San Francisco

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.

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.

Halloween

Posted on by Seniye Groff

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.

The Pumpkin Patch

Posted on by Seniye Groff

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.

Mission District

Posted on by Seniye Groff

This afternoon after my morning workout I decided to take a field trip to the Mission District. Of course, I had to visit the beautiful Mission Dolores Park. The day was sunny and clear which meant that the park was in full throttle with tennis players, sun worshipers, volleyball players, lunchtime goers and everything in between. It’s a beautiful park with the city in the background.

I then wandered to the Mission Dolores Basilica and Clarion Avenue to check out the murals with political action statements. This is a super interesting area with all kinds of markets, shops and restaurants owned by minorities and focused on a diverse offering.

Presidio Tunnel Tops

Posted on by Seniye Groff

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!