California Dads Bonding with Babes and the Great Outdoors

I'm always happy to see fathers and their children enjoying each other's company. I'm even more excited when I see fathers supporting each other in their journeys from diapers to girl scouts to graduation. Today's Contra Costa Times has a refreshing article about the Grateful Dads, a group of men who take hikes with their tikes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Though some are married and see this as giving their wives a break, others are single dads. I can see this being a huge support for noncustodial fathers. The Grateful Dads are happy to expand:

What began with eight dads and seven babies...now has 300, including 90 in the East Bay. But the premise is still the same. There are no fees, no R.S.V.P.s and no one takes roll. You just show up...

Chapter-launching inquiries have come in from fathers across the country. One of the original Dads moved to Spain and started a chapter there. The possibilities are limitless, Marks muses: global Grateful Dads, a worldwide network of dads and kids in the great outdoors.

East Bay GRATEFUL DAD hikes start at 9 a.m. sharp. Maps and details at www.gratefuldads.com

• Feb. 25 -- Joaquin Miller Regional Park, Oakland

• March 18 -- Garin Regional Park, Hayward

• April 15 -- Sunol Wilderness, Sunol

• April 29 -- Iron Horse Trail, Danville, Family/Friends Bike Outing

• May 20 -- Mt. Diablo, Danville

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And for moms:

East Bay MOMS and their tykes take hikes and stroller walks every Friday at 10 a.m. Directions and details at www.eastbaymoms.com

Feb. 17 -- Hike at Redwood Bowl, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland

Feb. 24 -- Stroller Walk at Marina Bay, Richmond

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