Friday, August 5, 2011

Fantastic Friday at Piedra Falls

[Friday pictures]

Friday dawned bright and clear.  Matt started out with a refreshing and kind of intense bike ride around the lakes around the area.  A doe and her two fawns walked right across the road in front of him.  Upon his return the balloon was going up again and passed right overhead (giving a unique photo op).

We had homemade McGriddles for breakfast as we try to clean out the fridge (frozen waffles toasted with an egg, cheese and bacon in the middle).  Yummy!

We made the journey to Piedra Falls to the end of County Road 637.  It's the longest 8 miles that we've ever driven because it's so full of twists and turns.  Oh - it's also one lane!  We were the first people in the parking lot though a family was striking a campsite (they'd obviously stayed the night).

We were actually able to cross the Piedra River below the falls (for the first time).  Again - it made for some photo opportunities that we've never had before.

We hiked up to the falls and had a lot of fun taking pictures from all different places and angles and poses.  That's probably obvious from our photo gallery for the day...

We wrapped up the day with a couple of errands and activities (besides getting our stuff ready to go).
We made our pilgrimage to the Choke Cherry Tree and sampled the delicious comestibles therein.  And of course had to buy some of them...yum yum and double yum.

We found a great recipe for homemade energy bars (the ones you eat - we're not splitting atoms or anything...).   It was in the Prevention magazine.  We made four batches in preparation for the family gathering next week in Flagstaff - we'll share them with everyone on our appointed meal day (Monday).
You start with a base of some cereal (rice, wheat, corn, muesli) and add a little flour.  Then you can add two or three extras (they suggest a nut and a dried fruit).  You glue it together with sugar/honey/brown sugar (your choice), egg whites, salt and optional vanilla or almond extract.

Here's the flavors we made...
- "It's Just Nuts" - Rice cereal with almonds, pecans and walnuts
- "Rooty Tooty Fruity" - Rice cereal with dried blueberries, tart red cherries, pineapple and mango
- "Cran Ban Coco" - Muesli with dried cranberries, banana chips and shredded coconut
- "Blue Cran Almond Joyful" - Rice cereal with almonds, dried blueberries and dried cranberries

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Muddy Buddy Thursday on the Piedra River trail

[Thursday photos]

We've continued to get the daily "monsoon" rainfall here in Pagosa Springs and in the high country to the north.  This makes the hiking trails a little soggy to say the least.

Our chosen hike for today was the Piedra River - which is one that we've done before several times in varying degrees.  Amy and Matt have hiked the whole thing from end to end (they says it's 11 miles) from the First Fork trailhead to the Piedra River trailhead.  But typically we start at the Piedra River trailhead and do an "out and back" hike where we stop at some point in the middle and come back.

It's a fantastically diverse trail with something to please (and potentially make nervous) everyone. On this trail you get to...

  • walk right along the rushing rapids of the Piedra River - even dip your toes in if you are so inclined
  • hike hundreds of feet above the River on narrow cuts into the hillside
  • make your way across big wildflower meadows alive with insects and birds
  • walk/scamper over huge rocks
  • make your way through boulders as big as a house
  • cross rushing rivers on iron bridges that had to be helicoptered in
  • explore rock formations of all different colors and types
  • make your way through mushy marshy bits
  • tiptoe through thistle gardens
  • climb up to amazing heights and amazing views
Unlike some other hikes this one doesn't have any specific "reward" that awaits you (like a waterfall or lake or rock formation).  But in its place it has all the wonderful nuggets mentioned above.  You hike this trail just for the joy of discovering what's "just up ahead".  

Even though they call it an easy hike - you need to have the proper footwear and clothing.  As you make your way across the variety of terrain you'll encounter gravel, sand, mud, loose rocks, big rocks, grass, thistles, plants taller than you.  There are several spots where it's "one lane" and you should be prepared to meet other hikers or allow faster folks to pass you by.  You'll have to step up, down or off the trail to do this.

We got going about 8 AM and hit the trailhead about 8:30 or so.

But enough background stuff...we decide to hike Trail 596 from the Piedra River trailhead to what we're calling the "Switchbacks".  It's a cliff where you wind your way down to a metal bridge that crosses the Weimenuche Creek (which empties into the Piedra River).  It's the point at which Trail 595 branches off to the north.  To get there you drop down into the Piedra River Valley and basically keep the river on your left.
As you drop into the valley you encounter almost all of the items I mention in the list above.  Then you encounter a metal bridge where Williams Creek empties into the Piedra.  That's a favorite turnaround point for many (a 3.5 mile round trip) so the trail beyond is less used (but still very visible).

We continued on past the first bridge across a marshy meadow and had some fun cliff-hugging bits that caused us to tread carefully on the narrow path.  We encountered a healthy thistle forest that made us wish we wore long pants.  Though the sun and beautiful mostly sunny sky made us happy we opted for the shorts.  What's a few scratches between friends?  

A stock trail called Trail 583 branches off to the north and parallels our 596 trail for a bit.  The thistle blooms and butterflies and bees were particularly active along this stretch and provided plenty of photo opportunities.

The 596 and 583 trail have a "Y" and the 583 goes off to the left and crosses the Piedra River on a metal bridge.  We opted for the 596 trail and came across some dramatic black rock formations and some more cliff-hugging.

Eventually we topped the ridge and found our switchbacks.  We hiked out to the end of the promontory and snapped some photos to show that we reached our destination.  It was also time to empty the shoes and try to dislodge some of the mud we'd picked up on the way.  We're not sure but this looks like it's about 4.5 miles from the trailhead - so this definitely is our longest (though not most strenuous) hike of this trip.

With our footwear loads thusly lightened and a little rest - we headed back the way we came and checked out all the scenery that was in our rear-view mirror on the way in (figuratively speaking).  Once again we were thankful that the Lord led us to make an early start - because the summer sun was kicking in by then (about noon).  We met a lot of people coming into the trail (and passed some heading out).

We returned and had lunch - and looked out the window to see dark blue over that area.  I hope everyone had their rain gear because I'm sure they were getting another downpour.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wonderful Wednesday at Four Mile Falls

[Wednesday pictures]

Wednesday brought a little different agenda with it.  Instead of an early morning bike ride for Matt and a "whenever we get up" schedule we decided today to tackle the toughest hike on our list - Four Mile Falls.  Amy opted out and so Matt and Isaac saddled up and left at 7 AM.  The trailhead is about 22 miles north of town on some winding gravel roads so we knew it would take about 40 minutes to get there.

We were distracted by some dramatic mists and clouds over the lower parts of town and took a few pictures.  Last night we had more rain in the early morning hours so everything was kind of drippy.  And humidity was still high.  No worries as the temperature was 50 degrees and it felt wonderful!



The Four Mile Falls trailhead is literally the end of the road for "Four Mile Road" also known as Forest Service Road 645.  There is a horse trailer parking area and a car parking area - both with nice new unisex cement outhouses.  Upon our arrival there were two horse trailers and several cars already there - so our fears of it being too muddy and wet (after yesterdays deluge) were unfounded.

There are actually two trailheads here - they form a large 12 mile loop.  The Anderson Trail is a steep strenuous trail that climbs from about 9000 feet to 11600 feet - just 800 feet below the summit of Pagosa Peak.  It sounds like something we may try someday if we're up to it.  It's a "stock trail" and is recommended for people on horseback.

The other trail is Four Mile Trail.  We're not sure how everything got the "Four Mile" name.  There is a Four Mile Road, Four Mile Trail, Four Mile Lake and Four Mile Falls - all in different places.  Our destination was Four Mile Falls - which is about 3 miles from the trail head.  It's described as a moderate hike (on the Easy / Moderate / Strenuous scale).  We chose our walking sticks from a nice collection that kind hikers had left behind.  (and we're glad we did...they came in handy)

Let me tell you - it's a great hike and a fantastic workout.  A lot of up-and-down and everything in between (rocky bits, meadows, flat dirt bits, water bits).  Isaac said it's a life trail - lots of ups and downs (wise words from one so young...).  Matt and Isaac were both hoping (upon our return from the falls) that that next hill would be the last hill (and it eventually was).

Overall the hike climbs about 600-700 feet to the base of the falls.  So it's much more "up" on the way there than it is on the way back.

Even though the parking lot had vehicles in it - we only met one group of three guys (a dad and two boys) on their way out as we were coming in - we were probably 1/3 or 1/4 mile from the falls at that point.  We did see a LOT of horse "nears" (if you've seen the movie Private Eyes you'll know what I mean) on the trail.  Had to watch our step all the way.  But never once did we see a horse.  They don't recommend horses on the Four Mile Falls trail because beyond the falls the rest of the trail is too dangerous (steep rocky stuff) for them.

There were several small water crossings on the way in.  The rainstorms come pretty much daily here in August - usually in the afternoon/evening hours (they call it the "monsoon" season).  So there were muddy bits to avoid and/or enjoy (depending on your perspective).

We saw a lot of little ground-based birds on this hike - perhaps grouse or plover or some such (we're not birders...).  Lots of mommy birds out with the kids.  The mom would fly up and make lots of noise attempting to distract us from the kiddoes - who remained running on the ground.

We hiked this trail for the first time last year in early June.  There was still snowdrifts on the trail and the water crossings were reasonably exciting.  The falls itself was flowing heavily and had a huge ice/snow drift at it's base that the water ran into, through and out of.

This time - though it was a whole different story.  There was no snow in evidence and all the water flows were down considerably.  As you can tell from the pictures - we walked right up to the falls and could practically have taken a shower in it.  It's still falling from 300 feet up the cliff but it takes several steps on its way down and creates a dramatic "weeping wall" in addition to the lower falls bit.  It was a privilege to get so up close and personal to something that quite honestly was "raging" last June.

We're very glad we started early - because though it felt a bit chilly at the start - we warmed up quickly and the day did too.  By the time we finished (11:30 AM) it was getting warm on the trail.  We met several groups coming in as we were coming out.

We hit the road and got home by about 12:15 for lunch.  A soak in the hot tub was very welcome after today's strenuous activities.  After that Matt and Isaac watched the Kraftwerk Minimum-Maximum concert DVD.  If you're a Kraftwerk fan you'll love it.  If you are not - you will wonder just how nuts these Kraftwerk fans are.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Terrific Tuesday at Opal Lake and more

A calm and sunny Tuesday morning greeted us.  Matt was out biking and caught the hot air balloon just filling up and lifting off.  (more pics)

We had a new destination in mind today - a hike to Opal Lake (full pics here).  It's the first hike south of Pagosa Springs that we have attempted.  The trail head is 20+ miles out of town and most of it on gravel roads.  We headed out of town on Highway 84 (same one we came into town on) and saw the tents for the Archuleta County Fair (starts on August 4th) being set up.  We turned left onto Blanco Basin road and twisted and turned for 10 miles.  We followed (and were followed by) several semi trucks with hopper traillers up to the point where we crossed the Rio Blanco river.  We passed by 7 trucks who were waiting to drop their loads at a ranch and continued on a forest road (660) to the Opal Lake Trailhead.

The description says that it starts out as a strenuous hike that ascends about 800 feet up to the meadow where the lake resides.  Yes - strenuous is a good adjective.  It was a well marked and well-travelled trail (there were many people coming and going).  It was steep in some spots (tempered with flat stretches) and there were a couple of water crossings.  Even a bit of trekking through the Riparian jungle - we felt like those adventurers in the jungle movies.  Opal Lake is called that because of it's milky color.  It is fed by some very mineral rich springs and the water really looks like a milky-blue opal - even when flowing out.

There is some kind of art show affiliated with the county fair.  All week we've been seeing artists out in the wilderness painting.  They've all got their easels and kits set up - grabbing their vision and version of this incredible landscape that God has assembled.  We met someone who had finished his work (or perhaps was escaping the impending raindrops) as we were coming up to the second water crossing.  He said the lake wasn't too much farther...yay.

This second water crossing was the most exciting.  You had three choices.  Ford the flowing water - which was only about 4-5 inches deep at the shallowest bits.  Or walk across a 20 foot balance beam of a fallen tree.  Or gingerly use a couple of smaller fallen logs that wobble a lot.  Isaac went for the smaller fallen logs and also did the balance beam just to show us he could.  Matt and Amy went for the fording the stream option - less risky.

Part of the hike was through an absolutely breathtaking stand of Aspen trees.  They had to be 80-100 feet high and it felt like walking through a natural cathedral.  The camera couldn't take it all in.  We tried with the video camera and will try to get that video uploaded.

The wildflowers are fantastically in bloom and in full evidence on this hike.  There were some delightful butterflies (or perhaps moths) that were enjoying the yellow blooms.

We finally arrived at the lake (which was not really large - but had great quantities of water flowing in and out.

Astonishingly someone had either rode or carried his mountain bike to the lake.  He also had a big backpack. A true hiker/biker/camper.  We're not worthy (but then we don't claim to be...).

We got a few photos at the lake and then it started to thunder a bit.  So we started back.  The best part of the return trip was the fact that we were descending.  Boy are the fronts of my shins getting a workout!  One of those nice collapsible but strong walking sticks is looking like it might be a good investment for the future...

Opal Lake - a definite addition to the list of great Pagosa hikes - as long as you feel energetic and have the proper footwear!

And God had a few more surprises in store for us...a thunderstorm that actually made it out of the mountains and down to the valley gave us a beautiful double rainbow!  More rainbow pics.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Reservoir Hill and Ice Cave Ridge on this marvelous Monday

[link to pictures]
Monday - the day despised by many a person - unless they are on VACATION!  This morning we started out on our adventures a little later then we normally do - but we still didn't have to rush through anything.  Which is good as some of us are still getting used to the exercise in altitude thing.  LOL

We drove down by the San Juan River and hiked what is known to most locals as "the hill".  We know it has reservoir hill.  Basically - this hill is just shorter than many of the surrounding mountains.  It is definitely bigger than hills I climb at home.  (But may be the same as some farther west in the hill country).  Isaac ran up the difficult #1 trail - twice - while waiting for his parents to switch back up the side of the hill on the easier #2 trail.  Matt decided to stay with his wife, otherwise he often takes the 1.  You climb up this side of the mountain/hill and work your way to the meadow.  Then you decide do we keep climbing up to the San Juan overlook or head back down.  We kept climbing and were rewarded with a view that is familiar to us - as we've done this hike before.  It is still pretty breathtaking.
[fyi - we didn't take any pictures on the Reservoir Hill hike]

Instead of back tracking - we continued on towards trail number 14 and wound our way down the other side of the hill.  In total - up and down - the hike is slighty more then 2 miles.  Of course then once you go down the otherside - you have the hike back to your car.  We've done this trail in snow, spring thaw and now summer dry.  You see different things every time.


After a quick meeting at the Wyndham office and lunch in the condo, we were feeling like we wanted to do a little more.  The vote came in and hiking up Ice Cave Ridge won out.  If you've been here before, you know this trail has two claims to fame. . .fissures (big holes) in the ground where ice and snow collect over the winter, and gorgeous mountain views at the top.

At the trailhead  we met 2 couples returning from their Ice Cave Ridge hike. They happen to be from San Antonio.  As greetings were exchanged and of course the comments about enjoying the non-heat here in PS, they told us to try the left fork in the trail up by one of the largest fissures.  You end up climbing about 10-15 minutes farther, but the view is so worth it.  It's right at the end of the bluff.  We were able to see down on the Piedra River, and look across it to the lunch date overlook - where Isaac geo cached and I tried to take some video that wouldn't freak Matt out (btw - I was not successful, he just closed his eyes as he was watching the video.  Sorry dear!) And as you look down towards the river you can really see the River trail - which we will be doing one of these days.

We've decided that this trip to Pagosa Springs we are checking out new trails, discovering new things about some of our favorite trails and enjoying the time with Isaac.

That's all for today.  The hot tub is calling and I'm fixing to get in!

Glorious Sunday in Pagosa Springs, CO

Hey all y'all - it happened - if finally happened.

Matt, Amy and Isaac finally hiked a part of the Continental Divide Trail.  (full pics for the day) We've been trying to do this for about 4 or 5 years, this was the first time that the road up to the Trail head at Lobo overlook was open. This overlook is across from and above the Wolf Creek Ski Area so imagine how high you start and then you go up.  But instead of hiking 3 miles up hill to get to the trail head, Lil' Red was able to get us all up there.  We ended up at 11,700+ feet at the trail head.

We hiked out for about 40 minutes and then turned around and came back.  Why? you may ask.  Well - because we realized we were going down more often than climbing up and we didn't want to wear ourselves out on the first hike in high altitude.  (that's our story and we're sticking to it).  There were many grand views and beautiful picture spots on this hike.  (FYI - our house in Austin is at 735 feet above sea level...This hike started at 11,700...)

When we finished at came back to the Radio Tower at the trail head, we walked over to the Lobo Overlook, had a snack and then climbed a very short way to the scenic view spot.  And wow was that scene view-able!


We were not done for the day.  In past years we have just done one hike a day, but since we were so close to one of our favorite scenic overlooks and to one of our favorite short and easy hikes we decided to add them in to the day's agenda.

Down the mountain we went - first stop our unnamed overlook where we did a little climbing and a little picture taking.  For a little excitement we saw a camper that had to take the run away truck ramp.  Not something I would ever want to have to do.

Then it was a stop just down the switchbacks at Treasure Falls.  We did the half mile hike up to the Misty Deck - which for the first time for us, was not Misty at all.  Isaac got brave and was climbing around below the Misty viewing area.  For those of you who have joined us on this trip - he climbed down from the falls to the bridge, jumping from rock to log and trying to stay dry.  I suppose "good" parents would not have let him do it. . . .instead we were encouraging him on with video and pictures.  It's good practice for him if his life goal is to truly become a stunt man.

Now we are back at the condo, showered, fed and resting up (not resting and fed up...) for Monday's adventures.

Take care and God bless!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

The Vacation Saga begins...again!

We left Austin at 5 AM on Friday morning...it was 80 degrees - destination Santa Fe.
735 feet above sea level.
We started to climb almost immediately into the Texas Hill Country.
We hit US Highway 84 at Goldthwaite Texas - as we angled our way northwest across the state.  We would stay on this highway (off and on) all the way to Pagosa Springs, CO.
We drove into and through the Texas Oil Country (stinky stuff).
Just a unique truck we saw in Santa Fe...
Hit Abilene and tried to find dry ice for the freezer stuff in the cooler (finally successful after 3 tries).
It was 90 degrees and climbing.
Hit Lubbock and drove into the Texas Wind Country (more wind generators than you could shake a stick at).
It was over 100 degrees.
We saw a Krispy Kreme donut shop and just HAD to stop and use their rest room...hah hah.  Matt and Isaac indulged in the 400 calorie donuts...
We drove through the town of Muleshoe Texas.  Always wondered what Muleshoe was like and now we know (um...not THAT much different from every other town...)
And on to New Mexico...stopped in Clovis to get a NM map.
Over 100 degrees still...and still...hot hot hot.
Major railroad line through there we saw 4 big freight trains in a row (stacked up like a traffic jam).
One train was transporting military vehicles - it was quite a sight.
At Fort Sumner we turned right.
Last year on the way home from Pagosa we listened to a book on tape about Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.  Fort Sumner was a pivotal location in the story - so it was neat just to drive through.
We headed north across the desert to Santa Clara and saw something that was a first for us this summer.
A thunderstorm and RAIN.  It was a fabulous thing to feel and see.

We hit Santa Fe about 6 PM and opened the doors of the car to...80 degrees!!!
Refreshing with a capital R!

Next morning we continued on US Highway 84 from Santa Fe to Pagosa Springs.


They say it's monsoon season here...which means beautiful mornings and a chance of thunderstorms every afternoon.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Pagosa Springs in 22 days

Matt, Isaac and I are heading to one of our favorite vacation spots: Pagosa Springs, CO.  The count down at home has begun.

PS - here we come!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

A PS for Saturday

First Saturday photo and Saturday video (farewell to San Francisco)

I know I said adios yesterday, but there were a couple of things we wanted to add to the blog about today. 

Matt was up really early so decided to go back down to China town and get us some fortune cookies from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie factory without the fortune in them.  Basically - the fortune cookie - just not folded - just flat cookies.  The lady who took time from her fortune cookie folding to take his money said "here is some extra happy" and put a handful of the fresh ones in the bag.

We took our first cab ride together.  We no longer think the bus drivers are the craziest drivers around.  LOL

We then boarded the BART train that would take us to SFO.  We were there plenty early as going through check in was a breeze - except for re-arranging packed items so no bag was over 50 pounds. 

At our gate Matt found a restuarant that we just had to try.  It was called Cat Cora's - (she is the one woman on Iron Chef).  The food was delish - Matt had the slider trio (1 spiced pork, 1 wagyu beef and 1 lamb).  I ordered the lobster mac n cheese.  Wow.  Cat Cora was not there - but the food was awesome anyway. 

Back to wait at the gate for the plane that became very late!  We departed 1 1/2 hours behind schedule so we knew the connection in DFW would be tight if not impossible.  My seat mate was a Dad and his little girl who was so sweet - she insisted that she share a cookie with me.  Turns out he bought those almond cookies at the same place in Chinatown that matt bought the flat fortune cookies.  And - although I have never personally traveled first class, my carry-on bag now has.  We were in the first row behind first class and that's where an open overhead bin was.  :-)

We did arrive at DFW and proceeded to run/walk as fast as possible to make it to the gate.  (thank goodness for the Skytrain).  We got to the gate assuming it is gone as we are very late.  Nope - the plane had difficulties and first it was delayed and then they put us on another plane all together. 

But now we are safely back home (about 11 PM - over 12 hours since we started our travels back home) and we have to play and sing in church tomorrow.  They sent us the hymn numbers while we were in San Fran.  We'll run through them in the morning before heading to church.  Morning will feel very early!  Thanks for reading folks.  This time I really do me adios until the next trip.

Friday, April 15, 2011

And we'll have Fun Fun Fun on this Friday in San Francisco, CA

Friday Fotos and Fideos
All about Chinatown Walking tours.  That is the name of the tour we took for 2 hours this morning.  It did not feel like 2 hours. . . .our guide was so informative, creative and just plain fun that the time just flew by. 

We met up with the group (a relativly small group of 10 people compared with her 90 6th graders yesterday) at Old St. Mary's Cathedral.  Once she introduced herself individually to everyone - we were off on our tour.  The tour included things like a park, a health store,  food market, chinese fortune cookie factory,  a monestary and so much more.  For a bit extra in price you could eat Dim Sum with Linda Lee (our tour guide).  We chose not to do that as we had just eaten wonderful chinese food on Wednesday.  If you are ever in San Francisco - we highly recommend this tour.

Next up after a brief stop at the condo to put on cooler clothes (the temps were warming up) we walked down to 6th street and found the Passion Cafe.  It is a little french bistro where we had a yummy lunch.  It is a good thing there are so many hills here - the food is all delicious and very filling.

After lunch we headed to the SFMOMA otherwise known as the San francisco Museum of Modern Art.  Umm yeah.  I am sure there is one painting on  a wall, that, had I known it was art - I would never have made Joe and Isaac help me scrub it off of their bedroom walls.  But - we walked through a couple of floors and then decided we had been modern enough for the trip and headed to a sheet music store.

Rows upon rows of music for almost every instrument imaginable (including voice).  I found a piece that I had been looking for and we were off again.

Back down to Fisherman's Wharf - only this time on an F train.  This car was originally from Milan, Italy so many signs were in Italian.  Each F train we've ridden on has been different.

We walked around the wharf again, first shopping for souvenirs.  It was hard - but we stayed in our budget!  yeah!!!

Next we explored Musee' Mechanique (Matt started there I was distracted by the big WWII submarine that was docked outside).  Word of advice - bring your quarters!  We heard player pianos and orchestreons.  We saw games from the far far past all the way to present day.   It was fun to see all of these things in one place. 

More walking up and down the wharf and then we decided our last meal (at least evening one) would be at Johnny Rockets.  Matt had had enough sea food and what could be more unseafood like than a burger at the home of the orignal burger (so says their sign).  Coupons from the Entertainment Book also helped in that decision.

It was time to catch one more cable car.  We were fortunate enough to ride on the outside seats and were right up front so Matt was able to get some pretty cool video and pictures.  All I can say was WOW!~  That was probably the most fun cable car ride yet!!

Now it's time to get a little laundry done and pack it into the suitcases.  We fly home tomorrow.  It has been a wonderful trip.  And, if we ever decide to come back, there is a whole list of things to do and places to see that we were not able to do this time.

don't forget to check out our new videos and pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos
Adios until the next trip!!

Explore! Explore! Explore! Thursday 4/14/11

Howdy folks. Today's theme was definitely explore!  (Thursday photos and videos)

The faithful 30 bus took us in the direction it was supposed to to get to the Palace of the Fine Arts/Exploratorium.  I'd give you the exact direction - but after this trip I'm glad I at least still know up from down.  (you go up hills and then down hills to get to your chosen destination). 

The PFA is columns and statues and a park - and holds the Exploritorium in a building next to it.  As we approached the Center column area - (the pictures and video will help you here) we could hear beautiful soprano singing.  Couldn't understand a word because it was an Italian opera aria, but we could appreciate the beauty.  It was just a perfect accustic setting. 

Then we explored some more in the Exploritoium.  Electricity, sound, light, gravity - it was similar to the Museum of Science and industry only smaller and everything was HANDS ON!  We were definitely the minority today - PWC - parents without children.  But Matt especially had fun going from exhibit to exhibit.  I think he spent an 1 1/2 in the light area alone! 

We spent a good chunk of the day there (10:00 to 2:30),  but it was well worth it.  Our next exploration once again found us on the trusty 30 bus to take us closer to Fisherman's Wharf (not Worf).  Our plans were to catch the cable car that goes past the top of Lombard street before it begins it's crazy curvy descent (the street not the cable car).  BUT - the line was really, really, really, really LONG.  So we checked in to what other buses we could take and decided to catch the 19 to Lombard street.  (Hee hee hee).  We were at Lombard street facing a pretty steep climb.  But - go for it we did.  I happened to chat with someone who lives half way up the hill as we were climbing.  His thoughts were - "at least I live on the bottom floor and not the unit that is at the top of those stairs."  There were a lot of stairs for that person after climbing up the hill.

Still climbing for another block and one half - we finally reached the top of Lombard Street.  You can't see how the road curves from there, but it is really pretty.  We got a couple of shots from the top and then Matt, ever the gentleman, said he would walk down the street and then come back to meet me at the top of the next block over.  I will be honest - I was dreading the going down and back up.  Did I mention it was a really steep hill for pedestrians?  Only the driving part has been broken into curves (or switchbacks for you mountainy people). 

When Matt made it back to me we continued down hill on Hyde to find what we have been told is the best kept secret in the City - ZA's Pizza.  It was pretty good pizza.  Very friendly atmosphere.  And cheap!  Both of us ate our fill for 15 bucks. 

After being refreshed with a slice and a soda we headed off to catch a cable car.  It is so much fun riding them.  I've had to ride and this time stand for all the ups and downs, but it is truly an experience.  The only thing we haven't done is be on the outside seats.  Maybe tomorrow.

We hopped off of the cable car and checked out the free Cable Car Museum.  Lots of interesting history about the cars and lines.  And - you can watch the cables turn.  We spent a good amount of time there too. 

When we finished in the museum, we had planned to just walk downhill to catch a bus back to the condo.  But, I happened to notice that you can see the bay bridge and said" do you feel like walking down to the bay?"  Matt was just crazy enough to say yes.  So we walked. . . . .and walked. . . . .and (you get the idea).  But it was fascinating.  We ended up going through a part of China town that we had been in yesterday.  We walked by the restaurant where we ate lunch and the "coupon lady" was out front to give us a coupon.  When we said we ate there yesterday and it was yummy - she looked at us and said - "Oh yes, our first customers of the morning. "  I can't believe that she remembered us. 

We kept walking down to the Embarcadaro (it was an above ground road that fell in the 1991 earthquake. Now it is at sea level with the surrounding streets ) and then decided we would explore some more and get a bus over the bridge to Treasure Island.  So, we turned right so that we would not accidentally walk into the bay (I threw that in to see if anyone's paying attention) and a few blocks later found the terminal we needed to get across the bay.  We went across the bridge to Treasure Island - a former navy post - and took some really neat pictures of San Francisco from the other side of the bay.  Most things were closed because it was nearing 7 pm, but that's ok.  We hung out there for quite a while enjoying the breeze and the awesome view.

We caught a return bus back and wandered up Market St. to find a bus or train back to our home away from home.  Our walk was rewarded with the music of a very talented drummer.  We finally found the bus and worked our way back to the condo.

Now it is time for bed.  Tomorrow we are going to take the All about Chinatown Walking tour - and we do not want to be late for that. (again. . .;-( )

Y'all have a good night now ya hear?

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Murphy's law of vacation

There is Murphy's law.  And then there is Murphy's law of vacation.  (Wednesday photos and videos)

1) the only day when you really want to be somewhere at a certain time, the sun doesn't wake you up.  (someone remembered to close the drapes the night before and it was raining). 

2) In Chinatown - when they say the tour leaves at 10 am - it leaves at exactly 10 am.  (We arrived at 10:03 and they had already departed!)

3) They day you pick to walk through the museum of Modern art is the one day of the week they are closed!  (Wednesday - really?)

4) You go to take a picture of something really clever only to discover you left the memory card in the computer when you were downloading yesterday's pictures.

5) you try to take a short cut through Ghiradelli Square and end up walking up a very steep hill twice!  (ok - we needed the exercise). 

6) you find this really neat thing called a wave organ - designed to hear the ocean through pipes.  Really neat looking but, you get there at 3:00 and you can't hear anything.  You then see a sign that says - the organ is at its best at full tide (hours away) and during a full moon. 

You'd think what a lousy day - right? Nope!  With every Murphy lemon we managed to find or make some lemonade!

The numbers below refer to the numbers above:

1) We were still in the condo to talk to both Nana and Joe

2)Since we were in Chinatown anyway we decided to explore a little on our own and discovered a delicious restaurant called "Chinatown Restaurant" (who would think it)  and a music store where Matt had a ton of fun and bought himself something special.  We also found out later that Wednesday's tour was for 65 grade school kids - so we wouldn't have wanted to tag along.

3)We found a pretty cool park called Yerba Buena Gardens.  Peaceful and pretty.  And walking through there we found Beard Papa's Sweets.  (cream puffs - yum - better find some more hills to burn off those calories). 

4) As we were starting the climb back to the condo (we could have taken a bus but decided not) we came upon a Walgreens that had memory cards on sale ($9.99 for 2Gb)!!  And now we could catch the F train!

5) Because of this "short cut" maybe I burned off some of those cream puff calories.  :-)

6) The views around the bay were pretty spectacular.  And it was very peaceful out there.  We climbed down some rocks onto a little beach and just watched the sail boats and ocean liners work their way in and out of the bay.  So even though we could only hear the wind through the pipes. . . we had a wonderful walk out and back.  It was all very romantic.  (Just so you know. . . I can hear you gaggin all the way out here, Isaac!)

We ended our day with a bus ride back to Sutter street.  As we climbed the street to our condo - Matt happened to notice a store that had Loads - and I do mean loads of Tin Tin everything.  Books, mugs, original prints.  He was in Tin Tin overload heaven.  And we found out that they are releasing a Tin Tin movie hopefully in December here in the States.  I love watching the guy when he gets excited like that!!! 

Happy hour pizza and really good beer at Piraats and then we called it a day. 

Tomorrow we are going to try to do that Chinatown walking tour and the Exploratorium.  But we will just have to see what the day has to offer. 

So when life seems like a Murphy's law movie - look for the lemonade!

Over hill over dale as we hit the Golden Gate trail. . .

What a gorgeous Tuesday.  Our destination today was Golden Gate Park and the Academy of Science. 
The walk there (well, mostly train but then we walked) was a little different.  We had left the businessy districts and entered into more neighborhoods.  The people were very friendly and on the way we noticed that Kiki seems to own this town!  LOL - See Tuesday photos and videos.
As we walked passed the ball diamonds in the park we chanced on a blue heron.  Proud as anything he had his head in the grass for a little bit and then came up with a mouse and proceeded to eat it.  Matt tried to video - but he wasn't watching from the start and I didn't want to startle the heron.  You don't see those every day in Texas. 

We continued on our walk to reach the California Academy of Science.  It was a nice place - kids probably love it.  In fact - there were a lot there enjoying it.  Seemed like it was homeschool and preschool age kids day.  We went pretty quickly through their aquarium part as we saw a lot of the same kinds of sea creatures yesterday.  But the swamp and rain forest area was totally different and totally hot and humid. 

We did attend the planetarium showing of "Life a Cosmic Story".  Well - it was a good time in the dark to take a little relax.  I think we heard the word evolution and big bang about 100 times in 30 minutes.  if anything the show made me agree more with a Creationist view point and young earth view point then their view point. 

The last thing that we did there was climb into the above water rain forest to see plants, snakes, birds and butterflies.  Matt was able to get some pretty neat pictures. And I can't forget the silly penquins (African mind you).  There was one that was definitely showing off for the crowd. 

We decided then to take a train and a walk down to Ocean Beach (more up and down).  Can you guess what we saw at the end of the road?  You want to say ocean don't you - but we saw sand.  Dunes.  Big ones.  Not as big as Lake MI at those sand dunes - but big enough.  We trudged  (I don't think there is a better word for it)  up the sand and down the other side and Oh mylanta!!  The ocean was rough, powerful and just amazing.  No way this developed from "evolution of cosmic dust and cells". 

There were a couple of wind surfers out in the waves and it was mesmerizing to watch them. It takes a lot of skill to juggle a big kite (or sail) with your hands and manuever your board with your feet.  If Isaac had been with us - he'd probably want to try it out.  We were happy watching them and staying dry.

We boarded the N train back towards our neck of the city.  We were the 3rd people on and by the time we reached our stop it was standing room only and a juggle to get off.  But - I really like being able to use city transportation to get from here to there. 

We decided to try a different spot for supper (dinner for these city folks).  It was called La Scene and arranged its menu by acts.  We arrived for happy hour at 5 and decided to eat there as well.  I've never had crab risotto before - oh was it good!!!! Matt had a lucious piece of lasagna.  We were there for over an hour and we were the only people there.  The rest room attendent told me that they get really busy after the theater closes at 9 or 10.  ahhhh. . . . .they also have great specials then, but we were happy, sated and needing to walk off some risotto. 

So instead of bussing home we walked a couple more hills and decided to call it a night. 

Until tomorrow - I say goodnight and God bless.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Cloudy with a chance of Seagulls

ahhh.  Yet another fun-filled day here in the Bay areaMonday videos.
We started our day with a breakfast sponsored by Wyndham.  After giving them a quick survey we were off yet again.

Today we rode our first cable car down to the pier.  It was quite an adventure.  We were seated inside (those outside seats go quickly) and enjoyed riding down the steep hills as opposed to climbing them.  (my legs have discovered muscles they never knew about or forgot about, alternately climbing up and then down the mighty streets of San Francisco.  LOL

Down at the bay we headed for Pier 39 - destination - a Blue and Gold bay Cruise.  It was a part of our City Pass packet and it was fun.  The boat goes out under the Golden Gate bridge, turns around in the deeper water of the ocean and then returns to the pier by way of Alcatraz Island.  We didn't take the tour of Alcatraz but were able to see most of the way around the Rock and got lots of pictures and video. 
On the way into and out of the bay we passed the resident Sea Lions at pier 39.  They are pretty fun to watch. 

While on the boat - we had a couple of sea gulls  riding the air currents towards the bridge.  They'd be even with the boat and then gone on a strong current.  But they would be back and forth many times out to the GG bridge.  Just one of those simple things in life that is great to watch.

Lunch was at Bubba Gumps - yummy shrimp 5 ways.  We just shared and were ready to see the Aquarium by the Bay.  In this aquarium you walk under tubes of water filled with fish from the small sardine and anchovie to a mighty shark.  (one tube for fresh water and one for salt).  The octupus was playing hide and seek but the whole experience was a lot of fun.  At the last part of the tour you can (and we did) touch Sea stars, baby leopard sharks, sea cucumbers and Rays. 

Then we took a bus up up again.  Destination - Coit Tower.  Matt decided not to take the elevator to the top but I went up with the camera to see what I could see.  I could spend hours up there gazing at the city. . . but knew the Man of Lower Heights was waiting for me at the bottom. 

We walked back down to the bay and caught the F train back to pier 39.  Someone left her blood sugar monitor at Bubba Gumps - now who could that be?  Retrieved it and took another train to catch the Hyde and Powell cable car back up the streets. 

That cable car station is very popular and we had a wait in line.  We were entertained by a street musician.  (they all seem pretty good around here) and then boarded our car.  Once again seated inside.  Going up is so much different than going down in the car.  This route had many steep ups and steep downs with the brakeman advising us to HOLD ON!!!

We were headed for Za's pizza (have heard it is wonderful) but decided to save that for another day and ate at Sears (Fine Foods - not the department store) instead.  LOL Matt had the blue plate special - meatloaf.  He commented that he had never had meatloaf that good.  I just gave him the pushed up eyebrow and a hmmmm.  Backpeddling commenced. But I let him off the hook and enjoyed my gourmet mac and cheese. 

After supper we wandered around union square.  Heard another street musician - a trumpeter - playing "A Mighty Fortress is our God".  Echoing in the square it was music to our ears.  It was so delightfully surprising to hear that hymn here!

Looking forward to tomorrow's adventures either the academy of science or the Wave organ and exploritorium. 

Monday, April 11, 2011

Oh what a beautiful. . .

Oh what a beautiful ocean - oh what a beautiful bay. We've got the wonderful feeling. . . . . .the bus will be going our way!!!

It was a be-u-ti-ful day here in the San Fran area (Sunday Photos start here - Sunday Videos are here).  We hopped on the 76 bus and rode it out across the Golden Gate bridge to the Marin headlands.  Matt shot video of the ride across the bridge. . . . I was just gazing.  I pointed out to Matt that people are walking across!  He just shook his head.


When we reached the headlands we hopped off the bus at the visitor center and looked around.  It is the chapel of the former military post of Fort Cronkhite.  Then we decided to hike over to the Fort via the lagoon trail.  some up and some down steps brought us to the sandbar that divides the lagoon from the Pacific Ocean.
The wind was in our hair - the smell of the ocean was refreshing. . . . and Matt forgot to put on sunscreen or his hat.  His face is a tad red right now.

We were not in a hurry and ambled on this hike.  Took lots of ocean pictures on the camera- the flip - and cell phones.  We hiked up another trail to go see Battery Townsley.  Matt made it all the way - I stopped and enjoyed the ocean view thinking it was just too far to go on.  Ugh - it was just another bend in the steep road.  But he said it was great - and I enjoyed my great view.

The trail down was easier.  We meandered around the Fort buildings.  Most are now used for offices of the National Park service and other non-profit organizations.  The old enlisted men's club is now a high tech lab.  Some of the buildings are used as meeting rooms for non-profit organizations.  But from the outside, they look as they would have looked back in the early 40's.

We enjoyed more ocean views and I talked to someone who was taking pictures of his "flat" son (if you haven't read Flat Stanley - it is a cute story. )

We caught the bus back to the Golden gate bridge stop.  There you can walk a path for many views of the orange bridge.  On one side - the San Francisco Bay area.  On the other - the Pacific Ocean.  Again, we saw the people walking and biking across the bridge.  Matt told me to go ahead and do it.  But he would not be joining me.  I decided to stick with him. 

Then we waited for our bus.  and waited. . . .and waited.  It was either an hour late or we missed the one before it.  We did some people watching as we waited.

Matt had a groupon for a place called the Pour House.  We were more than ready for a meal and a drink.  They didn't serve food - but he said call the Thai place next door and they will deliver here.  So we enjoyed some beverages - Matt had ale.  I had hard cider.  Strongbow cider - it may be my new favorite.  And the thai food was pretty good too.

Then the short walk back to the Wyndham and we called it a night.

Monday's agenda is either our bay cruise or a museum.  We haven't decided yet.  But I'm sure it will be beautiful day!!!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

San Francisco Here We Are!

Well - here we are on a new adventure.  This time the MA in MARJI are in San Francisco - the city by the bay - the city on the hills - the city with soul, snap, savvy, savoir faire...

We'll put all our pictures in one place.  With links to the first one of the day on each blog entry.
And we'll put each days videos (taken with a Flip Mino) each in their own folders.
Here's the videos for the Saturday April 9th.

M joined A at the airport and we took the BART from SFO into Powell Street station.  We had prepaid for round-trip vouchers online - so just had to pick up two round trip BART tickets at the SFO information desk.  We went to the wrong place and had to withstand a rude BART employee tell us (twice) that we were in the wrong place to pick up the tickets.  Sheesh...excuuuuuse me!

We were amazed that the BART was grungier, louder and in most sections under ground.  It is also electric - so we didn't clomp around in our big carbon footprint boots...ha!

We disembarked the BART and immediately went to the San Francisco Visitor Center (just off the Powell Street station).  We got advice on how to get to 750 Sutter Street with our luggage.  We have a City Pass which gives us...(http://www.citypass.com/san-francisco)
- 7 day Municipal unlimited transportation (busses, san fran trains and cablecars)
- Admittance to 4 museums, 1 aquarium and 1 boat ride on the bay

So - they recommended catching the bus - or just walking it.  It's about 5 1/2 blocks...uphill (it turns out a relatively mild uphill compared to others around here...).  We arrive too early to check in (our room was still being cleaned) so they checked our luggage into the bellhop and recommended places within three blocks for lunch. 

We lunched at Lori's Diner - which had relics from an earlier time than either of us really remember.  They had a nice tribute to Liz Taylor with a bunch of memorabilia too (sorry - didn't photo that stuff).  We had a terrific lunch and used our 20% off coupon.  Had a Chocolate Coke.  Check the photos for the scoop on that.

Wyndham called and let us know our room was ready.

We headed back and unpacked.  Check out the pics and video of the room - it's a 1 bedroom (the smallest on the floor because of the stairwell cut into it - but it's verrrry nice.  There are only 12 rooms on this floor (there are 10 floors) - so everything is compact and nice and close.  Laundry at the end of the hall.  We got room 702 so we're on the 7th floor.  No great view from the rooms but no matter.  Super spiffy digs.

We decided just to explore and ended up on a grand adventure that took us...
...up some gradual hills into Nob Hill neighborhood
...to see the Powell-Hyde cable car stop in the middle of an intersection (turns out that that IS the stop for the cable car)
...to see 90-degree parking lots
...to the top of Russian Hill and the beautiful plants, gardens and smells it has.
...down, down, down to Fisherman's Wharf and the Powell-Mason cable car terminus (where they turn the cable cars around by pushing them on a roundabout).
...To a great little clothing store (one of hundreds) that had some nice comfy San Francisco windbreaker jackets (the wind really really needs breaking...) for 13.49 each.  His and Hers matching - how cuuuute.
...To the waterfrontpiers, Boudin's Bakery (home of sourdough bread to the world) and finally Pier 39.
...Bought a shamrock shake at mcdonalds so we could legimitately use their bathroom.  (The public bathrooms were closed and lots of people and kids were "dancing in the streets"...
...Headed out to the ends of piers to get great - but chilly - views.
...Ate at the Pier Market on Pier 39.  Mmm - fantastic seafood and yummy beer.
...Took our first "Muni" ride on the 8x bus from the wharf(-ish) to Sutter street (actually Union Square because the driver didn't let us get out at Sutter).

We stopped at Walgreens and picked up some highly overpriced groceries.  (ok - maybe just moderately overpriced - but when they know they've got you - they know they've got you). 

8:30 pm - finally got back to the condo and got the pictures and videos off the camera.

Tomorrow - plans are to go to the Marin Headlands on the 76 bus (which runs right in front of the condo - out over the Golden Gate bridge and into a nature and preserved area north of San Francisco).  This bus only runs on Sundays so we've got to take advantage when we can!