Month: November 2025

Goodbye San Francisco…

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Since my last post, I explored a few more things before today’s departure including Sausalito via the ferry, The Fairmont’s gingerbread house, my first Core Power class, a pedicure, Palmer’s Tavern for lunch, the Roman Goat for dinner, Little Original Joe’s for another lunch and walking the Lyon Street Steps. I had a great few days with Carli. It’s been a fantastic two months sharing the same city with her!

Today I drove three hours to Paso Robles. Paso Robles is a stunning wine country with the typical rolling green hills, autumnal orange vineyards, tall Arborvitae and PALM TREES (the not-so-typical item in a wine area). I roamed the cute downtown which has a beautiful park in the middle and cute shops with public art and lots of tasting rooms. I then drove to Tin City, which is about three miles away. It was a cool assortment of tin buildings with wineries, distilleries and breweries. It was a shame I couldn’t drink because I had a long drive ahead.

I got back on the road to make the long journey to Ridgecrest so that tomorrow I can head to Death Valley NP. There was not much to see on the four hour journey although the landscape started to get interesting in Tehachapi and became amazing once I hit Red Rock Canyon State Park. I wish I could have stopped but it was getting dark and I really needed to get to the hotel after being all the road since 8:30 a.m. If you happen to be in the area, make sure your itinerary stops at this beautiful state park with amazing and colorful rock formations.

Tennessee Valley Trail

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Today my daughter and I decided to hike on the Marin side of the bay. This was a 4 mile trail that had us traveling through gentle hills of greenery and rock and ultimately landing us on the coast of Tennessee Beach. We brought Pete but then noticed a no dog sign. We spotted a few dogs ahead of us so we brought Pete along. We kept him on the trail and leashed but his nose was busy so there must have been scents of animals. All Trails said there were deer, coyote and birds spotted in the area.

Even though cars were lined up down the road from the trailhead, the trail was actually pretty empty. We noticed lots of offshoot trails and many cyclists so we guessed the plentiful number of trails dispersed the crowds. Picnic tables and benches were strategically placed in several areas. Overall, this was a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning.

Weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Carmel is approximately a two-hour drive from San Francisco and an easy getaway from the city. Carmel’s reputation as a storybook, quaint town is well-deserved and accurate. We stayed a few blocks from Carmel Beach, which is considered one of the cleanest beaches in the world. The sand was white and the thunderous waves were littered with surfers.

We stayed at a pet-friendly hotel, but were not allowed to leave Pete in the room alone, which meant we were limited on what we could do. It worked out fine because Pete garnered tons of attention anywhere we went. When we arrived on Friday, we went straight to the beach and Pete rolled in the sand nonstop. We then wandered downtown, snacked on some made-to-order beignets and chose a seafood restaurant for dinner.

The next morning was a bit rainy but after breakfast and coffee we walked to the beach. Instead of the hike we planned to do, which Pete could not join, we drove along the stunning coast, Monterey and Mission Ranch. We then returned to Carmel and hunkered down at a wine bar for wine and a snack. We purchased a bottle and went next door to an amazing cheese shop for lunch-worthy snacks, made a quick stop for some more beignets and then returned to our room to wait out the rainy afternoon. It felt decadent and exactly the right thing to do.

Later that afternoon, we walked down to the beach and meandered an hour further along the coast, returned to our room and ordered takeout sushi. Our final morning we grabbed coffee and returned to the beach so that Pete could have his final roll in the sand. We stopped in Palo Alto on our way home for lunch and a quick mall saunter. It was a fantastic weekend with my daughter!

Point Reyes National Seashore

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Another epic day!

Walk through any European city and there is always a gaggle of amazing churches adorned with stained glass, gold and other embellishments. After visiting these churches I think to myself, “Surely the next church cannot be as spectacular as this one.” And yet, it is as spectacular…or even better. This is how I feel about California. Every area I visit, I think, “Wow, this is so beautiful. There cannot possibly be anything more beautiful.” I then go somewhere else, like today’s trip to Point Reyes National Seashore. On my drive to the park, I see lush rolling hills, grazing cows, a large reservoir covered with fog (even though sun is everywhere else), tons of bramble and cyclists galore. Another beautiful place with curvy roads included (of course).

The entry point to the park is Point Reyes Station, a quaint main street with shops and cafes. I drive through town and make the 45 minute trek to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. The views of Point Reyes Beach South are stunning. The lighthouse is closed so I avoid the 313 steps down and then up again and head to Chimney Rock and then Drakes Beach. Pete is not allowed on either so I do a quick walk along Drakes Beach and move on.

Next up, Limantour Beach. A easy walk through beach grass lands us on a long length of sandy beach. Tons of families playing, picnicking and running their kites litter the beach. Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach so that’s where we go. Pete immediately rolls in the sand with gusto. There is nothing better than a roll in the sand, as far as Pete is concerned!

After the beach rolling, we drive along Tomales Bay, which includes the “required” stop to take a picture of the famous shipwreck. Underwhelming (the boat not the bay) in my opinion, but I did it. I did not visit the cypress tree because I was ready for a late lunch! I headed out of the park and north on CA-1 to Marshall. Hog Island Oysters was packed so I drove more north to Nick’s Cove. Pete and I sat outside on the deck/pier and enjoyed more sun and fish and chips. It truly was a perfect day.

Castro and Another Walk on the Embarcadero

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I decided to take the Muni and go to the last stop wherever that might be. I boarded at Fisherman’s Wharf and landed at The Castro. I love the freedom and sense of pride of the area…I just felt it. No one said it and there were no signs saying so, but with flags plastered everywhere and people out on the streets living exactly who they are the freedom was evident (and loved every minute of it!).

On my return trip on the Muni, I jumped off at the Embarcadero because I just could not resist another walk in the sun with art sprinkled along the way.

The Embarcadero

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I walked the Embarcadero yesterday and learned of a new Port Art Loop being created on the waterfront. The goal is to bring up to 100 large-scale sculptures to San Francisco which creates a 34 miles walkable and bikeable trail. Public spaces=open-air art gallery. Looks like I better get walking!