San Francisco Part 1

Dave and I just got back from a wonderful road trip away from all three kids for the weekend.  Thanks to Dave’s mom taking wonderful care of Hannah, Max, and Jakob we were able to go away together for the first time in years.  A few months ago Dave traded in his car for a used Toyota Prius and we decided that since his Aikido fall camp was in San Francisco this year we would drive down together and while he trained I could visit with some old friends I haven’t seen in a few years.  On Thursday we dropped Max off at therapy and headed off down the road.  Our first stop was in Portland.  We decided to have lunch at a family favorite and thoroughly enjoyed a kid free meal at PF Chang’s.  After that we continued on to our day one destination of Medford Oregon.  We arrived right about dinner time.  After checking in we headed to a place called Kaleidoscope Pizza that was recommended by the front desk.  What an awesome restaurant and brew pub.  We had the most incredible pizza for dinner.  Seriously best pizza I have had in years and yes I ate the whole 10 inch on my own.  

Next day we headed out again after a lame hotel  breakfast.  We hit the mountain passes which were beautiful but it immediately started snowing.  We just parked our little Prius behind a big truck and followed it through the pass.  There was a little bit of compact snow on the ground but nothing to scary.  The snow was really pretty and the mountain passes of southern Oregon are amazing.  

We finally crossed the border into CA where you have to stop for inspection.  Basically we pull up and they ask if you have any produce with you.  Nope!  For lunch we were nearing the town of Redding CA.  I looked up restaurants because we just aren’t interested in fast food.  I found a tapas place that looked kind of interesting so we decided to try it.  Wow it was amazing too.  Dave had an incredible empanada and I had a really good Mediterranean plate.  We had a yummy dessert and headed on our way.  We finally got to San Francisco around 4:30.  I don’t know why but we thought we were going over the golden gate but it turned out to be the Bay Bridge.  While someday I would like to drive over the Golden gate the Bay Bridge doesn’t disappoint in its awesomeness too.  

 We headed to the Castro district where an old friend of mine lives with his husband and their two year old.  Craig is an old friend from my New York dancing days and I last saw him two years ago when I visited right after they had their son.  After saying hi and getting settled I dropped Dave off at camp and went to the grocery store.  Driving in SF was fun.  Lots of big hills every street is pretty much a 4 way stop or a light.  It’s pretty easy to navigate with our GPS on our phones.  I did all the city driving. I think it freaked Dave out that I drove a bit like a New York Taxi driver.  Camp was down right near the Golden Gate in the Presidio area of town.  It was a great part of town and I couldn't wait for daylight on Saturday so I could go for a run.  After the evenings classes we headed off to dinner with the Aikido crowd for what else but sushi.  They rented out a Sushi place for the evening and Dave had some good food and we visited with everyone.  I didn't eat because they mostly had meat sushi and I wasn't in the mood to deal with finding veggie stuff.  Sensei was in a good mood and he loves to harass Dave and I.  Especially me.   He keeps saying we need to have 3 more babies.  I just tell him no and he laughs.  This trip I started throwing our other friends who are newly married under the bus and telling Sensei it was their turn now.  A lot of people in the organization I think are surprised that Sensei gives me so much attention and that I don’t stand for his teasing but he thinks it’s funny.  I certainly dealt with much crazier people growing up in the dance world.  After a late night we headed off to bed. 

Saturday morning we got up and visited with Craig, Scott, and Matthew.  I got my fill of 2 year old to keep me from missing the kids to much.  Matthew is a sweetheart and he eventually warmed up and let me play with him.  That morning I dropped Dave off at class and then headed straight to the marina to run.  I ended up doing a 6 mile run along the Marina from a place called Crissy field to the Golden Gate and back.  It was warm and sunny and tons of people were out running playing with their kids and dogs in the park.  It was a really fun run and I got some amazing views of the golden Gate and the bay.