A San Francisco Treat

We have many reasons to give thanks this holiday season. We are especially thankful for the love and support of our family and friends as we make this once-in-a-lifetime trip. We love and miss you all!

I am thankful that M mustered the gumption to make a Thanksgiving Feast in our tiny kitchen. Turkey…check. Ham…check. Chicken dressing…check. Sweet potato souffle…check. Green bean casserole…check. Warm rolls…check. Stretchy sweatpants on…check. Let’s eat!

I am thankful that L enthusiastically led the charge to make brownies and chocolate turkey pretzel rods.

Before moving to San Juan Bautista, CA, to cook and enjoy the long Thanksgiving weekend, we explored the San Francisco Bay area from our home base in Petaluma, CA. The kids completed three Junior Ranger Programs during our stay. At Point Reyes National Seashore, we walked the Earthquake Trail along the San Andreas fault and marveled at a 16 foot separation in a fence caused by the great 1906 earthquake.

Along the Kule Loklo trail, we learned about the Coast Miwok Indians while exploring a replica village.

A drive down the Pacific Coast Highway led us to Stinson Beach where we enjoyed a nice lunch at the Siren Cafe.

From there, we ventured to Muir Woods National Monument and hiked through the towering coastal redwoods.

Man-made attractions across the Golden Gate anchored the rest of our visit to the Bay area.

Run by the National Park Service, the Alcatraz tour offers scenic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge while ranger-led and audio programs give a fascinating look at the history of the island and its former occupants.

The Wharf always entertains, especially the sea lions at Pier 39.

Streetcars from the 1940’s shuttled us around.

Coit tower at sunset.

And no visit to San Fran is complete without a trip to Chinatown for some authentic cuisine. But apparently it is complete even if you don’t take good pictures. Here’s a generic street scene and a bad shot of the Transamerica Pyramid from the alley where we parked before dining at Little Szechuan.

We were fortunate to visit two terrific science museums. Tucked away in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences entertains with a variety of exhibits, including a rain forest bio-dome, several aquariums, a “living roof,” and an earthquake exhibit complete with a shaking house that simulates famous earthquakes from San Fran’s past.

Topping that, the Exploratorium entertained with hands-on experiments developed over the last four decades. We stayed all day and were reluctant to leave as they closed the doors behind us.

Toilet water anyone?

To witness technology in one of its most glorious applications, we toured the Jelly Belly factory (no photos of factory floor permitted)…and came home with 10 pounds of “belly flops” (deeply discounted but imperfect Jelly Belly beans).