Outdoors Insider

Confession: I am an outdoors junkie.

I've been this way for a while now, ever since my dad decided summer vacations had to include a mandatory trip to a national park. There was a time when I'd resist going hiking or getting on a bike, making excuses to avoid the inevitable dirty clothing and mosquito bites. I've made all the excuses in the book:  errands to run or important e-mails to check, friends to catch up with and the Internet to explore.

The excuses did not last long. After spending weekends backpacking in Yosemite, snowboarding in Tahoe and biking around Crystal Springs Reservoir, I began to develop a dependence on the outdoors. Before I could put on my trail running shoes, the addiction pulled me further and further into an abyss of deep dark nature. "Breathe clean air." It beckoned. "Find an escape." It whispered. "Challenge yourself! Push your limits!" It ordered. I was helpless.

As a Bay Area resident, it isn't difficult to actively feed my outdoor needs.  In less than half an hour, I can find myself enjoying the ocean's breeze at Coyote Point or hiking around Edgewood Park. Still, it amazes me how few people understand what plentiful natural treasures are hidden just around a Foster City street corner. My job? Spread the word. Every week, I'll be your "Outdoor Insider" (pardon the contradiction) suggesting places where you can start or fuel your own passion for adventure. Columns will range from places close to our city, weekend escapes, environmental and green opportunities and outdoor adventure sports.

This week, I'm starting smaller- two of my favorite outdoorsy things to do around town that don't require expensive gear or tons of experience, just a desire to get outside.

To begin, take advantage of the Bay Area's Indian summer and go to the shoreline. The Bay Trail is one of my favorite paths since it not only skirts the San Francisco Bay and the local marshlands, but because it's so versatile. Take a friend and ride your road bike, come rollerblading with the family, go for a run along the cement path—all flat and relatively easygoing. The six-mile segment of the path that runs along Foster City is well maintained and wide enough to support all activities. Bring a jacket, since the wind chill can be rough.

If wheels aren't your thing, Coyote Point Recreational Area in San Mateo is a center for water play (kayaks and windsurfers line the beach on the weekends) and has plenty of green open space for picnics and barbeques. The spot is especially famous for windsurfing, so the more adventurous can take a lesson from Boardsports School. With smaller children and curious teens, the Coyote Point Museum For Environmental Education provides hours of natural history knowledge and entertainment with impressive interactive exhibits.

Have I sparked your interest yet? Never fear, there will be plenty more outdoor secrets to come. Shall we talk rock climbing? Skydiving? Local farming? Community parks? The adventure continues.