The first stop on our west coast road trip: San Francisco. We arrived at our old friend Tyler’s around 10pm, four hours later than expected. Our first rental SUV had died about ten minutes after setting off towards the 5. That’s right, we didn’t even make it onto the highway. A two hour layover followed at a beautiful park in Santa Clarita overlooking a SoCal wildfire. After a 90 minute soccer session, Dennis’s parents brought us hamburgers. The new rental arrived shortly after. Tyler’s a Coast Guard warrior from the ATL. He and Dennis, a Navy warrior himself, volleyed military abbreviations and acronyms for a few hours. Tyler and his wife were great hosts. Franklin only bit one foot. It was a good night capped off with some delicious bay area pizza.
The next morning we woke early, crossed the Bay Bridge and the adventure was underway. Chinatown, Little Italy, the Wharf. It was gorgeous. Not a cloud in the sky all day. Perfect walking temps, just cool enough. Brad and Alyssa met us for dinner at Alioto’s (not sure of the spelling of this place and don’t really care enough to google it. It was an overpriced, tourist spot, I think. at least my meal tasted like it. I’m sure the city can do better.) We had booked two rooms at the Sheraton at Fisherman’s Wharf. Nice place. Overpriced lattes. Seven dollars for a double? No thanks. I walked the few blocks separating the hotel and the nearest Peet’s. Smart move.
The Flip is now charged, finally. Today it’s the Haight, Coit Tower, then the 101 north towards Humboldt. It’s hard to think about moving back east when the west coast is so damn beautiful and inspiring. Lots of photos and video to come.
San Francisco > Humboldt > Crater Lake > Astoria > Seattle.
