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.

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?

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.

Cloudy with a chance of Seagulls

ahhh.  Yet another fun-filled day here in the Bay area.  Monday 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. 

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!!!

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!

Vacation Oh Wonderful Vacation

Pictures are here.

Up until now we've been a little silent on this Pagosa Springs vacation. We've just been too darn busy having fun! :-) We've hiked familiar trails like the one to Treasure Falls - Ice Cave Ridge and Piedra falls - and four brave souls ventured out on a new one to see what lay at the of trail to Four Mile Falls. On the way you notice Isaac had to hold up a tree so that everyone could get past. Way to go big guy! On this vacation we were joined by Eric and Deanna Martens and their children, Dave and Stacy Lentz and their children (all first timers to the Pagosa Springs area) and Ben , Zach and Joe were back to have some more fun before heading off to the navy and college. We were very happy that they could all share this special place and time with us - and we hope they all had fun.

This week in Pagosa Springs we stayed in Eagle's lofts and in Teal landings - met for a couple of meals - and everybody enjoyed doing some things together - but mostly did their own thing. (We hardly saw the older boys at all - which is how it was supposed to be on their senior trip LOL). The blue grass festival was just kicking off as we all were packin' up. A few took in the free concert.

One family went to Mesa Verde - I hear they had a wonderful time. If they blog as a group - I will have them link their blog to here.

Of the Hikes - Nicole still hasn't told me which one she liked best - I think she'll get back to me on that, but not the one that just went Up - up - up (ice cave ridge).

I didn't go on as many hikes as usual - but hopefully next time I will be fit as a fiddle and ready to go on them all. Of the ones I did this year - I liked the Ice Cave Ridge. I always seem to find something new up there on the ridge to see. Although this year I did not do any crazy dances on the edge. I stayed well back.

The kids also had a lot of fun at the rec center. I heard that some even tried out the racket ball court.

Our deck had a great view of the lake and a great mix of shade and sun so we were able to use it a good part of the day. A wonderful place to relax and read. I'm finished with all of the books that I brought along!


Until the next vacation - I don't know where that will be!

Amy & Matt

Chunks of Pagosa

If you zoom out a bit on this map - you'll see that Pagosa Springs is a city that spreads out along highway 160 - and it's basically in two big "chunks".
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108777437559785341342.0004868e632274ca4f160&z=15

When you're coming into town from the east - you hit the downtown area first.  This is where most of the touristy stuff is (souvenier shops, visitor center [a great place to get lots of info], the hot springs and spa, theater, river walk, and the resevoir hill hiking trails [featuring the beautiful San Juan Mountains overlook].

Then you keep heading down (and up) 160 for about 4 miles and you'll get to the resort area.  Golf courses, condos, restaurants, grocery store, etc.  That - of course - is where our condos are.  Give us a call when you're getting into town and we'll guide your way in! 

Where ya' hikin'?

Link to info about the area - http://www.visitpagosasprings.com/

We are big fans of hiking trails that can be as easy or vigorous as you want it to be.
We especially like the ones with a reward at the end – a beautiful view or waterfall!
We’ll plan and lead a hike every day for those who want to come along!

http://visitpagosasprings.com/colorado/activities/colorado-summer-vacation/hiking

Thoughts for hikes and days (depending on the weather and our whims!)
- Sunday - Resevoir Hill (if everyone hasn't arrived yet) OR Treasure Falls/Pagosa Overlook (if everyone has arrived)
- Monday - Reservoir Hill or Treasure Falls/Pagosa Overlook
- Tuesday - Piedra River - a "short version" and "long version" (for those wanting a challenge)
- Wednesday - Piedra Falls - our "longest drive for the shortest hike" that is worth every mile
- Thursday - Lobo Overlook/Continental Divide - this is the "challenging one"
- Friday - Ice Cave Ridge - ice and snow in June - yes indeed.  And one mighty fine vista up on the cliff.

If there is any interest - we can do a little geocaching...
http://www.geocaching.com/
Pagosa area caches...
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?lat=37.26945&lng=-107.0097617&dist=25

An alternative route...

For those who'd like to avoid driving in Denver metro area and the mountains (except for a little bit over Wolf Creek Pass - you can't avoid that)...I offer this Google map.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108777437559785341342.000486d5207717b523701&z=6

Basically it takes a left from Interstate 76 onto a very lonely highway 71 (fill with gas before you hit it because there's nothing for almost 100 miles) and it gets back on Interstate 25 on the south end of Colorado Springs.

There's even a tiny little burg at the intersection of Highway 71 and 36 called "Last Chance...".

Pagosa Vacation 2010 - random info

Weather and Clothes - Main advice is dress in layers and be prepared to layer on or peel off.  When the sun is out it's plenty warm (especially if you are hiking hard).  But when it's not it can be downright chilly (and always is first thing in the morning and after the sun goes down).  Our hikes aren't too crazy - so a supportive pair of tennis shoes (that you don't mind getting dirty) will do.  If you have hiking boots - of course - they will make your feet happier...

Sun and Bugs - bring sunscreen and bug lotion/spray.  You'll need both.

Cell phone coverage - it's pretty good around the main roads - but once we get off the beaten path - it's very iffy (few cell towers and lots of mountains to get in the way)

Altitude change - Pagosa is around 8000-9000 feet (and one hike takes us up to 10800).  Watertown is about 1700 feet high.  So you will notice that a couple of things...

1) Any toiletries that are in bottles or tubes (shampoo, sunscreen, etc.) will swell up with the change in altitude.  make sure you have them all in plastic bags or you just may have a nice mess on your hands (and clothes and stuff).  They seem to do it both going up and coming down.  

2) You will get winded faster - keep hydrated and take breaks when you need them.  Don't push so hard you hyperventilate or pass out.  We don't want to be carrying anyone!

Condo goodies

- Washers and Dryers - bring less clothes because you can easily wash/dry with the over & under units in the condo.  Wash every day if you like - we typically do a small load every day!

- Dishwasher - they all have a dishwasher and give you enough detergent capsules to run a load a day.

- Flat screen TVs and DVD players - also a CD player/radio

- Toasters/blenders/crock pots/ice makers - These are all in the condo or available to us.  If you don't see it - we can ask the front desk - they are verrry accomodating.  Bring your favorite recipes (or hook into recipes.com...)

- Linens and pillows and stuff - Linens, Pillows, Towels, Washcloths are provided.  If you have a favorite pillow - bring it.

- Swimming pools and hot tubs - bring your suits and if you have swim towels you like - bring them - they're nicer than the ones they provide, typically.

Around town

- There is a Wells Fargo bank in town - and several others with ATMs.
- Golfer?  Bring your clubs because there are three 18 hole courses right on and around the resort.

- Grocery store, gas stations and restaurants are nearby.  You can get a free Kroger customer card at the grocery store which will save you money in the store and at their affiliated gas station.

- Choke Cherry Tree - awesome little shop where they make a bunch of delicious stuff that make great gifts.  Free samples abound...especially their home-made caramels...

- Pagosa Springs hot springs and spa - Pagosa's original claim to fame is the hot springs (one definition of "Pagosa" means "stinky waters") and they have a neat setup - with 12 different pools of different temperatures (from one down by the river [brrr] to one called the Lobster Pot).  It's very relaxing and would be a treat for moms and dads...

Sunday Night

- Sunday evening at 6 they have an event by the registration desk where various area people/vendors show and tell about their wares and they give away free stuff.  Attendance is totally optional - but it's fun if you've never done it before and want a chance to win some free swag.  (examples of past stuff we've won - bag of caramels, ticket to Pagosa Springs Hot Springs, horse-drawn wagon ride and cowboy supper, gift certificate)

Check out this posting and more at...

http://weseloh-vacation.blogspot.com

Summer 2010 Colorado Plans

Information for Family and Friends!

Google Map for the Resort and Area
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=108777437559785341342.0004868e632274ca4f160&ll=37.263884,-107.077571&spn=0.012876,0.019248&t=h&z=16

We'll be staying in the Teal Landing and Eagle's Loft condos.
The condo's have wi-fi in each unit - so we'll be updating this blog with vacation info as it happens!

Google Map for travel and highlighted attractions
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=108777437559785341342.00044b64c26e223ea2e9e&t=h&z=6

Notes from Austin Preview Trip

Notes from Austin Preview Trip

Matt and Amy Weseloh

January 2010

 

We took a preview trip to Austin, Texas from January 16th to January 20th 2010.

Why? Matt's employer is centralizing to Austin and has offered a relocation option.

 

The Situation

Matt and Amy Weseloh (and family) live in Watertown, South Dakota.

Their oldest son attends college in Watertown.

Their middle son is a Senior at a local church-based private high school.

Their youngest son is a freshman at a local church-based private high school.

 

They have previously lived in the Dallas Texas area from 1998 to 2005.

 

The Trip Goals

1) Experience Austin firsthand

2) Learn about real estate in the area

3) Learn about the high schools in the area

4) Learn about churches in the area

5) Learn about the employer site

Results

1) Experience Austin Firsthand

We timed our trip so that it included a holiday and would give us one more day to explore the area.  We had both time and budget constraints for this preview trip so our choices (free and cheap) reflect that.

 

There's a lot of free and cheap available in Austin - by the way!

 

First of all - look at our Google Map for highlighted places we experienced.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108777437559785341342.0004791125f54b6309d41&ll=30.33851,-97.698669&spn=0.490089,0.480652&z=11

 

Second of all - review our pictures and their captions

First set - http://picasaweb.google.com/marji.weseloh/Austin_explore_Day1#

Second set - http://picasaweb.google.com/marji.weseloh/Austin_explore_days_3_and_4#

 

Third - get an Austin Visitor's kit from the Austin Visitor's Center

http://www.austintexas.org/ 

We also recommend getting the GoLocal Austin card which entitles you to discounts at many area merchants and restaurants.

You can either get a card online through the Visitor's Center "Deluxe Visitor's Package" (that's what we did) or pick one up at almost any merchant that lets you use one.

An excellent map for visitors is this one (which we picked up at the Visitor's Center on 6th Street)
http://www.mapamerica.com/Austin

 

As you can see

- we dined (at a lot of unique, neat and not too expensive places - and we just scratched the surface)

- we drove (all around the Austin area in all kinds of traffic - it's all there depending on where and when you're going)

- we hiked (a tiny bit around Mount Bonnell and downtown - and found there are miles and miles of opportunity in and around Austin)

- we listened (we caught free live music at the airport, at Hickory Street Bar and Grill and Flipnotics Coffeespace)

- we watched (a movie at Alamo Drafhouse, people in general - Austin is a melting pot)

- we worshipped (at Holy Word Lutheran in Austin)

We got re-aquainted with both Texas drivers (fast - turn signals optional) and Texas roads (Texas exits/entrances and the unique u-turns under overpasses).

FYI - Our GPS was an invaluable tool to find all of our destinations.

There's a lot of being in the right (or left) lane at the right time...

There are some toll roads - so have some spare change along just in case it's on your way somewhere.

We managed to avoid all of them.

 

One of Austin's slogans is "Keep Austin Wierd".  That's about right - the uniqueness (or wierdness) shows up in all sorts of places.

2) Learn about real estate in the area

We had two realtors recommended to us before our trip and we had both of them "show us around" both the area and a few selected homes that were for sale - just so we could get a feel for things.  We had too many unknowns to get really specific - but it was a very useful few hours spent with each.

 

Here is their contact info:

Jay Ferguson (recommended by company people who moved to Austin last year from Oregon)

Relocation Specialist, CNE

Keller Williams Realty

ph. 512 844 4065

email: jay@nwaustinhomes.com

www.nwaustinhomes.com  

 

Mary Patterson (recommended by local people in the church)

Realtor, GRI, ABR, ASP

Keller Williams Realty

ph. 512 689 4264

Email: mpatterson@kw.com

 

We were impressed by both and would be happy leveraging either one as we pursue things further.

Because of her affiliation with our church (Mary is the pastor's wife) we will probably continue with her.

We found each to have their own approach and opinions (of course). 

 

We received some PDFs of pertinent area information from Jay and I've put them in the Google docs folder.  

- Austin Area Map

- ActivitiesAndFamilyFun

- 100ThingsToDoInAustin

- Parks and Nature Preserves

 

3) Learn about the high schools in the area

We gathered lots of opinions about the schools in the area and combined it with the information online about the schools.

 

We wanted to get real information from real parents of students in the schools - so we tapped into both corporate employees and parents with high school age kids at the area churches.  This is just the beginning of this information gathering process.  It's a little more intensive for us because we're coming out of a small and private school situation - and are looking at the large and public schools.

 

We understand - so far -

- Your public school is directly connected to your homes location

- Since the population (and tax base) is growing - they are bulding/expanding the schools on the north/west sides constantly

- Different schools have specialties - medical, engineering, fine arts, science, etc. - and of course sports

- A new high school typically is filled by taking the new students and building it one grade at a time (instead of forcing kids to move from existing schools)

- There are LOTS of extracurricular opportunities

 

Here are some more PDFs of school information as well

- School District Links

- SchoolDistrictsMap

- Private schools List 2008-09 Suzzane

 

4) Learn about churches in the area

Our church family is very important to us and we learned in advance that we have several congregations (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)  in the Austin area.

 

We attended one on the Sunday morning (Holy Word) after we arrived and visited others.  The Google map shows where they are located.

Contact me to find out more about the WELS churches or look them up on www.wels.net.

 

We found that the church family is a terrific way to learn about the area in advance of your visit.  People are very willing to offer their honest and real-world opinions and suggestions.

 

5) Learn about the employer site

I was able to tap into some employees who have recently gone through the relocation process to Austin (moving from Corvallis, Oregon in 2009)

 

These two people responded to my request for information and were very helpful.

- Slezak, Lee J

- Johnson, Michael A (Java Guru)

 

The employer site is an old Tandem computers corporate facility and hasn't entirely undergone the transition to the corporate standards trumpeted by our real estate folks.  It's a comparatively small site (compared to Plano's building) and has a wide variety of office and cube styles.  On the first floor I saw the IT executives offices (very nice), a bunch of inside corridor offices (very reminiscent of the old EDS Education building offices in plano), cubes with half-high community walls (like you'd see in a call center) and full-height cubes.  There were also some first-come, first-served mini-rooms where an employee or leader can go to have a private conference call with network access.  There is an employee cafeteria (very small with limited hours) and an on-site exercise room and outdoor pool.  Neither of my contacts have used them or seen anyone using them.

 

The road to the site is in pretty poor shape and the signs are pretty run-down.  Perhaps we're trying to keep a low-key presence since we have a high-tech datacenter next to the office buildling (and behind all the guards and big fences).

feeding the troops

Hey all -
sounds like we are totally coming up with a feeding frenzy plan for our vacation.

I didn't mean to sound like I can never feed the guys staying in our condo. Hope it didn't sound that way. Tom, and Aaron can come with Joe as well - they'll be like part of the family.

Just wanted all to feel like if they want to take off with their family to go do something other than at the condo - they didn't have to worry about what was for lunch or dinner - or the time of lunch and dinner. It's vacation - who wants to be on a schedule?

That being said - we'll let you know about the waffles. Glad everyone loves them (I can work on fruit or something to go with them).

love, amy

Are you Jellin' for some Dellin'?

Weseloh's and Schackenbergs and Lueckes converge on the Wisconsin Dells at the end of July.
Are you ready...?

Thursday - Piedra River Trail Matt & Amy's adventure

This is the lost blog of Matt and Amy Presume - who went hiking one day along the Piedra River near Pagosa Springs, CO.

It all started innocently enough. "we will have Ross drop us at the trail end at First Fork Bridge and he and Isaac can hike Ice Cave Ridge at the Trail head and we will meet them there" said Mr. Presume. "they will have to wait a little bit for us - but it will be ok."

They are not sure what went wrong. (Other than forgetting to tell N & P that theychanged their hiking plans - sorry).
They were dropped off at the trail's end at the First Fork bridge as planned at 10:30 am. They presumed it was a 5 mile hike to the William's Creek Bridge (according to word of mouth sources and you know how reliable those are) - and then a 3.5 mile hike to the Piedra Trail head from there (again distance given from the same w.o.m. source)

Matt and Amy P. are climbing a lot and keeping the river on the right to try and keep from getting lost. It is a beautiful trail. They don't remember 5 miles ever taking this long before - but they are not in the flat lands of South Dakota so they can't use their regular walking time as a guide.

The flowers are pretty. They grow out of the driest lands. But - they aren't taking much time to stop and smell them.

They knew we needed to cross 3 creeks before they'd get to William's Creek. The first was a puddle jumper - no sweat - great cuz the legs and lungs were getting pretty tired from climbing and climbing. Matt and Amy presume the others will be similar. The second was an adventure - it was running pretty fast and they had to cross it on a fallen tree.

Matt be nimble! Matt be quick - oops - Amy almost fell into the ragin' crick! (It's funny now, when they look back at it) :-) No photo op here - they were too busy trying to stay dry - lol.

Climbing again - up up up. The land is beautiful, peaceful. They finally see some horseback riders - who just say - "ya doing the whole trail?" And Mrs. Presume came across a man taking photos who commented - "you do know that you are doing this hike the hard way don't ya?"She'd started to get that idea.

At one point they came across an interesting stone marker. Was someone lost at some point? Wandering in the woods? Or does it have some other sort of significance? Is Jimmy Hoffa buried here?

The couple kept plugging away. The trail has to end soon. Mr. Presume was getting a little worried that they were on the wrong trail - even though they'd met up with a few people - but that seemed like hours ago.
"Mrs. Presume just kept thinking - as long as the river is on the right - we're ok. "
They still had another creek to go. His GPS battery had died and there was no cell signal to be had. They were truly alone out there.
At one point Matt suggested they turn back and try to get ahold of Ross to pick them up. Amy didn't think that was a good idea for a variety of reasons.

1. That seemed like giving up.
2. She didn't think we'd have a phone there either.
3.She'll stand on the edge of many a cliff - but I didn't want Ross driving that curvy windy road twice.

Finally creek numero tres - (I think Spanish when I'm tired ha ha). It had a bridge - hurray. Followed by a switch back that went up, up, up, up, up, up, up (you get the picture). Mr. Presume at this point is getting a second wind. Amy is on her diabetic end and know that they have pretty far to go yet.

Mr. Presume is waiting for Mrs. Presume at the top of the switch-back. She tried using a walking stick to go up that. She must have picked the heaviest stick in the forest - (which BTW - some of the trees looked like Fanghorn Forest for any LOTR fans - maybe it was just the low BS. )

The view at the top - and the breeze - almost/ok helped her recover a bit.

Matt is getting farther and farther ahead now. They are still remembering the mantra - keep the river on the right. The two see another bridge that is pretty low down - that can't be the WC bridge - I don't remember that much of a climb last year. Nope that bridge is over the actual river. They keep walking.

They see someone fishing. Good news - it isn't far at all now! Strange news - from where they began hiking - they will have covered 8.5 miles (mostly climbing) to the WC bridge. They information they received was wrong last year. The whole trail is not 8.5 miles - it is closer to 11. It is taking us longer - because of all the climbing and Amy having to slow down because of low BS. They still have no clue about what time it is.

Mr. Presume reached the meadow.That means the bridge is near. At the bridge there is a celebration of splashing with creek water and gearing up for what they think is another 3.5 miles. Matt takes off before Amy so that if Ross is waiting he can go to the trading post and get her something for her blood sugar.

When you are on the last part of the trail - there is a couple points where you can see Piedra Road. Amy presumed she saw the NaPa van going in the wrong direction. "NOOOOOOOO!" she shouted in her head. She picked up the pace as much as shecould.

Turns out Ross and Papa were looking for cell signal. Matt presumably found it at the trading post (a couple of great hikers gave him a ride down there. )

Ross and Papa picked us up at the Trail Head weary but in one piece! The trail head is 500 feet higher than the ending where Matt and Amy Presume started. No wonder they climbed so much.

When they made it to the van - there were many different exclamations - all repeatable btw - and some might have sounded like "I'll never hike that again! But now, as they sit here - having finished it and not quite as sore - maybe they will do it again someday.

Maybe - but with some changes - the biggest being - WE START AT THE TRAIL HEAD!

That's all for now -

Wednesday - Colorado High

Today Papa got to take a watercolor painting class and came home with a great work created in a new style.

The hikers (M, A, R, I) pushed it to the limit today - starting out their hike at the highest road point along highway 160 - Wolf Creek Pass. At the summit of the pass there are two continental divide trails (one running south and one running north).

First we tried to the south trail - only to find immediately upon entering the woods that it went from trail to snowdrift (with trail underneath). We tried this for a while - but decided to try our hand at the other side (which was more of a known quantity for us because we tried it last year, too).

On the north side of the highway there is a road (Lobo Overlook 3 mi.) that leads to an observation area and microwave transmitters. The road is closed to vehicles (when covered by snow at any point) but open to hikers.

It's uphill all the way to an elevation of 11,720 - starting at 10,800. All of us reached our personal high points and lived to tell about it. We've even got photographic evidence.

It was exhausting and exhilarating!

Wednesday's pics are here...

Tuesday - Piedra Falls Hike

If you are ever in the Pagosa Springs area this is one hike that is totally worth the effort. It takes driving, a shortish hike/walk that at the end gives you an awesome reward - a double falls.

Our trip today started with a stop at the Lunch date geocache that was about half-way to our hike. While the cacher's were searching for their prize - the more adventurous ones were searching for photo ops on the cliff-side. We were rewarded with beautiful scenery. Amy discovered that while she she is not afraid at all of heights - she does have a little fear of her children being close to the cliff-side edge. She eventually had to send Isaac away from the edge because she just couldn't watch him any more. She however stayed there(how's that for a double standard). Ross was able to get some awesome photos, Amy was running our video camera while Matt was gazing at the awesome mountain vistas on the other side of the road.

When we were ready to move on from there i.e. - the sane were able to get the risk takers from the edge - we continued our drive on to Piedra Falls. All 6 of us traversed the path to the falls and stayed for quite a while - some climbing up rocks and down - some just staying down closer to the waters edge.

The afternoon and evening were just spent relaxing. This vacation spot has always been made for and filled with just that. Fun and relaxation.

Tuesday pics here