swarthy seals and an iconic red bridge

Backtracking a bit on our West Coast adventures, which began in San Francisco. Mike and Annie had never been, and my only visit was brief as my girls and I were running in the Nike Women's Half/Full Marathon. So thankful to have had a place to stay with Annie's friends from college, and they were gracious in taking us around to their favorite places!

Have you ever been somewhere and could completely see yourself living there in the future? That's how we felt about San Francisco. Something about the proximity to the ocean, the endless restaurants and breweries, and the ability to (somewhat?) get around without relying on a car...it almost seems fake. Like really, I'm walking around Universal Studios in the Jaws section with the seagulls crying and the wind gently rocking the bells on the boat's masts. 

oh hai

Even though we crammed a ton into this three week trip, we were never stressed about a single thing. It was the epitome of the 'no-plan-plan,' just taking each day as it came and knowing when our flights were to the next place. 

The first day we had to be tourists, of course. 

The seals are my favorite!

this guy reminds me of a southern baptist preacher... "HEAL this SINNER, JESUS!!"

Mike doing the Bernie down those steep, steep hills

a bit star wars, no?

The second day we opted for the bike tour of San Fran, the one where you follow the loop at your own pace, eventually crossing the bridge and cruising down to Sausalito. SO worth it, even if you have to walk your bike up those dang hills half the time (like me.) 

 picture-ruiner!

 so dang cold

Sweet Ximena took us to her most favorite 'secret' spot, a park that used to house a grand bathing house right on the ocean. Now it's lovely to look out over the water and explore the ruins, dreaming of how it used to be. 

And to dream of being the little mermaid. 

We wrapped up the visit with lunch at the Google office with Megan, our Melbourne buddy who lived down the street. And now we want to work for Google one day, if only for the free lunches. 

and the view from her office!!

I have a feeling we'll meet again one day, San Francisco.