Today I hunted down Atabey’s Treasure, which is part of the San Francisco Big Art Loop. The scale of the fish is impressive and the scales are made from recycled pizza pans. I have driven by it at night and it is even more beautiful lit up!
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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!
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.
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.
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!
My daughter and I decided to hike Lands End together. It was a foggy, cool morning but, frankly, perfect since there were plenty of stairs on the trail to warm us up. We hiked down to the Sutro Baths, which have a pretty interesting history. We then walked the well-groomed trail along the ocean cliffs. It made for a beautiful way to start our Saturday morning.
We then drove to a popular bakery in Inner Richmond but the line was entirely too long! We pivoted to Cole Valley for lunch and found a great Middle Eastern restaurant. As a bonus, Pete found a pet store and besides the free treats he garnered, he got a chew bone, peanut butter treats and a new water bowl.
After lunch we drove to Twin Peaks. I navigated us to the correct parking area called Christmas Tree Point. The views were stunning with a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. Next up-Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies. It was the perfect day to sit in the park and just people watch and Pete took a well-deserved dog nap.
The final lap of the day was spent at Hayes Valley where we walked the shops and got ice cream (Salt and Straw nonetheless!). San Francisco is truly beautiful with so many diverse neighborhoods, tons of enchanting parks and a wonderful array of restaurants.
Today was a day of random experiences. It started with Twin Peaks. The view is unmatched (and so is the lack of parking). I will definitely visit again and try to find parking and hike to the top.
I then visited Buena Vista Park. This park has elevation, lots of tall trees and impressive views.
And finally I was on Grove Street in The Haight for Halloween. Yes, I walked Haight Ashbury and saw all the shops but more impressive were the beautiful Victorian homes. I then met up with a friend of a friend to hand out Halloween candy. But this was no ordinary event! The streets were shut off to cars, there was a band, lights and hundreds of pounds of candy. I was told that this is one of the primary areas kids come and trick or treat. And they showed up! Even Pete got into the action by licking any kid that got close enough while reaching into the candy bowl. The costumes were impressive and I loved seeing the sense of community.
Just because I am wandering doesn’t mean I cannot honor traditions. My daughter loves time-honored traditions and the pumpkin patch is one of those traditions she holds dear. It does not matter that she is twenty-three; she still gets excited about picking out the perfect pumpkin or honestly, the one that no one else will take home because it’s not “perfect”.
We drove to Half Moon Bay, through Pacifica, along the coast with powerful, crashing waves beating the coast as we drove. Half Moon Bay has a cute downtown area and the pumpkin patch we landed at (Bob’s Pumpkin Patch) contained all the needed fall tidbits including goats, chickens, pigs, haystacks and plenty of pumpkins. It was a wonderful way to spend Sunday.
This morning I decided to check out the Presidio Tunnel Tops Park. This park is between two stellar views: the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. Again, I am just amazed at the spectacular parks in San Francisco. It was an easy (aka flat) walk about 5.25 miles roundtrip from where I am staying. It was well worth the walk!
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