We be Trippin'

Made it out to SFCA for a week of fun-ness. Mother Nature showed us her best side as we saw sun all week: no rain, few clouds, and very little fog.

Got in Friday before lunch, and headed into our flat for the week - 4 BRs just blocks away from the center of boy's town (The Castro). Very nice pad, but the bar/restaurant below the front & the random drunks on the street were a bit noisy.

Welcome to the Castro

Got up Saturday & headed to Alcatraz to do the tour, then had a rehearsal dinner in the evening at Yank Sing.

Welcome to Hell

Officer's Club

Looking towards Angel Island

Remains of Warden's house

9' x 5' cell

Officer's Club

Wedding the following morning in the Shakespeare Gardens, immediately followed by crepes & mimosas in the park.  The big gala was held later that evening at the General's Residence - vittles were supplied by 4 food trucks (Onigilly, Kasa, Kung Fu Tacos, The Chariman) & the officiant supplied tasty home-brews for the adults.

Looks accurate

M. le Crêpeur

Strolled the 'hood before going to bed.

This brought the lulz

Moar lulz

Monday, we hopped on a bay cruise, which took us under the Golden Gate Bridge & around Alcatraz Island. We then strolled Fisherman's Wharf, walked along the Maritime National Historical Park, Ghiradelli Square (don't waste your time), and went through the Aquarium of the Bay. Finished the day with a nice family dinner at Catch restaurant.

'Twas windy

So, a seal walks into a club....

Balcutha, 1886

We ate some of their relatives Saturday at dinner

Tuesday was our day in Napa valley: hit up Stag's Leap (stuck up & snooty), Silver Oak (the good stuff was very pricey$), Silverado (very friendly) in the morning. Lunchtime was spent at Bistro Jeanty, then dessert at Bouchon bakery. We finished up our wining at Grgich Hills (meh) & V.Sattui (tasted a port I really liked!). Hit up Takara in Nihon-machi for dinner.  

On l'y a bien bouffé

V. Sattui had some goods

Headed east to Troy's house the next morning, and after a quick stroll around Land's End we loaded up & headed across the bridge to the headlands. Drove through Sausalito, then some scenic roads on our way to see the redwoods in Muir Woods. Busted a move up to Mt. Tam, then back down to Stinson Beach to grab lunch at Breakers. Hit some other sights as well as a quick run-down of the all the single-track in the area. The fog that had blanketed the are in the am was gone by the time we got back to Conzelman Rd, so we had a clear view of the city. Cruised down by Rodeo Beach & back over the bridge to end a fun day with an old Denver buddy....thanks so much for the tour Troy! Mally's parent planned on hitting up Yummy Yummy for dinner, so we headed directly there for some good Viet-food.

Ruins of Sutro Baths

Foggy morning

WWII lookouts

Watching for subs

Fog had cleared by the time we got back here

Thursday morning we headed west to visit the CA Academy of Science, fun for kids of all ages, then worked our way back east to Chinatown, in search of dim sum for lunch. Some relatives mentioned eating at a great place Saturday, but didn't know the name - only that is was on Pacific St. After walking the entirety of Pacific, we chose Great East restaurant: the Pres just ate here, so we figured we could settle. Finally got on the cable cars - took one northbound, then another southbound, stopping at Lombard St to take a gander at its twistiness. After getting back to the crib, we chilled for a bit then walked next door to Amasia, where Ruth met us for some sushi & sake.

Living roof of CA Academy of Sciences

Hanging with the Prez

That was good

Lombard St

Our chauffeur

I tried

Packed up Friday morning & said goodbye to Noe St, and Ruth picked us up to head towards her place before heading to our evening flight. We strolled the bayfront to see the Wave Organ, but the tide was too low for it to work. We then hit up one of the coffeeshops I wanted to try: 4 Barrel....tasty stuff & overflowing with hipster-ness. We looked at some tile & siding with her, since she is in the never-ending process of fixing up her newly-acquired home (Congrats Ruth!!), then grabbed lunch at The Ramp. Finished up our SFCA tour w/one final taste of some real good coffee at Piccino, who serve Sightglass beans - friggin' real good! 

Latte art

Roasted daily

Had to bring one home

With parking like this, how could you not drink here?

Wave Organ

Cool fog over the bridge

Sightglass selection

Do want!

Brought one of these home too

Very cool city that we definitely want to re-visit.