A recent tradition of our Thanksgiving has been to earn the right to stuff my face without conscience or concern later in the day. So for the third consecutive year, Gina and I will be making our way on an early, brisk hike at nearby Del Valle Regional Park.

If you're local (Livermore or Tri Valley) and willing, we'll start at 7 AM from the staging lot just below the dam at the end of Arroyo Road. Yes, I said 7 AM...it will be chilly, but the 3 mile round trip up "The Hill" will provide a fine sunrise, a view of beautiful Lake Del Valle and the Wente Vineyards just below.  It takes a supreme motivating force to jump out of bed on a holiday and leave the warm confines of home  this early.

So...if your idea of fun is to seek a sunrise through the clouds on a cool fall day, this venture is right up your alley. I hope to see you out there, and if not please have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!