San Fran and More with Grandma Karen

March 22, 2010

Karen flew into San Fransisco to ride back with us.

After breakfast, we headed out to see San Fran.

First stop...Golden Gate Bridge Park!

I know, a standard now on the JHK tour.

Soso and Grandma Karen.

THIS is what a photo of people at Golden Gate

should look like...

Proof that is does matter who is behind the camera.

I appreciate the photo...even if it sucks!

Where is the bridge?

Sophia shows Karen the view

of Alcatraz...She knows it by heart.

Birds! Sophia chases down pigeons.

New tactic...squatting down, calling them.

It didn't work, but it was pretty cute!

New vista!

Across the street from the regular spot

is a killer view from the hilltop.

Bunker road, out to Bonita Point.

LOVE IT WHEN THIS IS THE ROAD!

Wow.

It didn't feel like we were anywhere

close to the claustrophobic city.

Our destination-Bonita Point Lighthouse

from a distance. We decided to hike out to the point.

The flowers were covered in ladybugs!

Too easy a photo opp.

Harbor Seals!

Sophia taking in the flowers...again!

Getting closer to the lighthouse.

It was a good walk out to it...

downhill.
Tried not to think about climbing back.

The hawk that Sophia was pointing out.

Taking a break for a snack.

Another snack.

We were waiting for the tunnel

out to the lighthouse to open.
We came this far...had to wait an hour.

FINALLY!

The homestretch...

notice the ear rubbing.

We were running out of time
before Soso was done.

First glimpse!

Oh boy!

(Click on the photo and read the sign)

As if the roads weren't enough thrill...

now the suspension bridge of death!

LOVE IT!

I heard Indian Jones song in my head...

MADE IT!

Point Bonita Light

You had to wait in line to go across in pairs.

Seriously, only two on it at a time!

I'm not kidding, there was a ranger on each side.

I'm glad I got to do it before they change it!

Going back across the bridge.

Yes, that's a scary drop to rocks and waves below.

Karen and Soso crossing

We watched the waves crash in

through this arch for a few minutes.

Powerful.

The anchors of the bridge

with flowers growing up around it.

Good-bye cool lighthouse!

Taking a break on the hike back...

Sophia only made it one curve back

in the truck before she passed out for a nap.

The tunnel was so tight that only one

direction of cars could go through at a time.

We went in search of lunch!

We found the town of Sausalito.

Right on the bay.

Cute downtown.

Our choice was

Seven Seas Greenhouse Restaurant.

The tables were in the back

in a quaint open air area.

We then hit Point Reyes National Seashore.

It was very WINDY and very cold,

but very beautiful!

The lighthouse there was closed for the day.

High cliffs above the beach

Deer on the hillside...

There were cow farms all over

the national park!?

See anything weird...the signs don't match

directions.

Just drive slow...and easy.

Elephant seals...HUGE!

Elk...surprising!

After a good bit of driving and navigating,

we made it back to the city.

It was getting late for Sophia, so

I paused (since there was "no parking" where I stopped)

in Fisherman's Wharf to let

Karen grab her dinner: sourdough bread bowl

with clam chowder.

Did a little drive through tour of the downtown area too.

Chinatown, scary part and touristy part, accidentally.

Fun filled day!