2nd Annual Bike the GGB 10/08/09

Since it was so much fun and successful last year, we decided to do it again! Deb Toland and Lori Reed came up from Merced on Wednesday evening, had dinner with David Nash and Jim Hurlbutt.  

I was a little disappointed because in the morning it was FOGGY!!! UUUGGHHH!!! Every day before this had been beautiful!! But, Lori convinced me not to fear, have faith, the sun will appear!! Well, first stop before picking up the bikes at Ghirardelli Square was Gabby's graduation from her Animal Assisted Therapy Program!

This was taken outside of the Retirement Home

I did not really know what to expect... but the class gathered in the entry then made our way to the 'Activity Room' where about 12 men and women were sitting in wheelchairs.  We were to take our dogs and greet each of them, letting them touch or hold them.  Gabby was very interested in playing with her classmates in the beginning. Then, she settled down and was loving the attention.

We approached a man that was slumped in a wheelchair. I placed Gabby in front of him and he grabbed her head and began massaging her ears - he'd done this before.  I asked him if he ever owned a dog and he replied with slurred speech that he did, he had a Labrador.  I asked him if it was a black lab? He shook his head, "No white." Now, on the corner of my eye, the trainer and Director of the home quickly looked at each other in disbelief! I could hear them state they were shocked to hear him talk! I asked him if he liked cats.....he shook his head and said an affirming NO! hahahaha.....it was amazing! For those few minutes he was able to come out of his 'shell' and connect with me - all because of Gabby!! I think this is definitely something that Gabby and I are going to enjoy and I look forward to our next 'job'.

So....after we touched the hearts of our new friends at The Heritage, Dick took Gabby home and we continued on to rent our bikes.

One of the main reasons that THIS day was chosen was because it is the start of Fleet Week in SF where the Blue Angels, other aircraft and ships arrive for the weekend. Today - Thursday - is a practice day for the Blue Angels and we wanted to experience the THRILL of them flying over us while on our bike ride - Goal Achieved!

The traditional first photo!

Lori, Deb and Me

Love the views!

Lunch in Sausalito - the BEST bowl of clam chowder!!!

The Blue Angels flying over us, while on the ferry home

One of the Blue Angels, far left corner, flying over the city!

Wish you could feel the thunder from these guys!! Amazing!!

So as you can see, we had perfect timing! When we were on the bridge, the Angels were flying over us!!! It is very difficult to take a picture because they are flying soooooo fast!!! Plus, we are just so excited to be so close to these amazing pilots, taking a photo is challenging! Digital cameras with the screen in the back is an added difficulty because you cannot SEE very well in the sunlight! That we were able to get a few photos is pretty lucky!

I am always surprised to be reminded that San Francisco is such an International City - I love that!! We talked to tourists from Italy, Spain and France! One of these days, I will sit in one location and ask every one that passes, "Where are you from" and I will bet that I could get just about one from most countries!  

Another great trip with amazing friends! Thank you God for the blessings of these women! If you are interested in joining us, mark your calendars for this week in October 2010....hey, it may be close to 10/10/10!!!!! Uh Oh, there may have to be a BIG celebration planned!!!!! hahahaha