Discover SF Bay all over again!

     Taking a hint from Weekend Sherpa today, we went on a hike in Pacifica on the Sweeney Ridge trail. Greg pushed the timing back and Annie already had plans, so with my two 'AG' members fighting...I ended up hiking alone with Greg. We were planning on hiking closer to the South Bay, but with the change in participation - we decided to go somewhere closer...Pacifica! What a gorgeous hike - sweeping views of both the Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
     The beginning was rough...especially since I haven't been doing much exercise. It was all uphill for about the first mile or so but then leveled out and was then downhill on the way back. There were some pretty wildflowers along the way, and then the Nike Missile site full of abandoned buildings all graffiti-ed up. So strange to think that at one point - we had a nuclear missiles pointing at the clouds to protect the SF Bay. That part isn't as picturesque - but you can see the monument to where Spanish explorer, Portola, discovered the Bay...and then turn around and head right back down to the Orchid Nursery.
     Although we didn't shop for Orchids today, we DID go to Gorilla BBQ for some pulled-pork sando's with that delicious BBQ sauce.

Here is Greg taking a break from waiting in line to pose (DO expect a long line and wait)

It was good - but I wouldn't say amazing. Still, a solid sandwich after a moderate hike. The corn on the cob was fresh and tasty - but don't expect anything extra added on. The mac and cheese was yummy (I stole a bite from Greg), but he seemed to love the cornbread muffin even more. Go for a hike, enjoy the beautiful views, and then stuff your face with BBQ!

Walk from SF to Sausalito?!?

     Walk to Sausalito!?! That's crazy talk...but Kelly said that she'd done it and I trust Kelly. I've biked, but have never done the hike. Honorary JAG member and the JA of JAG decided that we should hike across the Golden Gate bridge to get wine and play bocce. I'm always a fan of exercise with the greatest reward of wine, so I was in.
     We walked from the Pac Heights area down the Lyon street steps (I'm a fan of going down...not up), past the Palace of Fine arts, and along Marina Blvd towards the GG bridge. Walking across the bridge is actually kind of annoying - a ton of tourists and people blocking your way or pushing past you. But then you get some awesome views of dolphins, boats, and the city...so I still think it's worth it.

Yes, I know - I'm not good at taking pictures. Here are Kelly and Annie...and San Francisco in the background that you can't see due to my shoddy photography skills.

     It wasn't a bad walk at all - especially because we were chatting the entire way...for 8 miles! We never planned on walking back, so a one-way hike works when you have so much to look at. We finally got to Bar Bocce (the destination...a hike and drink type of situation), but they were PACKED and we were given a 45min.-1hr. wait. After hiking 8 hours, that's unacceptable. Although the goal was to get to this bocce place, we had to eat something fast - so we went across the street to Taco Bar and had some sangria (which I wouldn't really recommend - it's just okay) and food. So that we didn't miss out on the ultimate goal of the day, we went to Bar Bocce to check out the drink situation but ultimately left because it was just too busy. Fail. Still - fun walk and we learned that Sausalito is just a hop, skip, and hike way. Called a cab to pick us up and split the fee so that it was almost like paying for the ferry. I'm thinking that a stroll over the bridge would be a good option for the next annual Art Festival, when it's just too congested with cars to drive.

Tourist Club - the long way

     Annie ditched us on this one, so Greg and I departed in the morning and headed North to grab our Sandwiches. I came up with a tentative game-plan:

1. Depart at 10:15am in the Mini (great for navigating the windy streets)
1b. Call in sandwich/food order to Davey Jones Deli
1c. Navigate to: 1 Gate 6 Rd; Sausalito, CA 94965
2. Pick up sandwiches before we park at the base
3. Park and hike. It is only 45 min. but is all uphill and a pretty gnarly climb according to THIS article.
4. Arrive around 12:30 and eat our lunch that we brought (they don't have food...only snacks). Drink beer with lunch (CASH ONLY)
5. After drinking and lounging in the sun, leave when we're damn ready to go.
6. Hike back, drive back, nap.

     First off - GREAT decision to go to Davey's Deli (patting myself on the back). Don't be afraid - it's in a Bait Shop but everything is fresh, local, and deeelish! I read reviews that recommended we let THEM choose our sandwich, so we just said "Make me what you think I should eat." And they chose wisely.

Turkey with cranberry sauce and jalapeño? Weird - but it works.

     The hike uphill actually wasn't so bad...you'll be trekking up dozens of stairs where you can read all of the personal messages on each of them. Follow my link above to bring you to the Tourist Club the long way - you'll also probably have a few other hikers around that you can follow there. The earlier you get there, the better, as it was already pretty packed 15 minutes after it opened.

We were engrossed for 2-3 hours in the Scrabble game that we brought (well, Greg was...but he still lost miserably to me). 

     By the time we left - even the downstairs patio area (aka dance floor during festivals) was packed-full of people and kids. You can't find a better place to bring a sandwich and buy beers on a nice day...loved it! But be careful on the walk back - I once almost fell down a hill (or maybe it was a cliff...I can't remember if my brain exaggerated the memory or not) because of too many beers. But don't have too many that you don't appreciate the fantastic light coming across the hills while you walk back.