Oakland's Lake Merritt

 

They officially call the 3.1 mile walk around Lake Merritt in Lakeside Park but we all know in the Bay Area as Lake Merritt. 

Lake Merritt is a tidal lagoon located in the center of Oakland. It is home to the oldest wildlife refuge in the United States dating back 151 years:

And there are some cool places to see while walking:

One of the historic art deco move theaters still in operation

And there is Children's Fairyland. Fairyland has been in operation for over 70 years. I went there as a kid and I took my kids there. Hoping that I can take my grandkids there one day (They have rule, adults can't go in without an adult):

And there is always some activity on the lake:

Lake Merritt is a beautiful place and a true Oakland gem.

Music Monday: Songs About Education and School

 Music Monday: School is back to in-person learning. I have teaching with kids in my room for two weeks now and I so much enjoy this more than Distance Learning. Here is a view from the side of the middle school I teach at:

And a little Do Now Action from my whiteboard:

But anyway, it is Music Monday and here are some tunes for you:

Hope all educators and students have a great school year and I hope that we can stay in our classrooms all year around.

Morning Glory Cafe

 

When I went to Portland, I took a side trip to Eugene which is home to the University of Oregon. I found this little fun and quirky place to eat called Morning Glory Cafe:

And the food was yummy 

If you are in Eugene, head over to the Morning Glory Cafe, it is worth it. 

Some of the Beauty of Golden Gate Park

 

Golden Gate Park is an amazing oasis in an urban setting. I spent a bunch of time their this summer and here is some of the color and beauty of the park:

I love walking through Golden Gate Park and seeing all the beauty and color of the park. 

Gateway Garden and Pavilion

 I was driving near Highway 24 in Oakland and saw this this little park off the side of the freeway. I turned off at the next exit and went up street and I was at the Gateway Garden and Pavilion. The park was created in 2003 by the survivors of the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm. The pavilion provides information about the history of earthquakes and fires in the Oakland Hills. The pavilion area was closed when I was there but the garden was open and I enjoyed walking around it:

The Gateway Garden and Pavilion is one of the more interesting parks in Oakland.