Those of us who take the Sunday Examiner and Chronicle are used to seeing the adventures to Tom Stienstra in the Sports Section. In a recent column he expressed concern that more and more of our kids are missing outdoor experiences completely.

Apparently few kids ride bikes anymore, and even though we're surrounded by water, not many get to enjoy being close to it or knowing anything about the wildlife that lives in it.

Stienstra references Richard Louv, author of the recent book Last Child in the Woods. Apparently Stienstra met Louv at a recent conference of outdoor writers. Both are Californians, and both have sons. Both would like to see outdoor education included in our schools, as it is in Denmark. Stienstra has actually made that proposal to our governor. He quotes Louv's conviction that a combination of parental fear and the seduction of video games are a lethal mix, combining to keep the kids indoors.

Not only their health suffers, but also their spirits; and perhaps our family life goes down with them. The old-fashioned Sunday hike and picnic, as a family activity, is long gone in many households. So is fishing off the local pier. Small boat rentals still do well on weekends, but it's been a while since we've seen them used by teenagers.

In this city we may not have much of a summer, but the beautiful autumn weather is here for a while. Check out some of the beautiful places on the water that are rich with life and waiting to boost your energy. Visit the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. For a real adventure, check out the Cal Sailing Club.