Go ahead.... take a break!

Its easy to get wrapped up in deadlines, traffic, schedules- it so easy that sometimes we forget to enjoy the incredible place that we live in.  Living in the Bay area means we are just 20 minutes from some of the most amazing forests in the world- a short drive away from famous beaches and a quick (& beautiful) hop over the Sierra's to the outdoor wonderland of Tahoe.  Its easy to take a break and enjoy it!

And in our opinion.... there is no better way to take a break, clear the mind, blow off steam or relax than reminding yourself of our gorgeous surroundings.

Why not take a short hike this weekend?  The weather is FINE and the hills of Berkeley does have incredible views of the hills and beyond!  Or how about relaxing a notch and take a quick road trip down to Santa Cruz and have your morning coffee on the boardwalk with the sea lions.

Whatever you chose, the point is to get out and enjoy it.... even if its for a little while- those emails, traffic and deadlines can wait.

The Top 5 Places to Use Your Passport This Year

Its hard not to think that the Bay Area is the best place in the world- culture & culinary options are plentiful, the outdoor recreation opportunities are world-class and the weather is always glorious! With an endorsement like that, its not hard to see why people love to stay local-  but that doesn't mean the rest of the world should be left undiscovered!

With so many non-stop flights and multitude of airline carriers out of SFO/OAK/SJC- and a strong US Dollar- foreign travel has never been easier and affordable.  We love dusting off our passports and getting off the beaten path and we are sure you do too... so check out these sweet places for yourself and get inspired to take that little booklet out for some fun!

URBAN DIVERSION'S TOP 5 PLACES TO USE YOUR PASSPORT THIS YEAR

• Cabo San Lucas
• Year round temperate weather plus a short flight from Bay Area make this an ideal long weekend get-a-way.  Bonus points for being a majorly adventuresome destination- zip lining, surfing, off-roading and sailing are just a few ways to get the adrenaline pumping!  Whether its enjoying a Margarita after a day of sea kayaking at the Sand Bar (our fav place to get an afternoon drink) or hiking to the top of Mt. Solmar for a sunset view- we love Cabo and know you will too.  Want some adventure without the hassle of planning it all?  Check out Urban Diversion's Surf Trip to Cabo!
• Hong Kong
• One of the most culturally diverse places in Asia, Hong Kong has a long history of being a world-class destination.  With 88% of the population speaking English (and most signs in English and Chinese) this is a super easy place to navigate & enjoy on holiday.  We recommend day tripping to the hidden beaches of Sai Kung for a surfing, swimming or canoeing.  For those that really want a challenge- tackle the 1800 ft climb to the top of Victoria Peak and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, harbor and beaches. 
• Ireland
• We find that its darn near impossible to have a bad time in Ireland.... no matter what happens.  While its a gorgeous country- the people of Ireland make the entire country fabulous and every inch of this green land is worth visiting.  We love the traditional atmosphere of the Western coast with coastal hikes that rival Big Sur and cant get enough of the hospitality of Dublin- many a lifelong friends were made in the famous pubs of Dublin!  Ireland is one of our favorite locations- so much so- Urban Diversion has decided to invite everyone on our next Irish Adventure Road Trip!  So come share our love of the Irish hills, castles, pubs and people and have a trip of a lifetime with us!
• Colombia
• With one foot in the Pacific and one in the Caribbean plus a whole lotta jungle- Colombia has adventure to spare.  We love the national park area of Tayrona (Parque Tayrona) for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters at the base of stunning (Sierra Nevada style) mountains- this area is a scuba/snorkel/swimmers paradise!  We found a new love in the passionate music & dance of Cumbia... no one is immune to the catchy beats and sassy rhythm- do yourself a favor and check out Garia Cafe Cumbia House in Bogota for an experience you will never forget!
• Alaska
• OK... we know that you dont need a passport to go to Alaska, but its still a prime place to trip for 2015.  Why?  Because its an adventures dream- ice climbing, backpacking, kayaking, glaciers, bears, camping.... its got everything you need to make your adventure quotient go through the roof! We cant wait to ice climb in Wrangell St. Elias national park this summer and see the bears and cubs in Denali.... want to join in on the adventure?  Check out our entire Alaska itinerary and make 2015 a year of trips, travel and excitement!

Out like a lion, in like a lamb. Springtime adventure is here!

We cant believe that its already mid-March and already the spring flowers are blooming, the waters are warming and we have once again dusted off our outdoor adventure gear for a brand new season of fun in the sun! While winters fleeting snow cover was somewhat of a bummer- we love our Tahoe powder weekends- we are switching from winter to summer mode post haste.  

Mother nature is blessing us with some sweet weather here on the flat-land and the early sunshine is creating some awesome outdoor conditions.  Here are our TOP 3 PICKS FOR WEEKEND FUN:

1.  Ditch the wheels, the traffic & crowds and get off the beaten path with a backpacking trip

Conditions are ideal this spring for a weekend getaway to the coast.  Pt. Reyes is forecasting sunny & temps of 72 degrees- perfect weather for a trip to these famous ocean cliffs.  We love that the moon is still partially full, making for great visibility at night, perfect twilight hiking conditions and excellent low tides to explore some of the tidal pools along the beaches.  Urban Diversion's beginners backpacking trip is a great way to explore this area & become familiar with this amazing National Seashore.

 2.  Celebrate "Pi Day" with free admission at the Exploratorium

While not technically "outdoors"... we cant resist a quirky SF celebration like "Pi Day" (get it... 3/14? ha ha ha).  We love the Exploratorium for their hands-on exhibits, fun & casual atmosphere and great location right on the Embarcadero.  Give this place a try this weekend- free admission - and see what all the fun is about!

3.   Channel your inner spiderman and hit the rock wall

The record breaking freestyle climb of Yosemite's El Capitan last month by two Berkeley residents caught the world by storm and sure reminded us how fun rock climbing is.  Whether you have never stepped on "belay" or are an expert at the "5.10's", Urban Diversion wants to share the spirit of climbing achievement with a weekday evening night of climbing.  We will cover the basics of roping, safety & belay as well as advanced climbing techniques in this local indoor gym.  

With the whole Eastern seaboard buried in snow & ice- now is a great time to celebrate living in sunny California and take advantage of the Bay Area's gentle microclimate.  March is a prefect month to get back on track with all the resolutions you made for 2015 and try new things!

That was fast...

UPDATED: Friday, February  27, 2015: 2:30pm

And just like that, here we are at the final weekend of February.  I’m headed out to Mt. Diablo for a camping trip with UD this weekend, UD is taking over Tahoe for Snowfest--just in time for a little fresh powder-- and in the South Bay, we’re having a Final Friday Happy Hour tonight.  There’s tons going on this weekend.  

Snow falling at Sugarbowl on 2/27/15

Summary:

It’s actually snowing up in Tahoe for the first time in what feels like forever.  This weekend a cold storm will drop anywhere between 8-12 inches of snow up on the ski resorts and the snow is expected to be light and dry.  Down around the Bay, cool weather with occasional clouds and maybe a shower will be with us while the surf is pretty much nonexistent through the weekend.  

Around Tahoe:

Just when it feels like everyone has given up on winter, we’re starting to see some small changes that involve cold and snow.  This weekend’s storm isn’t expected to be anything big by Tahoe standards, but it is enough to freshen up the slopes and maybe, just maybe give us a decent powder day or two.  Highs down in Truckee will be in the 30’s to maybe 40 on Sunday with the bulk of the snow falling Friday night and Saturday.  Expect cold temps at night in the teens.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

The snow and weather in Tahoe isn’t going to affect the Bay Area all that much this weekend.  Expect partly cloudy skies with a chance of an isolated shower or through Saturday night with highs in the lower 60’s.  Sunday will dry out completely before the next disturbance moves through and gives us a chance of rain for the beginning of the work week.  

Surf Around the Region:  

The gusty winds and small systems affecting the region have hacked and jumbled the surf quite a bit around the Bay.  It might be a good weekend to leave the boards in the garage and hit the trails or even click into some skis or boards.  

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

February 27, 2015

Sunrise: 6:44am, Sunset 6:01pm

Low Tide: 12:16 at 2.6ft, 13:33 at 0.3ft

High Tide: 6:28 at 5.7ft, 20:38 at 4.6ft

Have a great weekend and go play outside!

SB

Snow? Could it be?

UPDATED: Wednesday, February 25, 2015: 4:30pm

Yusef practices standing up on the shore at Lindamar, Pacifica.

Summary:

Howdy folks!  We’ve made it to hump day and it’s time to start thinking about the weekend.  Weather for the rest of the week looks good, but expect some cooler weather and breezy conditions coming in from the Bay all the way up to Tahoe.  Around the beaches waves are coming down in size and will get chopped up from the coming onshore winds.  

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

Highs in the mid 60’s around the Bay today and tomorrow are going to give way to some cooler temps Friday and into the weekend with highs in the upper 50’s.  Sunny skies will prevail, but winds will pick up a bit on Thursday evening before backing off on Friday.  Looking at the weekend ahead, temperatures are going to remain mild, but there is a slight chance of a shower or two on Friday and Saturday.  Don’t forget that this weekend I’m leading a camping and hiking trip up on Mt. Diablo, come on out to see the amazing vistas, hike amongst wildflowers and sleep under the stars!

Surf Around the Region:  

Short period swell in the chest high range will dominate the beaches over the next few days.  Onshore winds with the coming cool front are also going to chop up the surf a bit.  If you head out, get at it early to ensure the lightest winds.  Interested in learning to surf?  Come join us next month in Bolinas for the second installment of the “Learn to Surf Series” or sign up to travel with me to Baja in April for the UD Baja Surf Safari.   

Around Tahoe:

Mild weather in the 50’s today and tomorrow is going to give way to cooler temps with even a chance of snow going into the weekend.  I wouldn’t expect huge amounts of snow--or anything close to what we need to help out the water/snowpack situation--but it is something.  Nice powder stashes are possible on the higher peaks.  The southern Sierra got some snow earlier this week near Mammoth.  Check out the blower pow!  Head on up to the Tahoe Cabins this weekend and try to get your skis and boards on the snow.

Colorado?  Nope, the Eastern Sierra near Virginia Lakes on 2/23/15.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

Thursday, February 25, 2015

Sunrise 6:47, Sunset 5:59pm
High Tide: 4:22am at 5.9ft./ 6:12pm at 4.3ft.

Low Tide: 11:14am at 0.6ft. / 11:01pm at 2.4ft.  

SB

Back in the Saddle

Fresh oysters from Tomales Bay, California soon to be consumed on the UD Oyster BBQ Hike.

Summary:

I’ve been away for a few days enjoying the beautiful weather of the past week up in Yosemite Valley and am now back in the saddle and ready for a packed weekend.  The climbing right now is amazing with temperatures in the mid 60’s in the Valley all under brilliant California sunshine.  The fantastic weather will continue around the area with temperatures in the upper 60’s around the Bay under sunny skies.  Tahoe will cool off and see some flurries later this weekend while the beaches will remain mild with fun surf.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

While it’s not going to be as warm as last weekend, this weekend is shaping up to be beautiful as well.  Sunny skies will dominate the area and highs will warm into the mid-upper 60’s both on Saturday and Sunday.  Expect lows to dip into the 40’s.  Still wondering what to do this weekend?  Join UD on Saturday for an Oyster BBQ and Hike at Tomales Bay or come Learn to Surf in Pacifica on Sunday!  I’ll be hosting both activities and am looking forward to a weekend of fun outside.

Surf Around the Region:  

The surf this weekend is looking pretty good for getting out and learning around the region.  Mid period swell from the WNW will start affecting the region late on Friday and remain in the region through Sunday before a longer period swell arrives late on Sunday.  Come on out and learn to ride the waves!

Around Tahoe:

Cold weather is forecast to return to the Tahoe Region this weekend and some snow is actually in the forecast for late Saturday and Sunday.  Unfortunately, the snow isn’t going to really accumulate, but temperatures will cool dramatically.  Hopefully the resorts can kick their snowmaking systems back into gear and rebuild the base that melted away over the unseasonably warm week.  Expect sunny skies on Saturday with highs in the low 50’s that will give way to clouds and light snow on Sunday with highs around 6000ft only reaching the upper 30’s.  It’ll be nice to see winter again.  Hopefully we can get a Miracle March to make up for the warm dry weather that’s dominated our season.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

LOW avy danger dominates the backcountry with the old, shallow snowpack.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Sunrise/Sunset and Tidal Information:

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Sunrise: 6:55am - Sunset: 5:53pm

Low Tide: 5:10am at 1.3ft. / 17:42 at -0.7ft

High Tide: 11:29 at 6.6ft. / 21:53 at 4.8ft

Enjoy your weekend!

SB

Valentine's Day Weekend

Summary:

Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us and we could not have nicer weather for a weekend packed full of events.  Highs around the Bay will be in the lower 70’s all weekend under sunny skies.  Up in Tahoe expect warm and dry conditions, more reminiscent of spring than February.  The beaches are in fantastic shape as well with sunshine, blue skies, offshore winds and warm days.

Hike and Bike Conditions Around the Bay:

This weekend is going to be brilliant and beautiful for Valentine’s Day.  We’re kicking off the weekend with a Flashlight Hike on Twin Peaks on Friday, a Pillow Fight and Bar Crawl on Valentine’s Day and a Sea Otter Kayak down in Moss Landing on Sunday.  The weather for all of these activities is going to be perfect.  Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the low 70’s with lows in the 50’s.  If you’re looking for some fun this weekend, join us for one or all of these events!

Around Tahoe:

There’s nothing to report from Tahoe with regards to snow.  Expect sunshine, blue skies and warm temperatures this weekend with highs in the low 60’s near lake level.  The resorts have been working hard on making snow and it looks like they’re still holding on.  Sugarbowl still has great coverage as of this morning:

Next week looks a bit cooler, but no storms are on the horizon.  Keep holding out hope for a Miracle March.

For more Tahoe snow details, check out the Tahoe Daily Snow and follow Tahoe Weather on Facebook.

Backcountry Conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center:

LOW avy danger dominates the backcountry.  Be on the lookout for warm snow instabilities on slopes 37 degrees and steeper.  Check the full report for observations and details.

Surf Around the Region:  

I got out in the surf this morning at Lindamar in Pacifica and the surf was fantastic: waist the chest high peeling lefts.  Reports from Bolinas are looking equally positive with good swell and clean conditions.  Don’t forget that next weekend is the first event in our Learn to Surf Series in Pacifica.  A few slots are still open, so register now!

February 13, 2015

Sunrise: 7:02am/ Sunset: 5:46pm

High Tide: 6:01am at 5.7ft/ 20:18 at 4.0ft

Low Tide: 13:02am at 0.6ft.

Have a great weekend and get outside!

SB