way, is that the Define jacket? I need more Lulu in my life…

  • shortskirts
    February 6, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    That hike looks awesome, I can’t wait till the weather gets better out in Seattle I’m itching to get back to the mountains

  • zoe (and the beatles)
    February 6, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    lovely photos 🙂 sugarloaf ridge is so beautiful. last time i hiked around there it was thick with fog and cold but utterly amazing. can’t wait to go back to see the view! hiking is so awesome!

  • Lindsay @ The Reluctant Runner
    February 7, 2011 at 3:25 am

    I am so jealous! I love hiking. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in the flat, flat midwest or if everyone feels this way, but being at the top of a mountain is truly incredible. And I’ve only ever hiked east coast mountains, I can’t imagine west coast views!

  • K@thatswhyyouloveme.blogspot.com
    February 7, 2011 at 5:59 am

    Thanks for the inspirational photo and thoughts for us snowed in people. Similar experience last week – but I had on snow-shoes and wasn’t at the top of a mountain. OK not similar — but the feelings about being outside — Awesome.

    Thanks
    K

  • Melanie
    February 7, 2011 at 6:00 am

    That hike is one of my absolute favorites. It is amazing, isn’t it?

  • K@thatswhyyouloveme.blogspot.com
    February 7, 2011 at 6:11 am

    Hi! Thanks for the inspirational thoughts and photos for us “snowed in ” people. I had a similar experience last weekend – but I had no snow-shoes and was on a golf course — ok not so similar. But completely loved being outside and how I felt after our adventure. Great post.
    Thanks!
    K

  • Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan)
    February 7, 2011 at 6:19 am

    This is a great post. I love that feeling 🙂 And go Packers!!!

  • Maria @ The Fitted Apron
    February 8, 2011 at 5:39 am

    Beautiful photo of you in warrior two pose. BTW the buffalo chicken dip was a hit at the party. Thanks for the recipe.

  • Amanda V
    February 8, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Fabulous!! I was just looking at this hike for a part of my BFF’s and my upcoming Girlfriend Getaway 2011. Can’t wait!

  • Dee
    February 9, 2011 at 5:56 am

    this post is all sorts of amazing.

  • Christi Flaherty
    September 8, 2012 at 8:45 am

    Ok…I found your site after reading Kath Eats and she mentioned your site (and book I believe) I’ve now read 5 posts in a row and LOVE it! I came back to your blog today hunting for a font that I’d noticed on one of your badges for my blog redesign–I feel your pain over last weekend!– and totally got distracted from that task reading post after post!

    I’m going to do a mass comment on the mixture of posts I’ve read:
    1. So, first on this actual post, I too live in the Bay Area and am constantly stunned and thankful at what a beautiful blessing it is. How you can drive for an hour or less and be in wine country or the beach!
    2. The photography posts have been so helpful! I would love to know how you do night shots if you ever do. I loved the post on using the foam boards and clips from Home Depot! That was very helpful.
    3. Can’t wait to read more of your recipes. After finding out about your book, I was reading an article about it’s release and saw a bit of your bio. I too started by being a cookbook freak at a very young age.
    4. Loved the Coffee Date blog idea!
    5. Thanks for sharing clips about life in general. My site is more food-centric (www.cookwhatyouvegot.com), but I’ve been trying to gain the courage to branch out a bit. So thanks for another nudge!

    So Congrats on your book and I can’t wait to read more of your blog! Happy Saturday!