Since my last entry in this ongoing Captain's Log of my great adventures in walking, I've walked 5 more times, for a total of over 40 miles in the month of June so far. Three of those walks took place in beautiful San Francisco last weekend, where I slipped away for a little birthday break. (You MISSED my birthday? Shame on you!) In fact, over 25 miles of my current total took place up there over three glorious days, weather-wise.
I love San Francisco, and really missed it this year when I didn't make my usual job-related trip there in the spring. I wanted to take a short break from work, partly to celebrate my birthday, partly to get out of Dodge, and partly to "reward myself" for completing another mammoth work project, a 200-page book for an upcoming event, which I signed off on, proof-wise, on June 7, after more than a solid month of solid work (some aspects of that book I've been working on since BEFORE CHRISTMAS). My original impulse was to drive to Los Angeles and stay at my usual favorite hotel in Santa Monica, but checking the rates revealed that for $100 bucks more, I could fly to San Fran and stay there. So I jumped at the chance.
My walks in San Francisco took me pretty much everywhere in the greater downtown area, and averaged over 8 miles each day. I avoided Fisherman's Wharf, which is a bit too touristy for me. But anywhere else was fair game, as long as a bookstore was involved. And that's probably the real reason why I went to SF: it's still a city with a fair amount of great bookstores in it, unlike downtown San Diego, which has ONE, and that one is half tourist/tsotchke shop. I visited seven bookstores while in town: two Books Inc. locations (Van Ness and Chestnut St.), Alexander's downtown (never even knew this store existed), Book Passage in the Ferry Building, the legendary City Lights Bookstore in North Beach, Booksmith in the Haight, and Pegasus in Berkeley, plus two comics book stores, Comix Experience in San Fran and Fantastic Comics in Berkeley. That's my idea of a fun trip, and--come to think of it--probably the reason why I always travel alone. Sigh...
But all in all, it was a great weekend. And oh, I took some photos. Look:
That's one big-ass flower, and I'd hate to have to water it! Actually it's another "art installation" near City Hall, the building in the background.
I love the fact that they change these hearts each year at all the entrances to Union Square Park. This is one of my favorite ones that I've ever seen.
The park next to the Metreon (the new and improved Metreon, I might add) on a perfect summer afternoon (even if summer doesn't officially start for a few more days).
This collection of motorcycles and scooters, which is always parked off Fourth Street opposite the big Marriott hotel, always fascinates me.
Obligatory San Francisco streetcar photo, this time with the added value of attractive young women posing for a photo on the other side. (Trust me, ladies...this side is better.)
And finally, this lovely piece of street history that I couldn't resist snapping and had to strongly resist trying to steal. Do you have the key to fit this lock?
That meter box cover is incredible! Take one of these with you next time...no reason. http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-26097-Water-Emergency-Shut/dp/B000YAFS8A/ref=pd_sxp_f_r
Posted by: Joolie | 06/20/2012 at 09:00 PM