It’s still very pleasant for the most part. At least from a visual point of view. Remember Tennessee Valley Park in Mill Valley? It’s not far from Tamalpais High School up on the hilltop.
Before I started having flat foot problems, I enjoyed going for a walk in that area on softly rolling hills, mixed in with leafy foilage. Lots of Deer , Rabbits and Wildbirds to see if there in the early morning. As you probably recall, the highlight of taking that walk was finishing at the waters edge. A rocky white sanded beach area with picnic tables. The sitting area was walled in, bordered by shallow streams with lizards, and tall walls of reddish colored rock.
I recall seeing a sign posted at the entrance of a trail; “If you see a Mountain Lion, make noise, stand tall, move your arms and legs around to scare or distract the Lion.”
Do not turn your back on the Lion. Do NOT RUN, as they will chase you!”
My friends and I just laughed. I understand the wisdom of that sign, but the first instinct would be to run or walk away, which would be wrong. I saw a few Mountain Lions there, but rarely, and from a distance. I stayed out of their territory. I didn’t bother them and they didn’t bother me.
I lived on Marion Ave, Old Mill Park was more my territory, as I was still kind of young. I remember it in detail though. On Realtor.com our next door neighbor’s house is up for sale. When I was a kid it was owned by an older lady who was very friendly, I’d go over to chat sometimes. First time I’ve seen inside that house since about 1965. Love the smell of the air there.
Later on I stayed with friends on Gardner St. I remember Varney’s and Sonapa Farms and the theater and the depot and the MV Market.