We spent the first two nights in San Francisco on Potrero Hill with Mary Katherine (my grandma's cousin who is basically like a third grandma to Emily and I). We told my grandparents and Mary Katherine that we simply wanted to be tourists in San Francisco and see whatever we could pack into one day. So on an exceptionally foggy Thursday, Zach and I...
- Rode a cable car
- Walked along Pier 39 to see the sea lions
- Drove to Fort Point, viewed the underside of the Golden Gate Bridge, and learned how to fire a cannon
- Drove down Lombard Street and ate at Mel's Diner
- Drove to the Cliff House and put our feet in the water
- Ate ice cream at Ghirardelli Square
- Drove through Golden Gate Park and Chinatown
- Drove to the top of Twin Peaks, where we could see absolutely nothing due to the fog
Beautiful day. San Francisco pictures were somehow separated from the rest--I'll post those to my album later. Day 2. Santa Cruz with Brandon and Madeline
We spent Friday with Maddie and Brandon who took us to Waddell Beach to hike inland and see the Redwoods. We then ate a picnic lunch on the very windy beach and watched the kite surfers. After lunch we drove to the Boardwalk at Santa Cruz for a couple of rides and to put our feet in the freezing water. We finished the evening with In-n-Out Burger, animal style. =)
Day 3. Monterey
Zach and I attempted to enjoy a day to ourselves in Monterey. Unfortunately the rest of the world had the same idea and Monterey was busier than I've ever seen it. Our visit to the aquarium was shortened due to the crowds and abundance of strollers, so we drove along the coast and took the 17 Mile Drive.
Day 4. Mountain View & Sunnyvale with Drews Family
On Sunday morning we were able to go to St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Mountain View--the church I was raised at. I miss this church and it's open and warm atmosphere so much. There's something so refreshing and encouraging about services where people raise their hands with prayer requests and Bible classes where members admit that they are confused or uncertain. After a relaxing lunch and nap, Dan took us out to Shoreline Lake where we attempted to paddle boat for an hour.
The trip was short but it was good to get away. I'm mostly glad I had a chance to let Zach see where I grew up and to meet my family. Sorry, this post is kind of dry and feels like a PowerPoint, but that's about all I have to say for now. If you want to see more pictures, here's the link to my album:
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| 2009: California Trip with Zach |
