A Golden Adventure

Four and a half years ago, I got a little bee in my bonnet bike helmet, about riding across the Golden Gate Bridge. My parents are pretty good at entertaining my crazy ideas, and my dad especially if it involves bike riding. 

So, my mom, dad, and I biked from the Palace of Fine Arts, across the bridge, into Sausalito, took the ferry back to SF, and rode the Embarcadero, Fort Mason, Marina Green, and Crissy Field back.

That last post-ferry leg was into the wind, and nearly killed my mom and I.

It has taken me 4.5 more years to want to do it again. 

This time, I'm in way better shape, and I knew about that last leg.

So, I told my dad, that on MLK Day, we were going on an adventure. With zero hesitation, he agreed!

We headed up to the City, skies were blue, the air was starting to warm up, and bicycles and dogs were plentiful.

My dad even let me use one of those special pant leg wraps. It makes me way more legit.
And keeps my pants from getting holey.

Also, this time, my bike has a cushioned seat and a basket. 

We had to stop about every 50 feet for a new picture of the bridge.
Thank you for your cooperation, Pops.

I have had a decade long love affair with this bridge.

I went to college in the North Bay, and would drive across this bridge to go back and forth. 

I honestly think I had the best "college drive" of anyone I know.

(Sorry Highway 5-ers, I hope you enjoyed Harris Ranch).

The best part of riding across the bridge, is riding UNDER IT. 

It's kinda freaky if you stop to think about it. 

I just stop to take photos. 

And save the thinking for later.

I didn't know this when I was on this adventure, but each tower has a name. 

Please meet Beverly. 

She's the north tower.

(Her sister is Eleanor, the south tower)

While we were riding, a guy going the opposite direction yelled "YOU DROPPED SOMETHING".

So we pulled over, and I wasn't sure what.

My dad said another guy yelled to him "THERE ARE DOLPHINS OUT THERE".

So, maybe I misheard the first guy?

So we stood along the Pacific Side (when you walk you go on the east/Bay side, when you ride a bike you are on the west/Pacific side), and looked far and wide for dolphins.

There were a ton of Sea Lions floating, and playing. 

But no dolphins. 

I was kinda bummed.

 And, we made it across. 

I didn't even have to walk my bike once.

There is quite a hill to get up to the bridge.

And the bridge itself is an incline until you reach the middle.

And we were riding into the wind, so we couldn't even coast on the decline.

And we had lunch at the cutest little restaurant, Cibo, along the main drag in Sausalito.

 Followed by ice cream.

Because, when you go to Sausalito, it's the law that you have to get a scoop of ice cream.

And then we decided we should get in line for the ferry back.

It could be a while for the next one if we didn't get on.

Thankfully, we had no problem.

 And the views were spectacular.

And you cruise right by The Rock.

Which, is another of my favorite places.

Seriously. I love Alcatraz. 

I have never seen the Bay so calm.

And then we were back in my favorite city in the world.

We hopped on our bikes, and rode back to our start.

Along the Embarcadero, past all of the piers, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Fort Mason (I rode up the entire hill there too!), Marina Green, and Crissy Field. 

It was SO much fun.

I can't wait to do it again.

And I won't be waiting 4.5 more years either.

Adventure Day (One of Two) 2011

I had last week off.
It was delightful.
And just what the doctor ordered.

A fabulous way to wrap up 2011.
However, this week I may be regretting it slightly...but hopefully not.
I've got my butterscotch pops ready to roll.

They are my self prescribed medicine for work related stress.

Anyway, back to Adventure Day.

Last year, Betsy, Margaret and I had an entire Adventure Week.
This year we had one day that all three of us were available.
And a second day that Margaret and I were able to venture out.
But I think we successfully crammed a lot of fun into these days.

It started with a text from Margaret on Tuesday morning....what are you doing today?
My response: gym, errands, etc.
BO. RING.

She says, let's do something.
I say, while I get ready, you figure out an adventure.
The suggestion is ice cream in Sausalito.
Because...why not?

We wrangle Betsy into our plans.
And head north.

Heading north on 101 is one of my favorite drives.
Well, besides heading south on 101.
They are both pretty awesome.

This used to be my drive to college.
Sorry SoCal college kids,
but Golden Gate Bridge > Harris Ranch.

Betsy and Margaret bring the artsy to the party.
I bring the camera.
It works out well for them.

I also take sneaker shots of cute dogs.
Because....well...
just because, that's what I do.

Margaret & Betsy each displayed their excitement appropriately.

And we dined on fish & chips, sammies, fried zucchini, and ice cream crepes. 

Yummers.

We walked the main street, people watching, and more than likely being the subject of people watching - since we were giggling up a storm, and had an impromptu photoshoot along the water front.

And then, as we were just about to away to pop into some of the shops, this guy caught a crab.

It was kind of exciting.

So why stay in town for ice cream, when it is much more exciting to hop in the car and get it somewhere a little more spicy!