The bay area was so much fun! San Fransisco is such a fun and beautiful city.
We started out our trip with a drive from Sonoma to Muir Woods… unfortunately we weren’t aware that you need a reservation to get into the park.. so we struck out with that plan! We did get to drive up to overlook the city just as the fog (“the frosting”) was rolling in. IT WAS SO COLD!! But cousin hugs kept us warm 🙂
We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge (which is officially colored “international orange”) and into the city.
Palace of Fine Arts was an impromptu stop and I’m so glad we included it on the agenda! I was stunned by its size and beauty. It’s this huuuge, amazing, detailed architecture surrounded by a lovely park and pond, with beautiful landscaping and an urban wildlife preserve.
We also went down Lombard St…. Here’s my fail picture to prove it. I think you need a drone to get a decent picture of “The Crookedest Street” (if you put that into Google maps it’ll take you straight to Lombard!).
After our failed attempt at Muir Woods, we made a trip to Henry Cowell Redwoods Forest for a quick stroll through a forest of the world’s tallest trees!
I love these big beauties! They are so strong and steadfast- surviving even through fire and age.
Following a tasty lunch of Californian burritos, we again were spontaneous and decided to see Felton’s historical covered bridge- the tallest in the US! It’s said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman killed on the bridge for accusations of witchcraft. Spooky!
On my last day in the US we went into the city again and did some highly touristy activities. We started out at Fisherman’s Wharf watching the sea lions (puppies of the sea). They’re SO cute!! We stood there watching them play for at least half an hour!
We went to The Buena Vista and tried their original Irish Coffee (yum!) and I finally got the sourdough chowder bowl I’d been craving all trip! Then we made our way to Chinatown for some dinner. I got the sizzling tofu platter and when it came out, it filled the entire restaurant with spicy szechwan smoke, triggering a coughing attack for Olivia and causing the entire restaurant to turn and stare- one lady even started recording!!
The trip was finished out with a good ole cable car ride. It was so great to be able to spend time with the California Johnsons. Thanks Uncle Kris for being an awesome tour guide!
Millie Miles Away 