Weekly Photo Challenge: Favorite Place

Location: Castro Valley, California

 
There’s more to our quiet, tree-covered town nestled in the valley that meet the eye. Its charms remain hidden because it’s referred to as a bedroom community where most people live to sleep and commute to work elsewhere.

Whenever I feel the need to unwind, I go to the nearby regional park about 45-minutes walk from my place.

 
It has a man-made lake where fishing and non-motorized boating are allowed. Built in the 1870s, the lake covers 317 acres. I find hiking around the lake very peaceful and relaxing with birds singing along the way. The length is about nine miles, but it’s all worth it.

It’s as close to nature as you can get, but don’t let its serene beauty lulls you into a false sense of security. Be ever mindful of the sign “Beware of Mountain Lions.”

I’ve been told that lions are shy of people and that they usually hunt at night. But in the event that you encounter one, you should heed the following advice: (1) Do not attempt to run; (2) Do not turn your back; and (3) Try to appear as big as you can be to scare the lion.

The 5,067-acre park also provides picnic areas with barbecue pits, a grassy field area for sport activities, and facilities for group camping and backpacking with advanced reservations required.

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