It's a Great Time to Play Hooky

It's WEDNESDAY, March 30, 2011. Things are coming to an end — the month, for instance. Tomorrow will be the last day of March. And the contest also ends tomorrow. You still have today to enter your slogan, logo, whatever you think would best attract outsiders to our fair city. Think of it not so much as a contest (you can win a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant), but civic assistance. This contest began over a on March 9 regarding marketing the city, and the council's, um, confusion over how to go about that. It needs our help, so let's step up: Send your entry to jim.caroompas@patch.com.

1. The weather is supposed to be spectacular for the rest of the week, so why not play some hooky and get out and enjoy it? For starters, check out part of the . Right now is the time to head up that mountain (which is really more like a hill, but with some attitude), because the wildflowers are, well, wild right now. There will be an organized hike for this coming up very soon, and Martinez Patch will be writing about it, but why not just go rogue and do the hike yourself?
2. Our own Waterfront Park is pretty spectacular as well. The East Bay Regional Park side is mostly wetlands, and right now there are an amazing array of colors throughout the flora and fauna. It's a great place to see which birds are finding their way through the flyway to Martinez, and to get in touch with your inner mariner. History tells us that it was this very waterfront on which author Jack London was chased by angry fishermen because at that point in his life he was an oyster pirate. He was caught, and sentenced to be an oyster pirate policeman. Quite a life that guy led.
3. The hike is paved, and waiting for you to find one of the great views in the Bay Area. From here you can see up and down Carquinez Strait, and the roadway is kind to those who aren't quite ready to brave the still-muddy trails of the Franklin Hills. There is plenty of shade from giant eucalyptus trees for hikers who don't want too much sun, yet lots of places where the sun does shine, for those rain-weary walkers who want to revel in the light.
4. is a well-named getaway for many in Martinez unaware of its existence and the fact that we are home to this collection of lakes. While none of them are Tahoe, this is a wonderful place to be alone and reflect on the beauty that is all around us in this town of ours. We have a rich and bountiful landscape, and now is a great time to take advantage of seeing it up close and personal.
5. Finally, for those of you who are ready for a little mud and the company of cows, there are the , which are the color of emeralds right now and would love the pleasure of your company. If you want to see Martinez and environs in the entirety, you have to climb to the Franklin Hills ridgeline and from there, you will be rewarded with one of the best views anywhere. It's a steep climb, but worth every step.