Happy Groundhog Day! Luckily Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow this morning, so an early spring should be on its way... I am sure most people are happy to hear that since a huge portion of the country has been dealing with continual snow storms this winter. Not to brag or anything, but out here in California it has been quite the opposite... beautiful, warm weather almost everyday. While part of me misses Germany, I must say I have been loving the weather since I returned to the Golden State! In order take full advantage of the pretty day we had here today, my parents and I decided to head into San Francisco for a few hours to enjoy the sights and the gorgeous weather.
By then it was definitely time for a late lunch so we walked down to Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf, where we enjoyed chicken salad sandwiches on sourdough... yum! That seemed like a good way to end a few pleasant hours in the city, so afterwards we jumped in the car and made our way back to the East Bay.
Our first stop was Golden Gate Park, which three of us had never visited before. One of the largest city parks in America, we walked along its pathways and around Stow Lake, taking in the greenery and eventually making our way up to the top of Strawberry Hill. Between the trees, we could see the city and the bay peeking out in all directions.
At the base of the hill, there is a colorful little Chinese pavilion that was a gift from the city of Taipei. And even though it is only the beginning of February, the cherry blossoms were already blooming... I guess Punxsutawney Phil was right about the early spring :)
At the base of the hill, there is a colorful little Chinese pavilion that was a gift from the city of Taipei. And even though it is only the beginning of February, the cherry blossoms were already blooming... I guess Punxsutawney Phil was right about the early spring :)
Following our walk around this part of the park, we headed to the western edge where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Near the water, there is a Dutch windmill located next to a tulip garden... together they made for a nice photo op. And just around the corner is the Beach Chalet, which housed a lounge and changing rooms in the 1920's for all those spending the day at the beach. Today it is a visitor center sharing the history of the area and showcasing some neat murals, depicting different aspects of life around San Francisco at the time. Right across the street are the wide stretches of sand that make up Ocean Beach and the blue expanse of the Pacific beyond.
After taking in the view and sea air for a little while, we decided to drive down to Pier 39. We strolled among the shops, listened to the barking of the resident sea lions, and peered across the bay toward Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, all while soaking up the sunshine.
By then it was definitely time for a late lunch so we walked down to Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf, where we enjoyed chicken salad sandwiches on sourdough... yum! That seemed like a good way to end a few pleasant hours in the city, so afterwards we jumped in the car and made our way back to the East Bay.
All in all, it was a very lovely day trip... as one of my favorite cities, I am always looking forward to my next visit to San Francisco. Hope you enjoyed the pics, and please come back soon as I continue to catch up on the back blogging. Until then, take care!
1 comments:
what, no clam chowder? just kidding! I love your photos and your storys of your travels...you always make me feel like i have been there!!
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