![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxavNTzjjj3TLMPH67drmuiBf143eObUktxjeJcS_PR3Rq-JoyTc3lZ8PA52AcAIasHgLQPdWsawblB3z3V0Eb9k63SofWuKgi5QxEy2JTHRIok3oTei1jlFXmSAGVILuHOhRCWCNb7hE/s200/SanRafael.AndersnDr.3.10.13.png)
Walking Distance: 3.1 mi.
Walking Time: 1 hr., 55 min. (3:05 - 5:00 p.m.)
Start and End Point: diagonal parking space (4-hour limit) on Albert Park Lane, San Rafael, CA
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This afternoon's walk on Andersen Drive in San Rafael was primarily on sidewalks (shown as a solid, green line on 2012-2013 Bay Trail Map Set). I parked a few blocks off the Bay Trail near the Terwilliger Nature Education Center and
WildCare* facility so I could see some additional birds (pelicans, turkey vulture, others) after my stroll down Andersen Drive.
First, I walked (north) through Albert Park, between rows of palm trees with a view of the Mission San Rafael Arcรกngel. When I reached Andersen Drive I headed right/south on the sidewalk (on Andersen) toward Bellam Boulevard.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xew4-sCkGk8ZirN0TF65RDyIWSDqIuCv6P_j9ew-9fOGKMDERyF-_MSScAWum_sikMSiSjNzhxJjUKlFJBZDq0_NU1BFzGKFz34ZI4SE0YmiX7vj_NIavJg_zIYHvXzWQnTk-_BHGUTT/s200/SanRafael.MissonView.3.10.13.600.jpg)
Along the way, I passed through a light industrial area, and a few metal quonset huts sticking up over the fence to my right. Some of these arched steel, prefabricated structures were inscribed with interesting painted, partly faded signage; others had letters which spelled out mysterious words like: "PUMPS."
Trees lining the sidewalk were laden with white blossoms, a sure sign of spring. A bush with bright pink/purple sweet pea flowers spilled through a fence within smelling distance of where I stood. Tiny patches of grafitti sprouted on cement surfaces.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eKHnzud5XTeqls4VNq4uTHz2sMjA1tSY0CebBjiYOk-F3wXMl5ko936JpupLyn31ti7NBSIY8kUPWvMOJjfAcRbZIrfa_W-mHUA4l-3Ei7Az3UVnHO-TLpRaltpZFwTjZoug6awwdX8r/s200/SanRafael.PUMPSsign.3.10.13.600.jpg)
I became aware of the Cal Park Hill bicycle/pedestrian trail to my right, and merged with it before I reached Bellam Blvd. Somehow this bike path had escaped my notice on my first walk around the Bay. I turned around when the bike path passed the intersection of Bellam Blvd. and Andersen and started to curve south.
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After turning around, I walked west, back up Andersen Drive, and made a stop at Safeway for something to eat and drink, then proceeded on (southeast) to WildCare. I arrived before closing time (and the last feeding of the day), and caught glimpses of pelicans in the courtyard/pool area. I also saw a great (white) egret that may have flown in hoping for a fish.
Wildlife Sightings:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5It25Q6nWNsC6dx0kvgO-GDf2nNpmU7pnZugma5OMZP9Q81a-IjhHHygUiL-B0jgvTkRwV-Gf3CZ7kODfvefALASg4-XSNCK6ELFQgIyh39BTxJ1r1vfSqZyFW2t6hgZfbfFeBxiTctvn/s200/SanRafael.CalParkBikePath.3.10.13.600.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcbJj0sotm53LPRd0gL4NYZlp3_tgr5X9Vmfbli3q4_mz8WyBoXLNps1nBvzjgNDps5gDxu6-I5wIddCAwmaWneJWqNZ5JIwoCQERGGaQTYQB2QwVuDUc72A2F0YUCfzr3FSmRtaRTFdz/s200/SanRafael.Safeway.3.10.13.600.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnCYjcrA8E_ukC5dPQ9XDf7b15-VnDPDFe6won91KzDg1mue6Z_JhZg-4YRmeDQbsFZNedAFf3uTV1hRBAXubGAd39ZqbTvXRWOTNSQwKLYFhH4GV-gTp_TV9pi43TwUUufFaBwjfWlB3/s200/SanRafael.WildCare.WhPelicn.3.10.13.600.jpg)
1 duck (in creek); 2 sea gulls; 33 pigeons; 9 crows/ravens; 2 hawks/birds of prey (one screeching and chasing another one - possibly a fledgling asking for food from an adult); 1 rusty screw (and several nails)
*WildCare treats approximately 3,000 injured or sick animals per year, and seeks to educate the public on how to best co-exist with fellow wild creatures.
Wildlife sightings are something I have never seen anyone mention before. It was nice to see that you did, and I’m truly entranced by the beauty of San Rafael.
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