Walk #2 from the 'Stairway Walks in SF' book!

Today was an afternoon set aside to do another walk from the 'Stairway Walks in San Francisco' book. David and Vasi were also available so after lunch we hit the trail.

We planned on taking the bus but were able to have another friend drop us off at Bay and Mason. This made parking a lot easier..... The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky and temperature was about 70 degrees. We started the walk at 1:30 p.m.

We decided on doing the Walk #2 in the book because this was David and Vasi's first time and we wanted to have something in the middle of the walk that would be interesting.....I'd say a tour of Coit Tower would be the ticket!

I photocopied a map for everyone, I had the book and my iPhone with the map loaded in the RunKeeper as I did on the previous walk. We began the walk in the pre-1849 shoreline!! Crazy to think this part was under water!!

I read the history printed in the book as we traveled the streets. At point #15 and right before Point #21 it was a little confusing and the four of us had to put our heads together to figure it out. Ah! David was right!

They've lived in SF for 25 years and they'd NEVER been inside the Coit Tower! To go on a day like today was the BEST!

Walking to the end of the Kearny cul-de-sac the view of the 'lowlands', Marin County, boats anchored at Pier 39, the view of Pier 35 and 33, AND a ship!

This photo was taken at this spot - see the ship and the bay bridge.

The book states that this location is a great little spot to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July! Hmmmm......have to remember that one!!

The second set of stairways on the walk. Dick making his way. At the top is Coit Tower.

I turned around and this is what I saw.

Yes, in the middle of the photo, at the very top, the green area,

is the crookedest street - Lombard!

Made it!!

Not too sure about the face I am making but had to post the traditional pic, "holding the book"!

We paid the $5 each and took the elevator to the top! Yup, INSIDE the nozzle of Coit Tower!

Yes, that is the blue sky peeking through! Told you it was a gorgeous day!!

Looking out all of the plexi-glass windows inside the tower. The views are spectacular!!

After the tower, we made our way down an absolutely beautiful stairway. The gardens were lush. This is the area where wild parrots like to hang out. Unfortunately we didn't see any - THIS TIME!

A new word for us is 'twitton'. We walked down two of these types of streets today. A twitton is what the British call a small, charming street.

We were a little rushed because we had to pick Taylor up from school at 3:25. The walk took 1.5 hours. WHEN we do this walk again, I'd give myself 2.5 hours!! (The book suggests giving 2.5 hours for each walk) We would have LOVED to stop in one of the few 'watering holes' for a few sips of a cold one, stayed longer up in the tower, sat on a bench in the gardens, or even spend some time looking for those parrots! I know there will be a next time. It was a great walk.....even during the confusing parts!

SNOW!!

Taylor asked if we were going to visit the snow this year so we took him to Tahoe a few weeks ago. Yes, one of those weekends when the news reports were telling everyone to STAY OFF THE ROADS to Tahoe. Well, we got the memo but had a beautiful house waiting for us, a fun weekend planned and our friend David insisting that we'll be fine in his all wheel drive BMW X5. OK, let's go for it.

Well, long story short, instead of a 3 1/2 hour trip, it took 5 hours due to closing the road, traffic backing up and a snowstorm to slow everyone down. Good part is that we made it safely and had a blast of a weekend.

Dick and Taylor digging out the car to gain some traction so we could move it into the garage.

ICICLES!! BIG ONES!!

Before Taylor took his one hour private lesson, David was a great teacher too,

teaching some of the basics. Taylor was a good student!

After the lesson, David took Taylor to the hill! First time down was tough, but Tay did it again and came down SMILING! Loving it! BLUE SKIES and sunshine, we were loving it too!!

The next day everyone went sledding! It was soooooo much fun!! On the last two runs, Taylor wanted to 'race' with me. I won both times and Taylor wasn't too happy about it. This picture was taken after I won and Tay is TRYING to smile. hahaaha...I still like the pic!

The house we stayed in was awesome and we hope to go again, taking the entire family next time. I know Amy, Andrew, Erika and Kaelyn would love it. Just have to have the right vehicle and make sure the roads are clear.

The OUTLAWS

After arriving back to SF from our Santa Cruz weekend, Dick's brother David and his wife Morri, along with Morri's cousin CeCe were having a good time at the house! We went to dinner and enjoyed an evening catching up.

The next day Dick and I went on our morning run, while the other 3 walked Gabby. We saw one of our favorite dog walkers. Just had to stop and take this pic. I think that is a record - 10 dogs on leash!! Thought it was cool right next to The Palace of Arts!

After exercising, we drove the scenic route to The Beach Chalet for lunch - on Ocean Ave., window seat of course!! Always pleased with the service and food here!! It was a gorgeous day so we thought we grab the chance and go up to Twin Peaks. The views never cease to amaze me - especially on such a clear day.

I call this one - BUTTS! hahaha!!

Morri and David!

We dropped CeCe off at the hotel she'll stay in while visiting her other friends, said our goodbyes, and the four of us tootled around Union Square..... always enjoying the company of family and friends. I LOVE going to the hot spots in the city and usually only go when people come up!

The next morning Morri and I went on a good walk up the Lyon St. steps and around Pacific Heights - a good little 3 miler. The two of us are 'In-Laws" but we like to refer to ourselves as rebel 'Out-Laws'! hahahaha!!! Morri and I don't get THAT many opportunities to talk so I am glad we grabbed this morning! They departed SF back to Visalia after lunch and promised we'd do this again!