Things I Hella Love About Oakland: Point Isabel

OK, I should clarify: One of the things I hella love about Oakland is that, sans traffic, it's 10 minutes from Point Isabel, which is actually in Richmond. But let's not split hairs.

We took Bonnie for a long walk there on New Year's Day and I swear, you have never seen a happier little pooch.

This 23-acre bayside park is the largest public off-leash area for dogs in the United States. There are grassy hills to chase balls across and paved, level walking paths and bike trails for their humans.

And let's not forget Mudpuppy's, a "doggie spa" and retail shop, and the Sit & Stay Cafe, the dog-friendly eatery on the grounds. From a canine point of view, Point Isabel is pretty much heaven on earth.

It wasn't the brightest or clearest afternoon, but on a crisp, sunny day, I'm sure the views that sweep from the Bay Bridge and across San Francisco to the Golden Gate and the Marin headlands would make me weep.

Of course, the actual shoreline was off-limits due to the 58,000-gallon oil spill in the Bay in November. (Nice going there, Cosco Busan.)

Anyway, I'm glad that three years after adopting the dang dog, we finally got our act together to put her in the car and explore Point Isabel.

Now that we have, I know we'll be back often.

P.S. Someone please tell me that 13 is easier than 12 has been. Please.