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Joaquin Miller Park
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Hiking Parks, Hiking [Edit]
3450 Joaquin Miller Rd(at Crane Way)
Oakland, CA 94602
Neighborhood: Oakland Hills
(510) 867-0669
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
85 reviews for Joaquin Miller Park
85 reviews in English
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Review from Maria W.
Dublin, CA
1/17/2012
Went hiking last weekend and had a great, relaxing time. We took the wrong trail and ended up going up the cinderella trail which was a great workout of just about uphill hiking for half a mile or do. The greenery is amazing and I felt relaxed the majority of the time. There were some stoners enjoying themselves and kids making noise but they weren't bugging anyone.
We will definitely be back to explore some more! -
Review from Andy D.
Oakland, CA
me and my wife have never lived in oakland area before and was quite surprised to find such an amazing hidden gem in oakland. this park is beautiful and has great hiking trails, fresh air, amazing trees... we'll be coming back here again when the weather is nice. picnic anyone?
PS. they seem to have a pretty awesome dog park here for those with k9 companions! -
Review from Patricia H.
CA
11/13/2011
A beautiful spot ten minutes from my home. It can be whatever you want it to be - hike, bike, ride your horse, shoot your bow, commune with nature, gaze at the waterfall, bbq. Really, the choices are unlimited.
Take advantage of the beauty -what are you waiting for? -
Review from Kara V.
11/26/2011
This park is one of the parks of the Oakland hills connected Redwood park. The trails here are not as nice I think as Redwood. The bike riding is not as good either. For some reason this park seems to draw more of an urban crowd, less interested in a quiet time amongst nature. But that's OK, everybody gets to use the public parks, I'll just keep to Redwood and Tilden.
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Review from Shawn K.
San Ramon, CA
11/11/2011
This place is great to ride downhill. The main shuttle-able trails are Cinderella and Chapparal. They can get super slick over the summer due to the silk like dust buildup. Go ride after a rain, the dirt is pretty tacky and packed. I have a hard tail, and a downhill bike. I have ridden both my bikes here, just approached the trail (cinderella) differently. If you are on a downhill bike, let go of the brakes and you will get going pretty quick. The G-out at the bottom is super fun to huck, but be advised, the trail ends abruptly right after that. As far as Chapparal goes, its not at technical, just more gnarly and a little steeper overall.
Dear hikers,
I enjoy hiking myself; however, you must realize in the sport of downhill biking, going fast is the name of the game, so understand that if you have to step off the trail for a moment, don't let it ruin your day.Both Cinderella and Chapparal are open to bikes. When biking downhill most riders want to get faster and faster, we want to beat the clock and set personal records. -
Review from Vanilla P.
San Lorenzo, CA
10/8/2011
Beautiful park with great views. O wait! Everyone's already said that.
The kids playground is nice and has a decent amount of shade. The area immediately around the playground isn't stroller friendly, so if you're toting your tot, keep that in mind. Also, watch out if you park right by the playground on Joaquin Miller Rd - the cars and bikes shoot down the hill with the determination of a serial killer. Keep your little ones close, and try loading them through the side of the car that's next to the curb. -
Review from Sonia M.
7/1/2011
This is by far one of my favorite parks in the Bay Area, and I can say, I've been to way more than I can count. I suggest definitely checking out the large fountain for a beautiful view of the bay, and farther up the hill, you can have a look at the auditorium that looks as though it's been there forever.
From there, there are numerous trails you can take that branch out all over the park. You can easily spend an hour exploring little nooks and paths. The park isn't crowded either (well, at least not on weekdays), so the ambiance is very calm, too.
Everyone- from children to adults-can enjoy this park, whether it's for a short stroll and flower-gazing (so many beautiful flowers), or hiking and exploring. -
Review from Christine T.
Fremont, CA
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
A gem of the East Bay! Once you step into the park, you'll feel like you're hours away from civilization.
Most trails are remote and extremely steep (up and down). Make sure to come prepared with hiking/walking shoes, walking stick, water and a compass.
I highly recommend coming with someone who knows the park or be prepared to mark your location with GPS. The extensive trails flow from one trail head to the next and you can get lost very easily.
The beautiful view and lush surroundings makes this one my favorit parks in the Bay Area. -
Review from Vittorio L.
Oakland, CA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The trails here meander through the Oakland hills lined with eucalyptus and redwood. Because of this the trails are shaded, cool, and peppered witjh ferns. Perhaps one cannot really describe the quiet and atmosphere this park has once deep in the woods, as I think its best experienced in person. Just go...
Tip: park along the street near baseball field to walk the trails up to the meadow. Then either take the opposite trail ( across the creek) back down or hike along the street to the car. -
Review from Drew P.
Hayward, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the coolest parks in the East Bay, lately I have found a lot of places I never knew of.... The Bay Area is full of hidden gems and this is definitely one of them!
Panoramic views, waterfalls, and it seems to be a dog friendly park!
I really love this park and need to spend more time hiking it's many trails! -
Review from Cecelia E.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2011 13 photos
During the third week of May, we found that this was a perfect place to hike. It was warm but not too warm and we had fantastic views of the wildflowers and redwoods, glimpses of Oakland and the bay, and the sight and sounds of a nice tinkling brook.
Although some of trails were rather steep in places, they were really fairly easy to navigate. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, we saw a few people on the trails and few more in the meadow having a picnic. It really was not that busy.
Caution: Watch out for the speeding, downhill bikers on Cinderella Trail. After we had started down the narrow path, we realized by the tracks and the steep downhill slope that this trail was used predominantly by people on bikes. We were lucky and able to step out of the way on two occasions while bikers sped back (one group going way too fast.) Due to the width of the trail and its proximity to the edge of a ravine, if we had been in certain locations while bikes sped by, we may have been hurt badly. Still, we really enjoyed this little trail because it ran beside the stream and because we saw some awesome wildflowers. (We posted some pics to show you the different types of scenery.) -
Review from LMecca R.
San Leandro, CA
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite outdoor places to come and "just be" .. I love being in the redwoods- it so peaceful up here. Anytime of day there are lots of nature folk moseying about enjoying the scenery.. I walk/run the stairs - no joke.. great exercise. Ive been to a few weddings here- breath taking! The Woodminster Theater is a Great Place for concerts and outdoor fun. Check out Jazz in The Redwoods.. you wont be disappointed :)
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Review from qirk z.
Los Gatos, CA
3/14/2011
No complaints, good hike, make the park your own and bring a tennis/racquet ball and find a stick... game of stick ball up in the horse corral.
Restrooms in the rec room near the large dog park parking lot. -
Review from Brandon L.
Oakland, CA
12/14/2010
The redwoods talk to me. I talk back to them. When I leave ... I'm healed.
And you probably think I'm joking.
There is enough space for you to get a good exercise in and there are multiple pathways that you can get lost on as to avoid the mountain bikers and such. There is something about this space that, seriously ... just feels different.
If you need a place to get away to for some peace and quiet, go to this space, communicate with the redwoods and be guided through the hill to a place that breathes without the psychological noise.
It. Is. Love.
Word. -
Review from Nathan T.
Union City, CA
3/30/2011 3 photos
I hiked it twice and mountain biked it twice. Both were very enjoyable. Not very many people are here, so it's a very nice environment to wind down and just relax. It's a very nice place to get away from the city, and just chill.
I took my dog with me the second time I hiked and he really enjoyed it. It's not much of an intense hike, but in the summer and spring, the shade from the redwoods really are nice.
If you plan on mountain biking, it is a really intense uphill. But the ride down is bomb. -
Review from Casey P.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2011
Underrated vista point in the bay area. Tucked away in oakland, but when you go here, you feel like you are transported to another world. So quiet and peaceful and beautiful. I'm almost reluctant to write a review about it because I'm afraid that it will make this place busier!
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Review from jackie c.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2011
Less crowded than some and good spots for a mini walk if you need a quick city break. It's so accessible and a shame more people don't use it.
Although the plus side is of course it's often nice and quiet. -
Review from Justin C.
What a beautiful park! My girlfriend and I went for a short day hike around the park and had a great time. The park didn't have many hikers and was a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city. I will return again and again.
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Review from Martin W.
Oakland, CA
3/30/2010 ROTD 2/8/2011
Joaquin Miller is the best urban park I've ever encountered.
The back story of the self-made "wild-eyed American poet," Joaquin Miller is fascinating, the views of the Bay Area are spectacular, the architectural splendour of the reflecting pools and cascades always impresses me, and the casual trails provide a relaxed and well-shaded jaunt through Bay Area native flora.
It's also a very special place to visit in the rain, or after a heavy rain, because then the cascades are active, as are the fountains in the pools--beautiful!
Read my reviews: they're all bars and shitty restaurants. I'm clearly not someone who's drawn to nature (long story, but despite an abiding affection for and long experience with nature, I rarely venture into it these days. I drink cheap booze, eat food from trucks, and generally slouch about with my knuckles dragging on the ground.
So, when I say there is a place of genuine beauty that I consider one of the fine City of Oakland's most prominent jewels... I FUCKING MEAN IT.
Joaquin Miller Park rocks. Martin W, out.
EDIT: Also, I think it is a goddamn tragedy what we (as citizens) see so much of our tax dollars essentially thrown to the wolves (in the form of tax benefits for businesses), while resources that truly benefit and are available to the entire community languish, unfunded, and inadequately cared for (by harried yet dedicated and overworked staff and inexplicably resolute volunteers). -
Review from Jahmese M.
Oakland, CA
7/21/2011
It was ok, but the hiking trails were not as extensive as I imagined. Possible that I was in the wrong part of the park...
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Review from Porkchop P.
Oakland, CA
4/29/2009
The other day I went to the top of mind-blowing Joaquin Miller Park and sat by the waterfall for a while. It was so deliciously therapeutic, I almost forgot where I was.
Much, I'd imagine, how my neighbor felt when he was receiving that blow job in his car, the one he got just moments before I returned home from Joaquin Miller Park to find him being handcuffed and read his Miranda rights, alongside a very angry hooker. -
Review from Aaron G.
San Leandro, CA
11/13/2008 ROTD 1/10/2009
I am not in the best shape of my life. In fact, I am far from it, but i do have the ability to run for long periods of time and probably at a quicker pace than most people. I came here with memories of steep hills and serene surroundings. As a high school cross country runner, I remember the course like i had been running it my whole life. And what I remember is that the course isn't very friendly, in other words the hills are steep.
So I came here last Friday with Mauricio M. for our weekly run. He said he knew a course so I was all game. We began jogging at a mild pace and were having a conversation, then he tells me "OK this is the hill" I'm like ok, let's do it!! This begins our trek up the hill. HOLY CRAP, this hill was long and very steep. My legs were burning, my stomach churning, lungs gasping for the last bit of air i could get. We get about half way through and Mauricio stops to walk, which cues me to walk as well. I was done. I thought i was going to die. My bowels wanted to empty like a dead corpse. I was lightheaded and had the urge to vomit. It was every great feeling you could have all at once.
Once we finished walking up the hill of death and walked down the path a bit, i was okay to start jogging again. After that i was fine, tired, but fine. As we went along the path we passed by a swimming pool, an area for horses, beautfiul scenery from the Oakland hills. This is what i remembered when coming to this location and it's what makes this place so great. You can enjoy (or dread) a great workout and still have the benefits of gorgeous surroundings.
However, the fact that i almost emptied my bowels because of a hill makes this place lose 1 star. And apparently, i'm really out of shape. -
Review from Jaz W.
ASTORIA, NY
Updated - 8/1/2009
please take note:
If you park on Skyline Blvd, right outside the Sequoia-Bayview trail, there is a very serious possibility that your car will get broken into. It happened to me today, in broad daylight. Some wanna-be thieves smashed my passenger side window in a vain attempt to find something worth stealing.
I've started running here again recently, and have noticed a LOT of broken glass, but I assumed that it had to do with late-night vandalism. I had no idea that there were thieves who were so bold as to break into cars at 1:00 PM on a relatively busy street.
I've also observed a couple of people sitting alone in their cars in the middle of the day... these people are probably lookouts.
It is NOT SAFE to park your car here. These thieves are incredibly bold and desperate. They WILL break into your car in broad daylight.
Park ONLY in designated areas, and do not EVER park on Skyline Blvd, next to the Sequoia-Bayview Trail.Listed in: Harder Better Faster Stronger
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/17/2008
Just came back from an afternoon spent traversing Joaquin Miller Park.
As someone has mentioned… Read more »
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Review from Seamus M.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2007
November means two things to me. 1) Ski season is right around the corner 2) It is time to start running stairs. Nothing I have found is better for skiing than running stairs. When I was in living in the City I had various stair climbs with which to torture myself. The Lyon Street steps are not the toughest set of stairs around. The stairs at Joaquin Miller Park are, these are steeper and they seem to go on forever. Three sets of these and your quads are screaming, but that is what we are here for.
The view is fantastic and the park has some beautiful trails that you can jog or hike along.Listed in: Staying sane in Oakland
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Review from Lilly O.
San Mateo, CA
7/7/2008
This was an awesome find thanks to Yelp!
I needed to entertain the in-laws for a few weeks, but with these gas prices wanted to find a bunch of local places. We came here and it was fabulous. It was incredibly empty which really surprised me on a beautiful, hot weekend. There were trails lined with redwoods, eucalyptus, California poppies. The views of Oakland and over the bay to SF were amazing. We had a picnic and did a short walk. It was a big hit and so close to home!
We didn't trek very far; once mum-in-law started to hobble and take a lot of breaks, we knew it was time to go back. But, I could see where it would be easy to get lost if you went a longer distance so, watch out for that. -
Review from elle b.
Oakland, CA
9/10/2007
Another gem in the East Bay Regional Parks system with a range of trails to choose from.
**Skyline-Bayview Trail** Peaceful and gorgeous, dense with redwoods and other native plants, but offering amazing peekaboo views of the city and Bay below. It connects with several other trails for loop possibilities, and also makes a super easy out-and-back stroll. (I'm pretty sure that this is the trail that Nichole H is referring to as being one of her favorite hiking-while-pregnant trails. It's off Skyline, and is definitely flat and shaded. I saw one woman who looked to be about 7 months pregnant walking here, plus another woman pushing a baby stroller, and three people riding unicycles. The perfect intro for reluctant hikers.)
**Chaparral Trail** This is a tough one, but it has some nice ravine views and aromatic chaparral flora. I did it going downhill as part of a counter-clockwise loop, and it was a knee-grinder. Up would've been even grizzlier. It's steep, steep, steep.
**Sunset Trail** I was thinking that this trail would have spectacular west-facing views. But no. It's wide, mostly paved, and with no views to speak of. My least favorite part of the park. Skyline-Bayview would be a far better choice for a sunset stroll. -
Review from C P.
Oakland, CA
7/17/2010
I have visited the waterfall area a few times in the past and recently discovered the wonderful trails. Can't wait to explore more of them. So nice to have this so close to home and I hear the bathroom was fantastic.
UNFORTUNATELY....some people are so rude and inconsiderate!!! People, it is an ON-LEASH park (except for the designated off-leash areas) and if your dog packs it in and decides to leave it on the trail, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PACK IT OUT TO THE GARBAGE.
5 stars for the park, zero stars for the pathetic dog owners that can't follow the rules, making the park less enjoyable to others. -
Review from Judie H.
9/22/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Except for the fact my friend told me a horrible old story about how a woman got raped and killed here a long time ago, and then scaring me the rest of the way snapping twigs and throwing rocks...it was still a beautiful hike.
Pros: Quiet, lots of different trails, my dog Lucy LOOOOOVED it, gorgeous greenery to soak in, smell of forest
Cons: Be careful if your dog is prone to dragging because she might cause you to eat it real bad. Sometimes dog owners aren't very mindful and don't pick up their dog poo. I saw moldy dog poo...gross..."Lucy...DO NOT SNIFF!!"
Tip: Wear good shoes, bring water, and bring a friend (for safety...as you can see...I'm really paranoid now) -
Review from Stephanie N.
Davis, CA
10/19/2009 2 photos
I was in a wedding at the waterfall in Joaquin Miller Park. It's a beautiful setting, with dramatic dual staircases that come sweeping down on either side of the waterfall, perfect for the couple (and wedding party) to make a grand entrance.
EXCEPT, the steps are steep and made out of uneven stones, so if you're the least bit clumsy like me, BE CAREFUL. I thought I was going to fall down in front of everyone - this place is not made for heels.
Also, there isn't any signage, so if you're planning an event, give specific directions with landmarks and make your own signs. -
Review from Courtney T.
Pleasant Hill, CA
7/5/2011
We had our wedding at Joaquin Miller Park on June 18, 2011. We had our ceremony at the Cascades and our reception at the Community Center.
The venue is gorgeous and we couldn't have been happier with our choice. It was a great place to take pictures and we did almost no decorations since nature did everything for us. Our guests had such a good time and were really impressed at how beautiful our venue was.
I worked with Zermaine and (a couple times) Desmona at the Central Reservations Unit. While the office is sometimes tardy at getting back to you (they are busy bees over there), as long as you are patient you will have your answers and a good experience.
We will forever have good memories there, I love hiking around over there and my husband enjoys their mountain biking trails.
All around a great plave to hang out or have an event! -
Review from Patty L.
Berkeley, CA
5/2/2010
If you're like me and into trail running, redwood forests, spectacular views, fresh air, and challenges then Joaquin Miller is the place for you. It's got a plethora of running trails - short, long, steep, flat, etc so there is something for everyone. What I like most is that there is a nice mix of shady and sunny areas so that you're not too hot or cold at any given time.
On a critical note, if you have a bad sense of direction like me, you are better off bringing GPS or a map. I found the signage to be lacking or misleading and had to stop and ask for directions a couple of times. However, the park is chock full of friendly folks so getting help is never a problem.
Joaquin Miller is definitely worth a visit. Next time I'm going, I'm taking my road bike. There seems to be a fair bit of cyclists and the roads look fun and challenging. -
Review from Jason W.
Oakland, CA
9/16/2009
Just a few miles from the flat lands of Oakland, the loud cars, sideshows, and gunshots lie this wonderful park. Several trails to hike on, some allowing bikes while others not, and all with great outdoor views.
This park seems to catch you by surprise as you calmly hike down the trails and enjoy the smell of the plants, trees, and the old great outdoor air. You can close your eyes and imagine that you are hundreds of miles away in the middle of no where. Your in a full trance as the sudden sounds of Urban life interrupts the overall bliss. You begin to home into the sounds a passing Jumbo Jet or the echoing sounds of the freeway coming in and out like a strange instrument panning while turning up and down at the same time. This is then broken by the passing of an eagle who calls out to you from which seems a mile up in the air.
It is indeed a great park to take your mind off of common ordeals and take a moment to appreciate the overall surroundings.
Check it out! -
Review from Ieesha M.
Chicago, IL
10/12/2009
I've been here a couple of times now and I must say this is a pretty cool park. The biggest draw for me is the amazing view you get of the bay. I love being in the hills and looking out at the vast expanse of land and water that surrounds us here in the bay area. Great place for a picnic, or a nice walk and they even have an outdoor amphitheater where they have live concerts from time to time.
I would warn that on a busy day, parking can be an issue, especially if there is a concert. We had to park all the way down the road and it was a bit of a trek to get to the park itself.
I'd go back for sure-- plenty of picnic tables and BBQ grills make this a great spot for a cookout and with the lovely redwoods surrounding you, you've got the perfect ingredients for a good time! :) -
Review from Clarence B.
Tucson, AZ
7/12/2006
Get lucky and see a photo shoot with half naked women in hoochie-mama gear here!
or
Go hiking with your people and watch snakes shoot across the trails.
or
Throw a party here in a secret location.
or
Bro down with a quorum of Ravens.. the number one bird. -
Review from Kat H.
San Jose, CA
1/23/2008
I love the redwood trees and the view from the trail at this park. I've run here in the rain but didn't get too wet because the trees really make a nice cover. The ground is soft from the needles and everything smells good and fresh.
Unfortunately, I'm still a newbie to this place so I don't know the trails well enough and they didn't have consistent signage, so next time I'm bringing a map as a guide. -
Review from Tasha P.
Edgewood, WA
6/11/2011
I just returned from a wedding here, and it was beautiful!
I have known about the park for about 6 years though. It's beautiful, nice, and easy to get to from the east bay. Nature in the middle of the not natural.
Not sure why I'm only giving it 4 stars-- guess it doesn't wow me away.
Beautiful nonetheless. -
Review from KJ o.
Tucson, AZ
7/12/2006 4 photos
Reportedly one of the last urban redwood groves and only minutes from downtown Oakland. This is a perfect place to get out of the concrete jungle. Lovely WPA-era landscaping, stone staircase, reflecting pool and gorgeous amphitheater add to the beautiful view. Don't forget to breathe deeply, dense with native trees Joaquin Miller has the finest air in Oakland.
(+) it's just perfect. a quite and peaceful urban forest, fantastic hiking trails and nice bird watching. With grassy meadows, tables and restrooms this is a perfect place for a picnic. Redwoods!
(-) watch out for speeding mountain bikes on the trails (though that could change due to recent pressure to ban bikes from the park). -
Review from jessica i.
Oakland, CA
7/30/2006 2 photos
Some old ornate stairs to climb up to get your exercise on. Down the center of the parallel stairways is a waterfall that empties out into a pond. The stairs go up about 345,678 feet, only to end at the back of Woodminster Ampitheater, where they do Light Opera and Shakespeare in the Park. Great.
Why can't they do creepy ass plays at Woodminster, like Equus or Sweeney Todd? I'd go.
Also at the top of the stairs: nice little hidden patches of forest lodged between ancient redwoods and the back wall of Woodminster, with a lovely view of the Mormon Temple, Lake Merritt, and Downtown, all with SF as the backdrop. Perfect for effing and making out.
Oh yeah, and there's like 80 more acres of park and hiking trails. There's other weird things too, like a house with Joaquin Miller's final possessions before he croaked? So what is that even called, a sarcophagus?
Last time I came here, the freeway goats were hanging out, munching on the hillside. See my attached cell phone pic.
The dude that owns them lives somewhere nearby, and he uses them all over the Oakland hills. It was hekka sad when someone drove by and shot a bunch of them when they were munching by the Oakland Zoo. That was a couple years ago. -
Review from Miss o.
Oakland, CA
4/20/2009 4 photos
Apparently people come here to jog, boo to that! You guys are nuts, the hills and valleys of the park are STEEP, not to mention riddled with evil stairs instead of kindly escalators. It was too beautiful to stay indoors so Trip and I hit up Safeway for chicken wings & fountain drinks. Then we forced my little Hyundai Accent up Joaquin Miller Road so we could check out the skyline and shoot the breeze.
The place was pretty empty save the few crazies JOGGING by in the intense heat. Trip and I were prepared to earn our Scout merit badges in emergency resuscitation but the opportunity/person never came and we just talked about school, the planes in the sky, and the blurry cellphone picture we took of an albino pincher bug that is going to make us FREAKING FAMOUS. Sent it to Nova. -
Review from Van W.
Oakland, CA
4/16/2010
My friend set up a pretty last minute birthday picnic for me here. She got up super early and grabbed the last available area -- which was tucked away in its own grove. There was a little traffic, but fine. It was shaded (luckily) close to the bathrooms & trash cans (neither were stinky) and of course a big field where we played sloshball.
We ran around, spilled beer on ourselves, ate, BBQs, drank, and had a great time. Fun area, big field great for running around, playing with doggies, throwing a frisbee, or just relaxing.
