We were in the mood yesterday for a warm, summer’s day picnic, but after one glimpse outside at the layer of thick July fog hovering stubbornly over the city, we realized we weren’t going to satisfy our picnic cravings anywhere in San Francisco.   So where could we go where warmth and sunshine would be a near certainty?  Marin! 

Sure enough, just as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, the fog melted and we were surrounded by clear, blue skies and golden hills.  We parked in front of the Mill Valley Market to pick up our supplies — juicy, organic nectarines, a block of mild cheddar, a fresh baguette, chocolate for dessert, and a chilled bottle of Verdejo (about which we’ll write in Thursday’s posting) — and planned on heading to nearby Camino Alto Open Space Preserve for our picnic.  When we stepped out of our car, though, and took a deep breath of the fresh, fragrant air, we decided there was no need to stray too far from charming Mill Valley itself.

Just beyond the plaza, in Old Mill Park, we found a shady grove of gargantuan and majestic Redwood trees with two long, dark-wooden tables and benches — perfect for a picnic — and spread out our supplies.  Our son happily played at our feet, thrilled to be outside, as we happily sipped our wine and gazed at the towering trees above.  As one passerby commented to his friend, “this is better than Muir Woods!”